Manchester City Football Club News

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

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

Hughes upbeat over chances

12 Jul 2009 - 11:46:08

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Manager Mark Hughes believes Manchester City are ready to fulfil the expectations placed on them in the coming season.

Big-spending City's last campaign was largely viewed as a failure after they missed out on European qualification having brought the likes of Robinho to Eastlands in a British record transfer deal.

Following another summer of investment, Hughes has been set a top-six target this year and the City boss believes his new-look squad is capable of fulfilling expectations.

Hughes has already brought Gareth Barry, Roque Santa Cruz and Stuart Taylor to the club, while Carlos Tevez is expected to be the next major signing.

"I expect us to be really strong. There is a lot of conjecture that no one can break into the top four. But the bookies feel we could have a chance," he told the News of the World.

"We are much shorter odds than in previous seasons.

"Last year was a struggle because expectations were too high and we weren't in a position to fulfil them.

"But there is a real sense that we can fulfil expectations this year."