Source: SKY_Sports
Hughes praise for City supremos
Manchester City manager Mark Hughes believes he and Khaldoon Al Mubarak have been on a 'learning curve' after praising the Eastlands chairman.
Al Mubarak and City owner Sheikh Mansour have not yet reached their first anniversary in charge of the Premier League club after completing a takeover last September.
But, having received considerable financial backing, Hughes - whose position as boss has been questioned by some critics - is delighted by his working relationship with Al Mubarak.
Gareth Barry became City's latest signing when the former Aston Villa captain recently made a £12million move and Hughes is now looking forward to future business.
"Khaldoon is a great person and I think our first season was a big learning curve for everyone at the club," Hughes told the Manchester Evening News.
"I think he would say that it was the same for him too. The business of football is different from any other type of business in the world and I think that there was a learning process going on for everybody.
"I think it is fair to say that out of all the businesses that Khaldoon is involved with this is the one that excites him the most. This is a results-driven business and the success can be more instant than anything else and therefore more stimulating.
"Khaldoon has a real understanding about the game as well and he knows where the club needs to go. He has always been consistent with his messages and I have been consistent with mine to him and Sheikh Mansour."
Hughes guided City to a 10th-placed Premier League finish in 2009/10 and the Welshman now has his sights set onwards and upwards.
"Last season I never promised that we would be anywhere above where we were," he added. "I have always said that if we build properly and correctly then we will be successful but that it will take time.
"Whenever the chairman speaks you sense that he is a man that understands the problems that are incumbent when you are the manager of a club that is in transition and that his patience is there for all to see.
"I think everyone is excited about what lies ahead for the club because of what we have gone through this season.
"We will be working from a stronger position right from the word go rather than having to address things that perhaps needed to be addressed a few seasons back."
