MARK HUGHES THREAD (all hughes opinions in here please)

[Colin the King]

Seeing that Chelsea have just stuffed the Arse 3-0 and that a few are saying that we need to win both games for him to change your outlook, is what you are asking of Hughes, and the team, realistic?

After what I've seen today, a win, even in extra time or penalties, in the cup and another draw next weekend would do me!

The circumstances of the last couple of months dictate that mate. If we had 15 points or thereabouts from seven games, a draw would be a good result. But considering we've failed to beat Hull, Fulham and Burnley in our last three home games, this one against Chelsea becomes more significant- if we lose, the teams above can start to pull away.

I've always maintained that I'm more interested in the accumulation of points rather than who they are or aren't gained against. If we beat Chelsea it's 10 points from a possible 24- not ideal, but reasonable. Lose and it's 7 points from a possible 24- unacceptable in my opinion, by anyone's standards.

The away draws I can more than live with- especially Liverpool, Villa and in the circumstances of the day, Wigan. But at home we should expect to win nearly every week, teams should come here praying they don't get demolished at our fortress. Big teams or teams with aspirations to be considered 'big' don't consistently drop points at home.

And taking into consideration Liverpool's poor run of form, it feels like a big opportunity missed. If we'd held on to win the last three home games (Fulham 2-0 up, Burnley 3-2 up, Hull 1-0 up) we'd currently be third with a game in hand. It won't be long before the others pull away, so yes I think it's reasonable to go to Eastlands next Saturday thinking about winning.

[Beefymcfc]

Fair points mate, however, since we have had 7 straight draws on the trot and the last 3 at home, and considering Chelsea's form, is it realistic?

Hughes and the team are in a rutt, and yes, maybe playing against the top team in the league (and on form) may bring the team out of this bad patch, but to expect a win at all costs can only heap yet more pressure on a less than confident team! Surely it would be better to be realistic with this game in order to lessen the fans frustration around the pitch?

[Blue Since 76]

Seeing that Chelsea have just stuffed the Arse 3-0 and that a few are saying that we need to win both games for him to change your outlook, is what you are asking of Hughes, and the team, realistic?

After what I've seen today, a win, even in extra time or penalties, in the cup and another draw next weekend would do me!

Before yesterday, I'd said to a friend that if we beat Hull & Arsenal, he would be untouchable till the summer - 5th in league with a game in hand and our first semi-final in years. That would get him to beyond the end of January and it would make no sense to bring someone new in then. I also mentioned that if he failed to beat Hull & Arsenal, I thought his position would be untenable. The Arsenal game has huge significance for him now, as, if we lose (and if we play like we have recently, that seems likely) nothing other than a convincing victory over Chelsea could surely save him. If we win, it keeps the pressure off him as no one will expect us to beat Chelsea (although after £200m spent, you could ask that we at least make a go of it).

[Beefymcfc]

Seeing that Chelsea have just stuffed the Arse 3-0 and that a few are saying that we need to win both games for him to change your outlook, is what you are asking of Hughes, and the team, realistic?

After what I've seen today, a win, even in extra time or penalties, in the cup and another draw next weekend would do me!

Before yesterday, I'd said to a friend that if we beat Hull & Arsenal, he would be untouchable till the summer - 5th in league with a game in hand and our first semi-final in years. That would get him to beyond the end of January and it would make no sense to bring someone new in then. I also mentioned that if he failed to beat Hull & Arsenal, I thought his position would be untenable. The Arsenal game has huge significance for him now, as, if we lose (and if we play like we have recently, that seems likely) nothing other than a convincing victory over Chelsea could surely save him. If we win, it keeps the pressure off him as no one will expect us to beat Chelsea (although after £200m spent, you could ask that we at least make a go of it).

Don't get me wrong mate, I'm not disagreeing with you and CtK, but I'm saying that us fans have to be realsitic before going into these games, not for the manager, but for the team on the pitch. We all know how the mood of the crowd can influence the players and I for 1 do not want to put undue pressure on the team I want to see in the semi's and beat the Chelski!

And to be honest, if we lose against the Arse (which I actually think we'll win), I don't think anybody will be behind Hughes (and possibly the team) going into the Chelsea game!

[Blue Since 76]

Seeing that Chelsea have just stuffed the Arse 3-0 and that a few are saying that we need to win both games for him to change your outlook, is what you are asking of Hughes, and the team, realistic?

After what I've seen today, a win, even in extra time or penalties, in the cup and another draw next weekend would do me!

Before yesterday, I'd said to a friend that if we beat Hull & Arsenal, he would be untouchable till the summer - 5th in league with a game in hand and our first semi-final in years. That would get him to beyond the end of January and it would make no sense to bring someone new in then. I also mentioned that if he failed to beat Hull & Arsenal, I thought his position would be untenable. The Arsenal game has huge significance for him now, as, if we lose (and if we play like we have recently, that seems likely) nothing other than a convincing victory over Chelsea could surely save him. If we win, it keeps the pressure off him as no one will expect us to beat Chelsea (although after £200m spent, you could ask that we at least make a go of it).

Don't get me wrong mate, I'm not disagreeing with you and CtK, but I'm saying that us fans have to be realsitic before going into these games, not for the manager, but for the team on the pitch. We all know how the mood of the crowd can influence the players and I for 1 do not want to put undue pressure on the team I want to see in the semi's and beat the Chelski!

And to be honest, if we lose against the Arse (which I actually think we'll win), I don't think anybody will be behind Hughes (and possibly the team) going into the Chelsea game!

I have been realistic - I expected us to beat Fulham, Burnley and Hull. I hope no one gets on Hughes' or the players' back during the next 2 games, as it's counter-productive, however, I would expect the atmosphere to be a little low key. All I'd say to anyone who wants to boo, is wait till the end of the game.

Much as I want to see the back of Hughes, I still hope we win the next 2 games, which, although I believe it will be more damaging long term, I can't go to a match hoping they lose.

Personally, I think they'll beat Arsenal as Hughes seems to be a lucky sod, winning games when he needs to to keep the pressure off e.g. last season when we were shocking approaching Xmas and then we beat Hull 5-0

[Beefymcfc]

Seeing that Chelsea have just stuffed the Arse 3-0 and that a few are saying that we need to win both games for him to change your outlook, is what you are asking of Hughes, and the team, realistic?

After what I've seen today, a win, even in extra time or penalties, in the cup and another draw next weekend would do me!

Before yesterday, I'd said to a friend that if we beat Hull & Arsenal, he would be untouchable till the summer - 5th in league with a game in hand and our first semi-final in years. That would get him to beyond the end of January and it would make no sense to bring someone new in then. I also mentioned that if he failed to beat Hull & Arsenal, I thought his position would be untenable. The Arsenal game has huge significance for him now, as, if we lose (and if we play like we have recently, that seems likely) nothing other than a convincing victory over Chelsea could surely save him. If we win, it keeps the pressure off him as no one will expect us to beat Chelsea (although after £200m spent, you could ask that we at least make a go of it).

Don't get me wrong mate, I'm not disagreeing with you and CtK, but I'm saying that us fans have to be realsitic before going into these games, not for the manager, but for the team on the pitch. We all know how the mood of the crowd can influence the players and I for 1 do not want to put undue pressure on the team I want to see in the semi's and beat the Chelski!

And to be honest, if we lose against the Arse (which I actually think we'll win), I don't think anybody will be behind Hughes (and possibly the team) going into the Chelsea game!

I have been realistic - I expected us to beat Fulham, Burnley and Hull. I hope no one gets on Hughes' or the players' back during the next 2 games, as it's counter-productive, however, I would expect the atmosphere to be a little low key. All I'd say to anyone who wants to boo, is wait till the end of the game.

Much as I want to see the back of Hughes, I still hope we win the next 2 games, which, although I believe it will be more damaging long term, I can't go to a match hoping they lose.

Personally, I think they'll beat Arsenal as Hughes seems to be a lucky sod, winning games when he needs to to keep the pressure off e.g. last season when we were shocking approaching Xmas and then we beat Hull 5-0

It was 5-1 mate, we drew with them in the second half don't you know ;-) And I hope my post didn't put you in a position to defend yourself, I would never suggest that a Blue would want us to lose any game. Like you say, the atmosphere will be low key unless the players come out firing on all cylinders. As for the 'Winning Games when he needs to', let's just hope he can go out and prove what you say in the next few games, get the pressure off the lads and get back to winning ways ;-)

[ruralblue]

I'm all confused and struggling to cope with it all. Part of me wants him gone tomorrow with the hope of getting someone like Hiddink in and giving him some cash to strengthen right back and bring in a world class creative midfielder. The other half says if we swap and change once more what will it do for the dressing room. Or is that where a problem may lie, is all not well in there.

See what happens after this week. Tough week, but knowing City we will probably thrash a young Arsenal side and nick a suprise win over Chelsea.

[Blue Since 76]

Seeing that Chelsea have just stuffed the Arse 3-0 and that a few are saying that we need to win both games for him to change your outlook, is what you are asking of Hughes, and the team, realistic?

After what I've seen today, a win, even in extra time or penalties, in the cup and another draw next weekend would do me!

Before yesterday, I'd said to a friend that if we beat Hull & Arsenal, he would be untouchable till the summer - 5th in league with a game in hand and our first semi-final in years. That would get him to beyond the end of January and it would make no sense to bring someone new in then. I also mentioned that if he failed to beat Hull & Arsenal, I thought his position would be untenable. The Arsenal game has huge significance for him now, as, if we lose (and if we play like we have recently, that seems likely) nothing other than a convincing victory over Chelsea could surely save him. If we win, it keeps the pressure off him as no one will expect us to beat Chelsea (although after £200m spent, you could ask that we at least make a go of it).

Don't get me wrong mate, I'm not disagreeing with you and CtK, but I'm saying that us fans have to be realsitic before going into these games, not for the manager, but for the team on the pitch. We all know how the mood of the crowd can influence the players and I for 1 do not want to put undue pressure on the team I want to see in the semi's and beat the Chelski!

And to be honest, if we lose against the Arse (which I actually think we'll win), I don't think anybody will be behind Hughes (and possibly the team) going into the Chelsea game!

I have been realistic - I expected us to beat Fulham, Burnley and Hull. I hope no one gets on Hughes' or the players' back during the next 2 games, as it's counter-productive, however, I would expect the atmosphere to be a little low key. All I'd say to anyone who wants to boo, is wait till the end of the game.

Much as I want to see the back of Hughes, I still hope we win the next 2 games, which, although I believe it will be more damaging long term, I can't go to a match hoping they lose.

Personally, I think they'll beat Arsenal as Hughes seems to be a lucky sod, winning games when he needs to to keep the pressure off e.g. last season when we were shocking approaching Xmas and then we beat Hull 5-0

It was 5-1 mate, we drew with them in the second half don't you know ;-) And I hope my post didn't put you in a position to defend yourself, I would never suggest that a Blue would want us to lose any game. Like you say, the atmosphere will be low key unless the players come out firing on all cylinders. As for the 'Winning Games when he needs to', let's just hope he can go out and prove what you say in the next few games, get the pressure off the lads and get back to winning ways ;-)

You're right, it was 5-1. I forget as I actually refused to go, what with other things to do at Xmas and how badly we were playing, so I ended up trying to watch it on a stream, regretting not going at half time.

[david yearsley]

Well , just got back from my weekend trip and I´m off the fence once and for all. The project is clearly a step too far for him. Can´t handle big players ,poor man management in general and tactically inept. The playing staff are looking for leadership and not getting it. Same old platitudes wheeled out and not enough passion. The atmosphere was shocking on Sat and some of the banners round the stadium are frankly cringeworthy . I noticed the gap between the first row of the seats and the pitch seems to be ever widening - you could dig down and get another 10 rows and be right on top of the action. The owners have to address this but it´s the old chicken and egg problem - who motivates who ? The crowd the players or vicky-verky. Very worried about the remainder of the season - Wednesday is pivotal imo as a passage into our first semi in 28 years could be construed as progress by the chairman and the Sheikh - if we go out the big decision they´ll have to make soon is whether to go for a change now or at the end of the season

Going into this crucial period it´s all becoming familiarly depressing - lets hope December can right the wrongs of this month but frankly "dead man walking" is a phrase which sums up the increasing futility of Hughes predicament - nobody wants another change at the top , least of all me - Gawd I´ve seen enough, but I fear the vultures are hovering above and they aint moving till they´ve had their pound of flesh

[shawzy]

Very good post Dave.
Everyone knows im a fence sitter and backed the gaffer,even when he didnt deserve it..
Apart from the takeover, change has never helped us and i really wanted MH to do well and win things under the helm.
Im not going to start pleas for OUT OUT until i see us play the Arse and Chelski.There the 2 big games that i think will make or break MH.A win Wed and yet another draw (min) against the Chelski should keep us ok for awhile :-)
The thing that frustrates me the most is..I look at our team over all the others in the Prem and imo we do have a top 3 squad..I tore my fuckin hair out on Sat and iv not posted until today..Come on Hughes.us fans and the owners deserve a smile now.

[Fidel Castro]

He's assembled a squad of 250 million worth of talent and turned them all into very expensive Tugays. He's a clueless sheep-molesting twunt. That's all, have a good night

[Twobob]

Thats it now - Times up with me too, we need to get rid of him with plenty of time before the next transfer window opens to allow the new manager to dip into the market.

I wouldnt be shedding a tear when he leaves, I'm worrying that he will still be here until the end of the season.

I dont think we've moved forward at all and we're at risk of slipping backwards, and I'm worried that with Hughes still here we may end up loosing our better players (mentally or physically) as they realise that his tactics and choices seem ameaturish ...

Maybe I'm still down after the [strike]loss[/strike] draw with Dull ...

[gilford]

Get rid of him, he's shite...........

I really want to win these next 2 games, but to be brutally honest, if losing them will mean Hughes is out for sure dare I say I hope we lose them!

I have said all along, he is a good manager for the likes of Blackburn, but he just does not have the mentality to keep the likes of Robhino and Ade in line and that is showing more and more every day.

Would Robbie want to leave if we had the "special one" here?

[ant london]

Get rid of him, he's shite...........

I really want to win these next 2 games, but to be brutally honest, if losing them will mean Hughes is out for sure dare I say I hope we lose them!

fucking idiotic comments like that make me hope that he keeps his fucking job to annoy twats who think like this

YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE A CITY FAN....how the FUCK can you hope we get knocked out of the cup and further down the league. It beggars belief

EDIT: and before the OP here gets shirty about being called a twat. I would like to point out that the comment is not directly aimed at him but is at anyone who holds such views. Don't take offence alone as you are far from it

[Hazy]

Said as much to KK at the match earlier, if we're knocked out of the cup on Wednesday and don't win again on Saturday (Chelsea or not), it's time for Hughes to be chopped. I didn't want him to begin with, got used to the idea of him being the manager, then around this time last year got a bit fed up, then when it became clear he was being given another season decided to pack in the arguing and see how things went. Well, this is it for me. 7 points from a possible 21 would be inexcusable for the vast majority of teams, never mind one with aspirations of a Champions League finish and £250million spent.

It's not team selections- they are generally quite sensible. It's not tactical changes- they are generally quite sensible. It's a very obvious lack of a winning mentality, fight or character in a lot of these players. If they're not willing to perform for the manager- well, it makes them wankers- but it also makes Hughes' position untenable.

So, give us a special week Hughes to save yourself or get one of those lovely grey suits pressed and head down the job centre. It's in your hands.

Did not expect that from you ! Judge a season against Arsenal's kids, best in Europe & A Chelsea side who are beating everyone easily ! including in the last month Rags, Scousers, Arsenal. Porto away ! Good job Wenger, was not here we would be up for a Lynching nothing won in 5 yrs, If he wins both does he get an extension of another 2 yrs, What a way to build a club. Everyone is frustrated, but sacking a manager because the media want it and we can delever it again, sums up City for 30 yrs and counting, fans who know it is a backwards step, but say fuck it lets get another manager for the sake of it. And for those who want Jose check out Barca v Inter, the style of play was condemed as thuggary in both Italy and Spain, Inter play ugly hit and hope football,nothing but long ball, kick and body check players all night, Jose is not the solution, we are not Chelsea, we are miles away. What is the surprise to fans 6th with a game in hand it is not made up look at the table. I accept lucky to be 6th with so many draws, As for winning mentalty if the players had half of what Hughes showed as a player then we would be OK, they need to sort themselfs out but this is not the time for sacking a manager, this is the time to sit back and accept the long term is the plan, and the owners judgement.

[gilford]

Get rid of him, he's shite...........

I really want to win these next 2 games, but to be brutally honest, if losing them will mean Hughes is out for sure dare I say I hope we lose them!

fucking idiotic comments like that make me hope that he keeps his fucking job to annoy twats who think like this

YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE A CITY FAN....how the FUCK can you hope we get knocked out of the cup and further down the league. It beggars belief

EDIT: and before the OP here gets shirty about being called a twat. I would like to point out that the comment is not directly aimed at him but is at anyone who holds such views. Don't take offence alone as you are far from it

I made the comment because I feel personally that Hughes is not good for us, and if it takes a quick kick up the arse for us to get rid of him so be it. I would rather be kicked out of the cup, get a new manager in and finish top 4 (if that is even possible?) and start a fresh next season, than the alternative where Hughes falls further down the league and uses the cup as an excuse just as he did with the Europa last season and we then end up finishing 8th with sweet FA again and a £300m squad dragging their heels (presuming he will spend again in Jan).

[ant london]

I know why you said it. I just cannot get my head around the fact that anyone who is a City fan would be prepared to accept us going out of a cup competition (which, if we can find form again we have every chance of being able to win) just to achieve the end of getting rid of the manager

Takes all sorts I guess

[gilford]

I know why you said it. I just cannot get my head around the fact that anyone who is a City fan would be prepared to accept us going out of a cup competition (which, if we can find form again we have every chance of being able to win) just to achieve the end of getting rid of the manager

Takes all sorts I guess

Thats the difference between Hughes lovers and haters mate, and if you think he can take us to a cup win and a decent Prem finishing spot I think you are mad, lol.

[ant london]

I know why you said it. I just cannot get my head around the fact that anyone who is a City fan would be prepared to accept us going out of a cup competition (which, if we can find form again we have every chance of being able to win) just to achieve the end of getting rid of the manager

Takes all sorts I guess

Thats the difference between Hughes lovers and haters mate, and if you think he can take us to a cup win and a decent Prem finishing spot I think you are mad, lol.

we shall have to agree to disagree

yours madly

AL

[gilford]

we shall have to agree to disagree

yours madly

AL

lol, yes, I'll probably feel different come tomorrow, its still a little raw after the weekend!