Source: SKY_Sports
Hughes admits Robinho struggle
Manchester City boss Mark Hughes admits that Robinho has struggled with form in the second half of the Premier League season.[LNB] Robinho, who was City's record signing at the sum of £32.5million in the summer transfer window, enjoyed a promising start in the Premier League - netting 12 goals in 19 appearances.[LNB]Since then, he has failed to find the net in 15 games and has been heavily criticised after a string of inconsistent performances.[LNB]Hughes, though, has defended the striker's recent barren spell and insists he will find his form again soon enough. [LNB]Explanation"Robby is a player who, on his day, can affect the game in a very, very positive way," he said.[LNB]"What we are finding out at the moment in the second half of the season, at Premier League level certainly, is that teams have looked at him and had the opportunity to work out how to make Robby's impact on the game less than it had been in the first half of the season.[LNB]"Teams, because they understand he is an outstanding player, will try and stop him being effective and that is what has happened in some cases.[LNB]"In some games teams have had the ability to stop him having the impact he would like.[LNB]Struggle"It has been a struggle, not only for Robby but for a number of players."[LNB]Having dropped the Brazilian frontman to the bench in the 3-1 home defeat to Fulham at the weekend, the City boss is expected to restore Robinho to the starting line-up for Thursday's UEFA Cup quarter-final second-leg tie against Hamburg.[LNB]Having lost the first leg 3-1, Hughes will be hoping the Brazilian frontman can have a positive impact.[LNB]
