The Man City Merry-go-round

After the breakdown of Kaka’s proposed £100m transfer (or £175m if you read the Sun) (If you do read the Sun you’re not welcome here) and Robinho’s reported walk-out, we felt compelled to comment on the Man City merry-go-round.

It appears that Mark Hughes is locked in a power struggle with his Arabian owners; whereas he wants to bring in proven Premiership quality, the likes of Lescott, Bridge, Parker and Bellamy, the Abu Dhabi group want Brazilian superstars, the likes of Robinho and Kaka.

So who is right? Arguably, at this stage, Mark Hughes. Put Robinho or Kaka into Manchester United or Chelsea’s side, and they’ll certainly make a difference, adding that extra bit of quality and ability. But stick them in a side containing Michael Ball, Darius Vassell, and the ageing Dietmar Hammann, and they’re a fish out of water. Yes they’ll make a difference; but they’ll upset the balance, put the side out of kilter, skew the tactics.

The priority for Man City should be signing the type of player that will solidify their place in the top half of the table, and push them towards the top six. The type of player that will firm up the side, inject proven quality, enthusiasm, and of course ability. Players that will grab a struggling team by the scruff of the neck and drag it up the table. Robinho and Kaka simply won’t do that – but Parker, Bellamy, Lescott, Bridge will – they’ll inject spirit and drive, and take City to the next level, that of UEFA cup challengers.

Then, when you’re top six and looking at a Champions League push, then you buy Kaka, or Robinho, then you buy the likes of Berbatov and Arshavin. Those players that can do something different, can be the difference between first and second, can turn a game in an instant. They’re for winning things, not for relegation battles.

Man City need grit and determination, nous and know how. They don’t need flair and magic. They don’t need Robinho, Kaka, Elano and Jo. Mark Hughes has obviously realised this – but will he be a victim of his own perspicacity?