Europa League: Lech Poznan versus Manchester City, Milner and Mancini Deny Any Trouble
English Premier League side Manchester City will attempt to get back on track with tonight’s Europa League fixture. The Light Blues travel to Lech Poznan tonight and will hope the European match will help them recover from their back to
back domestic defeats.
Roberto Mancini’s side suffered two straight defeats in the English Premier League, 2-1 against the bottom table Wolves and then 3-0 against Arsenal at Eastlands. The loss itself did not make as many headlines as did James Milner clash
with teammate Yaya Toure.
The incident took place during half time, it was reported that James Milner went head to head with fellow City player Yaya Toure during the home defeat to Arsenal. While a week before that, against Wolves, Kompany and striker Emmanuel
Adebayor had a heated exchange on the field.
A source close to the club revealed that there may have been a falling out between Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini and Yaya and his brother Kolo Toure. Both the players have been excluded from the squad travelling to Poland because
of minor injury complaints.
However, Mancini was quick to rubbish the claims and said, “If there's someone who wants to write these lies then I'm very happy for them.” The Italian manager is thought to be losing
the dressing room and he is well aware that he will be on his way out if that is indeed the case.
Milner also supporter his manager’s claim about the City squad fighting amongst themselves, saying that the on field disagreements were part of every team and it merely showed the players’ hunger for success. He said that the City squad
was a tight group and the squabbles only brought them together.
Manchester City are top of their group in the Europa League and have the perfect opportunity to prove themselves, especially after disastrous domestic results. A victory in Poland tonight will ensure they secure a place in the next stage
of the competition they are so determined to win.
City striker Carlos Tevez will be unavailable; the Argentine international is still recovering from a thigh injury. He is expected to return after Thursday, but may feature over the weekend against West Brom in the English Premier League.
Mario Balotelli is expected to start against the Polish side, the Italian striker made his first start for the club against Wolves; he had previously been sidelined because of a knee injury. Balotelli was impressive against FC Timisoara
in the play offs, scoring an excellent goal which helped his side go through.
However, the player has been struggling with a slight thigh problem this week but travelled with the squad to Poland and has reportedly been training with them. Aleksandar Kolarov could start on the bench, having not completely recovered
from an ankle injury.
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