Don’t single out Robinho for blame, says Hughes

MANCHESTER CITY boss Mark Hughes insists record signing Robinho should not be singled out for his side’s poor away performances as the club face into UEFA Cup last 16 second leg clash in Denmark tonight.

The Brazilian playmaker was criticised for a lacklustre display in City’s 1-0 defeat at Chelsea in the Premier League last weekend.

City have won just once on the road all season in the league, but Hughes is keen to stress that £32million man Robinho is not the only player who should have fingers pointed at him.

Hughes said: “I think that applies to a number of players. Our performances away from home, certainly in the Premier League, haven’t been as good as our home form.

“But there is always an opportunity to put things right, to impress, in every game we play.

“That applies to every player in my team — it is not just Robinho that needs to have a positive performance. Every player in my team needs to have a positive performance.”

City’s away record, however, has held up well in Europe — and it will be put to the test by Aalborg.

City hold a 2-0 aggregate lead after goals from Felipe Caicedo and Shaun Wright-Phillips in the first leg last week. Their advantage has seen them installed as favourites to win a competition which could yield their first major silverware since 1976.

Hughes said: “It is important for the standing of the team and profile of the club that we do well in Europe.

“We have paid the competition great respect. Maybe other (English) teams didn’t do that — and as a consequence, they haven’t progressed as far.”

Aalborg overcame Deportivo La Coruna 6-1 over two legs in the previous round, but Hughes hopes they may leave themselves exposed as they chase tonight’s game.

He said: “They have to be positive, because they have to win the game. They may have to change their natural game, and that’s to our advantage.”

The City side will not feature Craig Bellamy, despite reports the striker could make a surprise return.

Bellamy has made a quicker than expected recovery from a knee problem but did not travel with the squad, and a return against Sunderland on Sunday is the next possibility.

“We hope if he doesn’t have a reaction to the work he may be an option at the weekend,” said Hughes.