Mancini plays down training bust-up
The latest incident came yesterday and involved former Gunners team-mates Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure.
Pictures of half a dozen team-mates moving in to quell the set-to were circulated on the internet, forcing City officials to insist there was no major issue and the matter had quickly been sorted.
Quite possibly, City are correct in their assertion that perception of discontent is someway short of reality.
However, the fact remains, that the club’s Carrington training complex is accessible through public bridleways and therefore can be filmed every day thus ensuring scenes like yesterday’s, which the club insist happens at all rival outfits on a regular basis, are viewed by a far greater audience than would normally be the case.
It is only a month since Mario Balotelli and Jerome Boateng had to be separated in similar fashion, while this season City also gained unwanted headlines for a prank involving Nigel de Jong.
Yesterday’s incident is unlikely to affect Mancini’s team selection tonight though and Adebayor was unlikely to be involved against his former club anyway as he seems set to end his unhappy spell at Eastlands during the current transfer window.
And Mancini may also claim that no matter what the pictures may indicate, morale within the City camp is good, a fact emphasised by City’s current position of second in the Premier League, trailing leaders Manchester United only on goal difference.
Mancini, meanwhile, is confident patience will prove to be a virtue in his pursuit of Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko.
The giant forward has attracted the attention of most major clubs in Europe but it seems Manchester City are closing in on Dzeko, having agreed a fee with Wolfsburg, believed to be around £27 million (€31.6m).
Personal terms have still to be sorted, as has a work permit, although that will be automatically granted as the 24-year-old has won 31 caps since making his international debut in 2007.
When the player — top scorer in the Bundesliga last season — does eventually arrive at Eastlands, Mancini knows he will be getting a high-quality performer.
“We have agreed a fee with Wolfsburg and I am confident he will come but we must wait,” said the City chief.
“Tomorrow we have an important game, so we must keep our focus on it.
“But all the teams in Europe want Dzeko, which is a sign that he is a good player.”
Mancini feels Dzeko’s power will compliment the greater finesse of skipper Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli, who, along with David Silva, has been ruled out of the crucial Emirates Stadium clash with a knee injury.
City have not enjoyed the best of times at Arsenal in recent years. Their last there win came in 1975.
But they know three points on this occasion will cement their status in the top-two and leave them five ahead of the Gunners, with Tottenham and Chelsea also trailing.
“It is time to change it,” said Mancini, of the 35-year wait for an away win. “But I don’t know if Arsenal will agree.”
Mancini must be cursing his luck when it comes to clashes with the Gunners though.
On their previous meeting at Eastlands in October. Dedryck Boyata was sent off in the opening five minutes, rendering any pointers from a three-goal Arsenal triumph meaningless.
This time Silva, City’s most consistent performer so far this term, is out.
James Milner replaced the Spanish star during the New Year’s Day win over Liverpool. But he lacks Silva’s creative qualities, so Shaun Wright-Phillips may also come in.
Either way, Mancini accepts his side will have to be at their best to stop an Arsenal outfit he admires greatly.
“I like the way they play. It is perfect,” he said.
“I don’t think there is only one player to fear in the Arsenal side.
“Usually people say Fabregas, Van Persie or Arshavin. But every player has good technique. They are just a very good team.”
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