Robinho to Barca? [MERGED]

[ENIAM NAM]

Have heard more rumours this morning on my travels, of course it could all be bullshit,but hey ho it is a messsage board and thats what gossip is for sharing with others,here goes.

Apparently Hughes would like to see Robinho go as he definitely sees him as a disruptive influence in the squad and doesn’t want him undermining the project he is building at City over the coming months. he is also sick of the speculation and believes Robinho is behind it all, the sooner he goes the better in his opinion, he doesn’t see the point in keeping a player who wants out anyway,

However our owners have a different take on proceedings, they see selling Robinho to our rivals as a negative statement to the footballing world, they actually think selling their star player Robinho to one of their rivals will undermine the whole project, giving the impression that we are a feeder club to Barcelona, and that we are a club that cant hang on to our star players, they also fear it will put the star players off they are trying to attract this January, apparently we are set to break the world record again and negotiations are already on going as regards at least 2 signings, they see selling or loaning Robinho having an impact on future proceedings.

So my friends this story looks like it has plenty of mileage left

Owners who want to keep a player and a manager that wants rid of a player, of course all parties will sing from the same hymn sheet in public as regards the clubs position.

Will be very interesting watching developments, especially between Hughes and our owners, our owners position looks pretty clear they want Robinho to stay regardless of what Robinho wants, so they will expect him to play a significant part in the future off the side, probably a bit more than an impact substitute.

It looks highly likely that Robinho will be staying no matter how hard he is trying to engineer a move away, Our owners don’t look like the type of people to mess with there’s pride at stake here, so he might be best knuckling down and concentrating on his football.

Will Hughes and Robinho be happy about it though, phewwwwwwwww

Wow. Our very own ITK. Can't wait for the next update!

[Beeks]

If it comes to a choice of Robson and the Sheikh against Hughes and his team,the Sheikh gets my vote.

This has to be post of the year for me

Sky Sports yellow ticker....

'Rag Hater pro Sheikh anti Hughes shocker'

Well at least I dont change my mind every 5 minutes.
I tend to need a lot of convincing.

Oh you're consistent i'll give you that...

[bobadji]

big quote

you don't half spout some absolute bollocks. So what your saying here is, Robinho could go, although he could stay? Good insight really.

[Beefymcfc]

I love these no-news stories, don't you? They have a full article with no evidence but the finish witha statement like this:

However, the Manchester Evening News report that City are fighting Barca's advances and quote a club 'source' as saying there are no meetings scheduled with the La Liga winners.

Another Bollox story from another scum sucking journo!!!

[Im_Spartacus]

IF we are considering letting Robi go , and I don't believe it for a minute , it would not be because Bellamy is having a great run of form.It would be because he wants to go and we can bring in replacements to be able to do without him.

I don't think he wants to go or that we want him to go. But it seems the norm to make up stories about a player who is out injured and somebody decides to make a thread of it for something to talk about.

Shows the difference in attitude from fans, doesn't it.

Barcelona send out a rumour about Fabregas and Robinho. Are Arsenal fans talking about how they don't really need Fabregas?

Don't know are they

It also shows the difference a year makes - last year losing Robinho was unthinkable last season, but we have moved on from where we were and have a more balanced squad which has removed our reliance on one man.

Losing Robinho wouldnt be the end of the world for us even if not replaced - the reality is that he would be replaced by someone who can put a shift in AND has quality.

Losing Fabregas could be a blow from which Arsenal dont recover if they were unable to bring in a top quality like for like replacement - and Arsenal fans know that Wenger wouldnt blow that kind of money which is why they would shit it at the prospect of him leaving.

[Renato_CTID]

Bollocks from Spanish media! It's simply unbelievable City would sell on January market a top class player like Rob!!!

[Beefymcfc]

For those who mention that we now have a balanced team, just remember that while he was in the team we didn't concede a goal, and his contribution to that was the fact he drew in players and put them on the back foot....just by being there. And as for him putting in a shift, well, have we not got the likes of Craig/Carlos et al who ensure that side is covered, whilst we also need the skillful, change the game in a second type of player like Robbie.

Like I say, personally I think this is bullshit, however it does seem that quite a few, even close friends of mine, believe he is no longer needed. But as I said to them, is it that he isn't needed or they just don't want the rejection of him leaving? 2 separate issues altogether!

[Im_Spartacus]

For those who mention that we now have a balanced team, just remember that while he was in the team we didn't concede a goal, and his contribution to that was the fact he drew in players and put them on the back foot....just by being there. And as for him putting in a shift, well, have we not got the likes of Craig/Carlos et al who ensure that side is covered, whilst we also need the skillful, change the game in a second type of player like Robbie.

Like I say, personally I think this is bullshit, however it does seem that quite a few, even close friends of mine, believe he is no longer needed. But as I said to them, is it that he isn't needed or they just don't want the rejection of him leaving? 2 separate issues altogether!

Despite my comments on this thread, I wouldnt go so far as your mates have saying he is not needed - I would love to see him make that left hand side his own with consistent performances at consistently high standards. But he was unable to shine consistently at Real Madrid, and he is indulged with Brazil, so it is hard to think he will do the job Hughes asks of the players in the team currently. As much as I dont like Hughes, I cant see him, and dont expect him to carry passengers.

For me, this season the passenger has been SWP on the right who has given the ball away needlessly countless times, then failed to do anything about it defensively - my very criticism of Robinho. We simply could not afford for this to be happening on both sides because of the number of players we commit to each attack.

Even Petrov wised upto this against West Ham, and I saw him in positions I never expected him to be in. I dont expect Robbie to be putting in SWP-esque tackles, just so long as he gets in the way and disrupts the opposition play is all I ask. If he does this, and this works for the team, then I will be happy.

Top and bottom of this is that he was parachuted into the squad, Hughes was playing golf................we have had our publicity...........Hughes now has the impetus. Robinho is not going to last at City.

[Beefymcfc]

For those who mention that we now have a balanced team, just remember that while he was in the team we didn't concede a goal, and his contribution to that was the fact he drew in players and put them on the back foot....just by being there. And as for him putting in a shift, well, have we not got the likes of Craig/Carlos et al who ensure that side is covered, whilst we also need the skillful, change the game in a second type of player like Robbie.

Like I say, personally I think this is bullshit, however it does seem that quite a few, even close friends of mine, believe he is no longer needed. But as I said to them, is it that he isn't needed or they just don't want the rejection of him leaving? 2 separate issues altogether!

Despite my comments on this thread, I wouldnt go so far as your mates have saying he is not needed - I would love to see him make that left hand side his own with consistent performances at consistently high standards. But he was unable to shine consistently at Real Madrid, and he is indulged with Brazil, so it is hard to think he will do the job Hughes asks of the players in the team currently. As much as I dont like Hughes, I cant see him, and dont expect him to carry passengers.

For me, this season the passenger has been SWP on the right who has given the ball away needlessly countless times, then failed to do anything about it defensively - my very criticism of Robinho. We simply could not afford for this to be happening on both sides because of the number of players we commit to each attack.

Even Petrov wised upto this against West Ham, and I saw him in positions I never expected him to be in. I dont expect Robbie to be putting in SWP-esque tackles, just so long as he gets in the way and disrupts the opposition play is all I ask. If he does this, and this works for the team, then I will be happy.

Top and bottom of this is that he was parachuted into the squad, Hughes was playing golf................we have had our publicity...........Hughes now has the impetus. Robinho is not going to last at City.

Very fair comments mate and although my post wasn't aimed at you specifically (more to many that have been posted over a sustained period now), it is good to see that your views are not just made up of the proverbial 'Knee-Jerk' or mongering! Cheers pal.

[Im_Spartacus]

For those who mention that we now have a balanced team, just remember that while he was in the team we didn't concede a goal, and his contribution to that was the fact he drew in players and put them on the back foot....just by being there. And as for him putting in a shift, well, have we not got the likes of Craig/Carlos et al who ensure that side is covered, whilst we also need the skillful, change the game in a second type of player like Robbie.

Like I say, personally I think this is bullshit, however it does seem that quite a few, even close friends of mine, believe he is no longer needed. But as I said to them, is it that he isn't needed or they just don't want the rejection of him leaving? 2 separate issues altogether!

Despite my comments on this thread, I wouldnt go so far as your mates have saying he is not needed - I would love to see him make that left hand side his own with consistent performances at consistently high standards. But he was unable to shine consistently at Real Madrid, and he is indulged with Brazil, so it is hard to think he will do the job Hughes asks of the players in the team currently. As much as I dont like Hughes, I cant see him, and dont expect him to carry passengers.

For me, this season the passenger has been SWP on the right who has given the ball away needlessly countless times, then failed to do anything about it defensively - my very criticism of Robinho. We simply could not afford for this to be happening on both sides because of the number of players we commit to each attack.

Even Petrov wised upto this against West Ham, and I saw him in positions I never expected him to be in. I dont expect Robbie to be putting in SWP-esque tackles, just so long as he gets in the way and disrupts the opposition play is all I ask. If he does this, and this works for the team, then I will be happy.

Top and bottom of this is that he was parachuted into the squad, Hughes was playing golf................we have had our publicity...........Hughes now has the impetus. Robinho is not going to last at City.

Very fair comments mate and although my post wasn't aimed at you specifically (more to many that have been posted over a sustained period now), it is good to see that your views are not just made up of the proverbial 'Knee-Jerk' or mongering! Cheers pal.

I will be very interested in seeing what happens without SWP, SWP had been shit, replace him with Bellamy. But beyond that, what do you do? Hughes has done well so far,,,,,,

[Ted Hughes]

For those who mention that we now have a balanced team, just remember that while he was in the team we didn't concede a goal, and his contribution to that was the fact he drew in players and put them on the back foot....just by being there. And as for him putting in a shift, well, have we not got the likes of Craig/Carlos et al who ensure that side is covered, whilst we also need the skillful, change the game in a second type of player like Robbie.

Like I say, personally I think this is bullshit, however it does seem that quite a few, even close friends of mine, believe he is no longer needed. But as I said to them, is it that he isn't needed or they just don't want the rejection of him leaving? 2 separate issues altogether!

Despite my comments on this thread, I wouldnt go so far as your mates have saying he is not needed - I would love to see him make that left hand side his own with consistent performances at consistently high standards. But he was unable to shine consistently at Real Madrid, and he is indulged with Brazil, so it is hard to think he will do the job Hughes asks of the players in the team currently. As much as I dont like Hughes, I cant see him, and dont expect him to carry passengers.

For me, this season the passenger has been SWP on the right who has given the ball away needlessly countless times, then failed to do anything about it defensively - my very criticism of Robinho. We simply could not afford for this to be happening on both sides because of the number of players we commit to each attack.

Even Petrov wised upto this against West Ham, and I saw him in positions I never expected him to be in. I dont expect Robbie to be putting in SWP-esque tackles, just so long as he gets in the way and disrupts the opposition play is all I ask. If he does this, and this works for the team, then I will be happy.

Top and bottom of this is that he was parachuted into the squad, Hughes was playing golf................we have had our publicity...........Hughes now has the impetus. Robinho is not going to last at City.

Very fair comments mate and although my post wasn't aimed at you specifically (more to many that have been posted over a sustained period now), it is good to see that your views are not just made up of the proverbial 'Knee-Jerk' or mongering! Cheers pal.

I will be very interested in seeing what happens without SWP, SWP had been shit, replace him with Bellamy. But beyond that, what do you do? Hughes has done well so far,,,,,,

Robbie could play a free role further up near Ade with Bellamy & Tevez behind him. He does that for Brazil quite often. Anyhow I'd've thought SWP, Bellamy & Tevez are going to need resting a fair amount during the season as they're such high energy players. Ireland possibly too if he's to stay sharp. That leaves plenty of games for Robbie if he produces the goods. Hughes hasn't really had the players available yet in order to rest people & it's so early in the season that most don't need it. That will change.

[Rag_hater]

For those who mention that we now have a balanced team, just remember that while he was in the team we didn't concede a goal, and his contribution to that was the fact he drew in players and put them on the back foot....just by being there. And as for him putting in a shift, well, have we not got the likes of Craig/Carlos et al who ensure that side is covered, whilst we also need the skillful, change the game in a second type of player like Robbie.

Like I say, personally I think this is bullshit, however it does seem that quite a few, even close friends of mine, believe he is no longer needed. But as I said to them, is it that he isn't needed or they just don't want the rejection of him leaving? 2 separate issues altogether!

Despite my comments on this thread, I wouldnt go so far as your mates have saying he is not needed - I would love to see him make that left hand side his own with consistent performances at consistently high standards. But he was unable to shine consistently at Real Madrid, and he is indulged with Brazil, so it is hard to think he will do the job Hughes asks of the players in the team currently. As much as I dont like Hughes, I cant see him, and dont expect him to carry passengers.

For me, this season the passenger has been SWP on the right who has given the ball away needlessly countless times, then failed to do anything about it defensively - my very criticism of Robinho. We simply could not afford for this to be happening on both sides because of the number of players we commit to each attack.

Even Petrov wised upto this against West Ham, and I saw him in positions I never expected him to be in. I dont expect Robbie to be putting in SWP-esque tackles, just so long as he gets in the way and disrupts the opposition play is all I ask. If he does this, and this works for the team, then I will be happy.

Top and bottom of this is that he was parachuted into the squad, Hughes was playing golf................we have had our publicity...........Hughes now has the impetus. Robinho is not going to last at City.

These are the numbers of tackles made I've been able to find.And I think you are right when someone gets in the way and disrupts the opposition I think to an extent they have been effective.
I've taken the numbers from when Craig joined us last chrimbo:
Robson 80 tackles or attempted tackles in 16 prem matches he has played for us since we signed Craig.
An average of 5 per game.
Craig, 63 tackles,attempts in 15 prem games,
4.2 a game
NDJ = 101 in 23 prem games
4.4 a game
Stevie = 92 in 20 prem game
4.6 a game
So from what I see in matches and what is backed up by the figures is that Robson does put a shift in.
The only thing he is lacking for me is speed and the ability to swear a lot in english

[Ted Hughes]

He makes it difficult.

[Hazy]

This was always on the cards, he loved it in Spain, Barca want him IMO done deal, I would want Pique and YAYA.

[ENIAM NAM]

From the OS:

http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Team-news/20 ... es-a-fight

Mark Bowen has warned Robinho that he will have to fight for his place along with the rest of his team-mates when he recovers from injury.
But City's assistant manager also sent a clear message to his persistent suitors Barcelona that the sought-after Brazil star remains an important figure in the Blueprint for success.

The European champions have been strongly linked over the past week with a bid in the January transfer window for long-time target Robinho, who is close to recovering from a stress fracture.

But Bowen and manager Mark Hughes have become immune to the bi-annual rumour mill. Bow said: "Robi is one of those players who will always be surrounded by rumour and speculation.

"It doesn't concern him - he comes in and always does his work with a smile on his face. He's a great guy and very much a part of the manager's plans."

Robinho, out since August, has seen Craig Bellamy flourish on the left in his absence and is desperate to regain full fitness in time for the Carling Cup tie with Scunthorpe in two weeks.

Bowen said: "He's a naturally-fit guy who doesn't carry a lot of weight, so once he's back training with the group it doesn't take him much time to be right. Once he comes back he'll be ready to put in the side.

"But Robi is no different from any other player in the squad in that he will be fighting for a place when he regains his fitness. Anybody who watches top-level football knows that is always the case now, and we are no different.

"Things can change so quickly though - a week is a long time in this game. An injury or two and you're back in the side, and then it's up to you to make sure that you stay there. People might be asking how Robi is going to get back in given Craig's form, but things do change."

[MaineRoadMemories]

Direct quotes from Robinho. A move is defo been engineered here. I think by all three parties involved - everyone would be happy with the deal apart from the City fans. Time to say goodbye to Robinho, enjoy him while you can :-(

'Of course I'd enjoy playing for Barca.' he told Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo. 'Who would not? We could have so much fun.

'It would be a pleasure to play alongside Messi, my compadre Dani Alves, Xavi, (Andres) Iniesta, (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic, with them all.
'They're a great team. I played against them and know their quality. But right now I can only do it on the PlayStation.'

The Brazil international insists neither he nor his agent - dad Gilvan de Souza - have been informed of any bid from Barcelona.

And though he says it would be 'wrong to talk about this hypothetical transfer' until there was formal offer, he could not resist heaping praise on the Catalans.

'It is a pleasure to see Barca play, they seem to be as good as Brazilians in how they use the ball. Pep Guardiola's team are real entertainers

'It is not a question of being loaned or transferred, whether in the winter or the summer,' he said. 'It is a matter of sitting down and talking about it when there is a concrete offer, which, I repeat, I am not personally aware of.
'When that happens, we can talk. I don't want to be misinterpreted. It is clear that I have a contract with City and I owe it to them to be professional.

'It's no secret that there was clear interest from Barca (in the summer), but Manchester City would not enter negotiations.
'I believed that I was not transferable and so I focussed on doing my best for City. We are thinking big, we have built a very strong team aiming to win the Premier League with (Carlos) Tevez, (Emmanuel) Adebayor, (Joleon) Lescott and (Gareth) Barry.'
But he has other team-mates who would like to see him at the Nou Camp. Brazil and Barca full back Dani Alves says Robinho would be very welcome and would give the team different options.

And Robinho replied: 'Dani is a phenomenon. With Alves I have very good vibes. I am delighted with how well he has done at Barca. He deserves it, he's a great guy and excellent footballer.

'I have made many friends in Spain, when I meet with many of them in the Brazil team we talk at length. We regularly exchange text messages or call each other.'

Alves is not the only one who wins praise. Told he was admired by Guardiola, Robinho responded: 'It is an honour that a coach such as him speaks highly of Robinho. I read that he values me. I thank him from the heart.'

[Beeks]

Direct quotes from Robinho. A move is defo been engineered here. I think by all three parties involved - everyone would be happy with the deal apart from the City fans. Time to say goodbye to Robinho, enjoy him while you can :-(

'Of course I'd enjoy playing for Barca.' he told Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo. 'Who would not? We could have so much fun.

'It would be a pleasure to play alongside Messi, my compadre Dani Alves, Xavi, (Andres) Iniesta, (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic, with them all.
'They're a great team. I played against them and know their quality. But right now I can only do it on the PlayStation.'

The Brazil international insists neither he nor his agent - dad Gilvan de Souza - have been informed of any bid from Barcelona.

And though he says it would be 'wrong to talk about this hypothetical transfer' until there was formal offer, he could not resist heaping praise on the Catalans.

'It is a pleasure to see Barca play, they seem to be as good as Brazilians in how they use the ball. Pep Guardiola's team are real entertainers

'It is not a question of being loaned or transferred, whether in the winter or the summer,' he said. 'It is a matter of sitting down and talking about it when there is a concrete offer, which, I repeat, I am not personally aware of.
'When that happens, we can talk. I don't want to be misinterpreted. It is clear that I have a contract with City and I owe it to them to be professional.

'It's no secret that there was clear interest from Barca (in the summer), but Manchester City would not enter negotiations.
'I believed that I was not transferable and so I focussed on doing my best for City. We are thinking big, we have built a very strong team aiming to win the Premier League with (Carlos) Tevez, (Emmanuel) Adebayor, (Joleon) Lescott and (Gareth) Barry.'
But he has other team-mates who would like to see him at the Nou Camp. Brazil and Barca full back Dani Alves says Robinho would be very welcome and would give the team different options.

And Robinho replied: 'Dani is a phenomenon. With Alves I have very good vibes. I am delighted with how well he has done at Barca. He deserves it, he's a great guy and excellent footballer.

'I have made many friends in Spain, when I meet with many of them in the Brazil team we talk at length. We regularly exchange text messages or call each other.'

Alves is not the only one who wins praise. Told he was admired by Guardiola, Robinho responded: 'It is an honour that a coach such as him speaks highly of Robinho. I read that he values me. I thank him from the heart.'

That is ominous to say the least!

I think you're right...but i'll tell you what...they better have someone big lined up to replace him...and we better get Ya Ya coming the other way too

[Original Dub]

Oh he's gone alright. Shame because he was the first superstar of the new era. Not the best superstar I believe, but the first all the same. Great name too. And some nice goals. I think he'll never be the best footballer in the world though. In the long term here I really believe he would be half on th pitch, half on the bench. Just like he was at Real. Just like he will be at Barca.

An amazing player on his day but his day isn't exactly everday is it? I mean, I've seen players trying to adjust to the premier league before and I've seen players suffering from lack of form away from home before... but I have very very rarely ever seen a player as absolutely anonimous in some of the away games I saw him in last season. Strolling around the park until he's taken off.

Maybe he'll prove me wrong, but he said he wanted to emulate Tranaldo and in order for that to happen he has to have an imporvement the likes of which has rarely been seen IMO.

So all in all, I think it looks like we were a stepping stone, and I'm thankful for the other players he helped us attract.... but if we know he's leaving, I believe we will get a better player - maybe Ribery, so I won't fret too much...

What was that he said once "my aim is to be here for many years and win trophies with Manchester City..." or something similar?

[Ted Hughes]

Direct quotes from Robinho. A move is defo been engineered here. I think by all three parties involved - everyone would be happy with the deal apart from the City fans. Time to say goodbye to Robinho, enjoy him while you can :-(

'Of course I'd enjoy playing for Barca.' he told Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo. 'Who would not? We could have so much fun.

'It would be a pleasure to play alongside Messi, my compadre Dani Alves, Xavi, (Andres) Iniesta, (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic, with them all.
'They're a great team. I played against them and know their quality. But right now I can only do it on the PlayStation.'

The Brazil international insists neither he nor his agent - dad Gilvan de Souza - have been informed of any bid from Barcelona.

And though he says it would be 'wrong to talk about this hypothetical transfer' until there was formal offer, he could not resist heaping praise on the Catalans.

'It is a pleasure to see Barca play, they seem to be as good as Brazilians in how they use the ball. Pep Guardiola's team are real entertainers

'It is not a question of being loaned or transferred, whether in the winter or the summer,' he said. 'It is a matter of sitting down and talking about it when there is a concrete offer, which, I repeat, I am not personally aware of.
'When that happens, we can talk. I don't want to be misinterpreted. It is clear that I have a contract with City and I owe it to them to be professional.

'It's no secret that there was clear interest from Barca (in the summer), but Manchester City would not enter negotiations.
'I believed that I was not transferable and so I focussed on doing my best for City. We are thinking big, we have built a very strong team aiming to win the Premier League with (Carlos) Tevez, (Emmanuel) Adebayor, (Joleon) Lescott and (Gareth) Barry.'
But he has other team-mates who would like to see him at the Nou Camp. Brazil and Barca full back Dani Alves says Robinho would be very welcome and would give the team different options.

And Robinho replied: 'Dani is a phenomenon. With Alves I have very good vibes. I am delighted with how well he has done at Barca. He deserves it, he's a great guy and excellent footballer.

'I have made many friends in Spain, when I meet with many of them in the Brazil team we talk at length. We regularly exchange text messages or call each other.'

Alves is not the only one who wins praise. Told he was admired by Guardiola, Robinho responded: 'It is an honour that a coach such as him speaks highly of Robinho. I read that he values me. I thank him from the heart.'

I don't believe Barca will offer £32 M for Robinho. Trixibell Bumstain said in the interview that RIBERY is the player they want. Ribery is a completely different kettle of fish to Robinho & has the same work ethic as the rest of Barca midfield, like Fabregas, who they also want. I think they're just testing the water to see what's available if they can't get him or any of their genuine targets & probably hoping they can unsettle Robbie & so, get him on loan til the summer.

[Hazy]

adding to I think he will go, Barca will have room for a star turn as Henry is just about to embark on his USA venture, I think Henry out at some point, Robbi in is Barca's idea. I hope I am wrong as Robbi is class, I just Feel this story has legs and Robbi would as most of us would love Barca as to M/cr.