Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini says World Cup fatigue will take time to wear off
Roberto Mancini, the manager of Manchester City, has said that the fatigue of the 2010 World Cup has still not worn off for his players, and it would take some more time before he gets his players fully fit.
The pair from the England team, Gareth Barry and winger Shaun Wright Phillips both had an extended time off following the World Cup. Carlos Tevez from Argentina, Kolo and Yaya Toure from Ivory Coast, and David Silva from the world champions Spain were all also given extended breaks after the World Cup.
Manchester City played Timisoara midweek in the Europa League play-off and won the match 1-0. Mancini said that he did send Barry and Silva on, but both did not have the fitness to last the whole match and had to be taken off.
Mancini said that in the Europa League play-off, he saw a number of players who are still struggling to get back to full fitness not just physically but also mentally. Mancini said that there have been a number of new recruits this season and there is also a need for all of them to get to know each other better. The Italian manager said that it is essential to have a good team spirit and understanding between the squad to have a successful season. He added that the Manchester City squad has players from all around Europe and South America; everyone does not understand each other’s language, but if a spirited atmosphere can be created between the players, it would go a long way towards a successful campaign.
Manchester City plays their next match against Liverpool on Monday at home. Mancini said that he looking to give Mario Balotelli his first Premier League start against the Reds and see what he can do in a big home game. He added that Mario is not fully fit for now, but he expects him to be ready in time. Balotelli was struck on his knee quickly after he had scored his first goal for City on his debut in the Europa League play-off.
Roberto Mancini said that Balotelli is only 20 right now and has a long way to go ahead of him; he said that he obviously likes all the players that he signed, especially this season, but Balotelli's signing, in particular, is a very exciting one. He added that others are players who have proven themselves a number of times at other clubs, but Balotelli is one player looking to make his name in the game, and it would be great to introduce him to the rest of the world from Manchester City.
Meanwhile, another new signing from City, James Milner, is also expected to make his debut in the blue jersey this Monday. Milner’s move was also one of the most prolonged sagas this summer; however, it finally did happen for City but it did cost former Villa Manager Martin O’Neill his job.
James Milner became the 6th big name singing this season for Manchester City; before him, Jerome Boateng, Aleksandar Kolarov, David Silva, Yaya Toure and Balotelli made their way to Eastlands.
Roberto Mancini said that the first goal of the season is to ensure Champions League football next season, but that does not mean that they are not optimistic enough to go for the title. He said that his team has enough depth and quality to challenge Chelsea and Manchester United for the title.
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