Source: Daily_Mail
I'm glad Hughes has gone: Manchester City star Ireland slams former boss
Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland has blamed former boss Mark Hughes for his loss of form this season.[LNB]The 23-year-old was named as City's player of the year for 2008-09 but, following the arrival of Carlos Tevez as a deep-lying striker this season, Hughes moved the Republic of Ireland international into unfamiliar positions, and he admits that the tinkering took its toll.[LNB] City slicker: Stephen Ireland has praised the job done by Roberto Mancini since his arrival in December[LNB]'The last six months under Mark Hughes was very frustrating for me,' says Ireland. 'I was being played out of position. Maybe as a holding midfielder, left wing, right wing. It is not me.[LNB]'You have to adjust and think 'I have to do it' but if you want the best out of me you have to play me in my best position. Then I can be myself because the chains are off.'[LNB]Mark of frustration: Ireland admits he was disappointed by Hughes' decision to change his position this season[LNB]Under new manager Roberto Mancini, Ireland has been given the opportunity to revert to his favoured attacking midfield role, and he is full of praise for the job carried out by the Italian since he replaced Hughes in December.[LNB]'It is difficult for anyone to come into a club, turn it round and get it going their way' said Ireland.[LNB]'The manager is doing different things but he has done a really positive job so far. We are still scoring goals but we have not conceded as many and are working hard.'[LNB]Ireland's displays are believed to have caught the eye of Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson but, for now, the midfielder remains loyal to City, a club he feels weldedinto despite his roots on the other side of the Irish Sea.[LNB]I have really worked hard over the last two years to build up my relationship with the fans,' he said.[LNB]'Even when I was doing a signing session a few months ago I ended up staying for over three hours. It comes naturally to me. Even though I came over from Ireland, the fans still regard me as one of them. I am very grateful for that.'[LNB] Manchester City plot surprise summer move for West Brom star DorransManchester City keeping tabs on Fiorentina centre back GamberiniVieira can carry on for another three years, says Man City boss ManciniMANCHESTER CITY FC
