Source: Team_Talk
Tevez is a champion - Mancini
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has lauded Carlos Tevez as "a champion" after his side kept the pressure on Chelsea.[LNB] Tevez scored twice in the 3-2 victory against Blackpool to take his tally for the season to seven goals and 28 in his last 31 Premier League games.[LNB]It is a remarkable record and City have come to lean heavily on the Argentina striker since his move from Manchester United.[LNB]Summer signing Mario Balotelli is recovering from a knee injury and Mancini's options in attack appear limited.[LNB]Emmanuel Adebayor looked lethargic against the newly-promoted side while Roque Santa Cruz is out of favour.[LNB]It prompts the question whether City will again raid Old Trafford in the transfer window and make a sensational bid for Tevez's former team-mate Wayne Rooney.[LNB]There is increasing speculation of a rift between Rooney and manager Sir Alex Ferguson and that the striker wants to leave.[LNB]City should have no problems raising the cash thanks to the massive financial muscle of the Abu Dhabi United Group.[LNB]There is good recent history between the players as well. Tevez and Rooney formed a devastating partnership in the 2007-08 season when United won the Champions League and the title.[LNB]Tevez scored 19 goals in all competitions with Rooney weighing in with 18 as they gelled well together thanks to an impressive work rate.[LNB]Tevez has regained his appetite at Eastlands and is already on course to beat his 29-goal haul of last season.[LNB]Mancini said: "He did not play well for 45 minutes against Blackpool but then he scored two goals. That is why he is a champion. This is what makes players like Carlos so important."[LNB]Defender Vincent Kompany added: "You can see that Carlos just needs a moment to make all the difference.[LNB]"But he helps everyone, and although our performance was not bad Blackpool played well. They were at home, so these are three very, very good points."[LNB]David Silva added a third goal - a fine solo effort - with substitute Marlon Harewood and Gary Taylor-Fletcher on target for Blackpool.[LNB]Mancini dedicated the victory to the memory of former coach Malcolm Allison, who died last week.[LNB]He added: "Malcolm was an important manager for City and I am very sorry for his passing. This win was for him.[LNB]"We have a strong squad. A squad that wins a title, that wins a trophy must win a game like this.[LNB]"Sometimes you do not deserve to win but your mentality will carry you through. That is what strong teams do."[LNB]It is an important week for City with title rivals Arsenal visiting Eastlands on Sunday following the Europa League home match with Lech Poznan on Thursday.[LNB]Mancini will monitor the fitness of Kolo Toure ahead of the game with the Polish side as the defender has a hamstring injury.
