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Mancini backs both Silvas



Roberto Mancini has played down talk of a lack of firepower ahead of the Europa League clash with Salzburg.

The Blues have travelled without both Emmanuel Adebayor and Mario Balotelli having already left Roque Santa Cruz out of the squad submitted to Uefa.

Adebayor could be back to face Wigan on Sunday but Balotelli will not see action before the end of October despite already having started his rehab back in Manchester.

It leaves skipper Carlos Tevez and Jo for selection in Austria and Mancini backed the Brazilian calling his a ‘technically gifted’ player who just needs a goal.

Both Tevez and Jo may benefit from the presence of World Cup winner David Silva in a changed side from the one that drew with Blackburn last weekend.

“Silva is ready to play. The problem has been a lack of time in Carrington with the team,” revealed the manager.

“He was last back from the World Cup which Spain won and then two days later away with the national team again and he has just been to Argentina and back with them.

"He is a very good player but it will take
a couple of months for him to come to
terms with the Premier League. When
he has played three, four or five games
he will be fine"

“As for Mario, he will be back in training in a month’s time and shortly after that he will be able to play.”

City will also be without Joleon Lescott in against Red Bull. He has a groin problem paving the way for Wayne Bridge to return from a broken bone in his foot.

Nigel de Jong will also return after recovering from the dead leg that kept him out against Rovers.

The Holland midfielder also backs Silver to shine brightly once the Spain star gets into his stride.

“What we see of him in training we know he is a fine player,” confirmed DeJong. “We have been very impressed. I played with him at Ajax in the Champions League I know how good he can be.

“He is a technically gifted player who just has to find his way in the Premier League. He can do wonderful things with the ball. He is a big part of the squad and a really important player for us. Salzburg will be a good step for him.”

If there is to be a surprise in the side it could be the inclusion of Dedryck Boyata with Mancini keen to give him more experience against all types of opposition.

mcfc.co.uk

Tony P wrote:Both Silvas? Eh?

Tony P wrote:Both Silvas? Eh?

MaineRoadMemories wrote:Jo might score one or two in the UEFA Cup but he'll never ever be a premiership striker. Far too soft, slow and uncoordinated.

It feels as though Mancini is refusing to play Santa Cruz and is sticking with Jo on principle. Out of the two Santa Cruz is far superior.

UEFA is also a good competition for Silva to get some match fitness and be eased into our squad. Looking forward to seeing him shine.

Feel so sorry for Shay not even getting a look in for a game this year. I thought the reserve keeper would be given all the cups to play in?

Goaters 103 wrote:Given should be playing tomorrow, especially as a gentle kick in the backside for Mr Hart after last saturdays mickey mouse goal giveaway.

Colin the King wrote:Yeah, I reckon it's a perfect opportunity for Silva to get up to scratch. 90 minutes tomorrow night, bench at Wigan and then another 90 minutes at West Brom in the cup. Two full games in a week should make a big difference, fitness and familiarity wise if nothing else.

Scratching my head on Jo, he's not a front man, he drops deep and into channels just as often as Tevez, when what we really need is a focal point, a target man. Maybe the thinking behind leaving Santa Cruz out is so he's not cup tied for a potential move away in January? Nonetheless I'd rather him up front with Tevez playing just behind- they actually looked fantastic together when they played together last season I thought.

MaineRoadMemories wrote:Jo might score one or two in the UEFA Cup but he'll never ever be a premiership striker. Far too soft, slow and uncoordinated.

It feels as though Mancini is refusing to play Santa Cruz and is sticking with Jo on principle. Out of the two Santa Cruz is far superior.

UEFA is also a good competition for Silva to get some match fitness and be eased into our squad. Looking forward to seeing him shine.

Feel so sorry for Shay not even getting a look in for a game this year. I thought the reserve keeper would be given all the cups to play in?

MaineRoadMemories wrote:Jo might score one or two in the UEFA Cup but he'll never ever be a premiership striker. Far too soft, slow and uncoordinated.

It feels as though Mancini is refusing to play Santa Cruz and is sticking with Jo on principle. Out of the two Santa Cruz is far superior.

Niall Quinns Discopants wrote:

MaineRoadMemories wrote:Jo might score one or two in the UEFA Cup but he'll never ever be a premiership striker. Far too soft, slow and uncoordinated.

It feels as though Mancini is refusing to play Santa Cruz and is sticking with Jo on principle. Out of the two Santa Cruz is far superior.

UEFA is also a good competition for Silva to get some match fitness and be eased into our squad. Looking forward to seeing him shine.

Feel so sorry for Shay not even getting a look in for a game this year. I thought the reserve keeper would be given all the cups to play in?

I was saying for a long time that Jo has talent but lacks the attitude. I changed my mind on weekend, he is just bag of shite. However RSC is no better so that'd make no change.

Wish we'd gone for Dzeko.

Niall Quinns Discopants wrote:

MaineRoadMemories wrote:Jo might score one or two in the UEFA Cup but he'll never ever be a premiership striker. Far too soft, slow and uncoordinated.

It feels as though Mancini is refusing to play Santa Cruz and is sticking with Jo on principle. Out of the two Santa Cruz is far superior.

UEFA is also a good competition for Silva to get some match fitness and be eased into our squad. Looking forward to seeing him shine.

Feel so sorry for Shay not even getting a look in for a game this year. I thought the reserve keeper would be given all the cups to play in?

I was saying for a long time that Jo has talent but lacks the attitude. I changed my mind on weekend, he is just bag of shite. .

xavi6 wrote:Jo must have some serious dirt on Bobby. That's the only explanation I can come up with for his persistent inclusion.