Manchester City Football Club News

• Nickname:Sky Blues
• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

• Ground:City of Manchester Stadium
• Capacity:48,000

Hughes slams sorry Citizens

04 Jan 2009 - 10:30:55

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Boss Mark Hughes gave a damning verdict on his side after Manchester City were dumped out of the FA Cup in the third round by Nottingham Forest.

City were soundly beaten 3-0 at Eastlands by a side currently languishing in 21st place in the second tier of English football.

Hughes said after the jeers which followed the full-time whistle: "I wouldn't defend it, because it's indefensible.

"We are bitterly disappointed with the level of performance that we produced.

"Nottingham Forest fully deserved to win. They showed more desire and energy in their play. They forced us into errors and took their chances.

"I didn't expect the other team to show more desire, but I am just being honest.

"You need leaders, people who drive the game and affect it in a positive way.

"I'm concerned with the collective showing of the team. Without the shining lights of the season so far, like Robinho, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Stephen Ireland, we looked lacking.

"We've possibly relied too much on those players and allowed them to carry the team and without them we weren't good enough."

But despite the abject performance, Hughes claims he will identify the right players in the transfer market to fulfil the ambitions of the club's expectant Middle East owners.

City had new £10million full-back Wayne Bridge watching from the stands on the same day he signed a four-and-a-half year deal to become their first signing of what is expected to busy a busy transfer window.

"I know exactly what is needed here," claimed Hughes.

"The work we do on a day-to-day basis makes players better. They have to be brave enough to perform in matches. Today some were guilty of not doing that.

"We know where we are in development terms and we know where we need to go. We know the areas of the squad we have to strengthen and we will try to do that."

City's misery was compounded by a hamstring injury to Wright-Phillips, which is expected to keep the winger out of action for at least four weeks.