Roberto Mancini claimed Manchester City could not have got off to a better start in the Europa League following Thursday's 2-0 victory over FC Salzburg in Austria.
Spanish midfielder David Silva scored his first goal since his big-money summer move from Valencia to open the scoring after just eight minutes.
Brazilian striker Jo doubled the advantage in the 63rd minute on a night when City's main Group A rivals Juventus were held to a 3-3 draw by Lech Poznan.
"This is a great start to the group for us," said Mancini. "It is always important at this stage of the competition to get a first win.
"I am delighted for Jo and for David, they have both worked really hard and are technically gifted players who are important to us.
"Juve drawing means we are in a good position, but we must play as well as we did in every game as we did tonight."
Meanwhile, Mancini was fulsome in his praise of Silva, who has struggled with injury since arriving at Eastlands for a fee in excess of £20million.
"David is a fantastic player but he is in a different situation now playing different football," he added.
"After one month he is ready to go 100 per cent for the team.
"He will also be an important player for the future.
"Arsenal have two or three players like David and they play very well.
"He is a strong player who can play in every position."
Roberto Mancini has challenged Manchester City striker Jo to keep up the good work following his goal in the Europa League win over Salzburg. On his first competitive start for City since December 2008, the Brazilian scored for the first time for the club since September that same year to seal a comfortable win for the Blues in their Group A opener.
It represents a remarkable transformation for a player who has spent 18 months of the two years since a £17million move from CSKA Moscow out on loan, first at Everton, then, after falling out with David Moyes, Galatasaray.
But, having responded in the best manner possible to an unexpected opportunity created by the injuries to Emmanuel Adebayor and Mario Balotelli, Mancini now wants more from Jo.
"To me, my players are the best in the world," said the City chief. "But I know for all strikers it is important to score goals.
"Jo has scored one important goal for us. Now I hope he continues to play in the same way."
4 more signings
The English Premier League club Manchester City has signed contracts with four sponsorship partners - hotel chain Malmaison, Jaguar cars, Thomas Cook Sport travel and brewing giant Heineken.
The Malmaison and Jaguar brands will now be visible on pitch-side advertising boards and press conference backdrops; they will also appear on the club's match-day programmes, website and magazine. While the deal with Malmaison covers this season, the Jaguar deal is for the next three seasons. Thomas Cook and Heineken deals are yet to be fully disclosed.
Gary Cook, the chief executive of Manchester City, said: “Jaguar is without doubt one of the world’s most respected car manufacturers and a much loved national institution. Malmaison are at the helm of the boutique hotel market. They join the MCFC family of partners who are all recognised as world leaders in their respective fields from aviation, telecommunications, industrial projects, sportswear, tourism and now automotive and hospitality.”
Geoff Cousins, Jaguar UK’s managing director, said: “Manchester City Football Club is in the process of transformation and rebranding to become one of the best football clubs in the world. This partnership is a long-term commitment and one we hope will have global reach. Manchester is a very important city for sales of Jaguar. It is a dynamic, sporty, metropolitan area with a customer base we value greatly as a company.”
Robert Cook, chief executive of Malmaison, said: “We believe Manchester City is one of the world's most dynamic and exciting sporting organisations and we are excited about the mutual benefits this partnership will bring to both our organisations.”
Etihad Airways, Umbro, Ferrostaal, Etisalat, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, the investment company Aabar and radio station Key 103 are all companies that already have sponsorship deals with City.
WAG OF THE DAY
http://soccerlens.com/babes/babe-of-the ... dra-pinho/
TRANSFER BOLLOX
New Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier has admitted that he wants to sign Manchester United striker Michael Owen. (Daily Star)
Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has discouraged Tottenham from pursuing their interest in Andy Carroll, insisting the Magpies striker is not for sale. Daily Mirror
The Magpies meanwhile are tracking Swindon's 19-year-old defender Sean Morrison. talksport.co.uk
Spurs have joined Newcastle and Liverpool in the chase for 21-year-old FC Utrecht forward Ricky van Wolfswinkel, who made his international debut for the Netherlands in August. footylatest.com
Everton manager David Moyes is vying with Wolfsburg boss Steve McLaren for USA defender Jay DeMerit, who is a free agent following his release by Watford. talksport.co.uk
Liverpool are monitoring Hoffenheim defender Isaac Vorsah. The 22-year-old Ghanaian has made 62 appearances for the Bundesliga club and will be available on a free transfer in June 2011. footylatest.com
Crystal Palace are set to step up their efforts to make striker James Vaughan's three-month loan deal from Everton into a permanent signing. talksport.co.uk
Manchester United are the latest club to show an interest in PSV Eindhoven's prolific attacking midfielder Ola Toivonen. footylatest.com
Derby are keen on taking Aston Villa's 21-year-old Australian defender Shane Lowry on loan. Daily Mirror
Newcastle are tracking Swindon's 19-year-old centre-back Sean Morrison. talksport.co.uk
West Ham striker Frank Nouble is to join Swansea City on loan and link up with his old Chelsea youth-team boss Brendan Rogers, who is now manager of the Swans. Daily Mirror
Santos Laguna's 19-year-old Mexican striker Gustavo Ruelas is expected to sign a pre-contract agreement with Celtic next week. (Daily Record)
OTHER BOLLOX
Co-owner Tom Hicks has launched a last-ditch attempt to retain control of Liverpool by looking to secure another refinancing deal against the club during talks with bankers in London. the Guardian
Paul Ince wants to become manager of West Ham one day despite the abuse he has received at Upton Park since leaving the Hammers for Manchester United as a player in 1989. talkSPORT
Meanwhile, West Ham manager Avram Grant is reportedly running out of patience with keeper Robert Green and defender Matthew Upson, with the star duo facing the chop following their poor start to the season. the Sun
Former Chelsea boss and current Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has been offered the Portugal job on an interim basis following the sacking of Carlos Queiroz. Daily Mirror
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is finally expected to put pen to paper and sign a new contract with the Blues on Friday. (Daily Mirror)
The Glazer family are paying themselves interest on the money they borrowed to buy Manchester United. (The Times) Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha <breath> . . . . . ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Manchester United's new £7.4m signing Bebe made an unimpressive debut for the club's reserve side as they lost 4-1 to Aston Villa in Altrincham on Thursday.Daily Mail
West Ham's Israeli manager Avram Grant is still hoping to be at Stoke for Saturday's game despite it clashing with Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of Atonement. Daily Mail
