Robinho casts City doubt
02 Dec 2008 - 08:05:09
Robinho has accused Manchester City of lacking the "mentality of champions" and has called for an overhaul at Eastlands if they are to become a major force both at home and abroad.
The Brazil star joined the Citizens in a surprise £32million British record transfer from Real Madrid in August after becoming the first big-name signing made by the club's new Middle Eastern owners.
The 24-year-old has hit the ground running in England after scoring nine times in 15 appearances, but has cast doubt on the club's ability or desire to move up to the next level with their current personnel.
"City have good players but the mentality of a small side," he told Setanta Sports' Football Matters programme.
"They are content with just finishing fifth or sixth. They are content with little, thinking just a draw might be good enough.
"They lack is the mentality of champions.
"I have learnt that being second is worthless so I want to inspire a winning mentality.
"You can only be content with winning. You need to want to beat Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool.
"Maybe I have changed this a bit but now City have a project to become big, the mentality has to change."
Meanwhile, Robinho has urged manager Mark Hughes to invest heavily in the playing squad when the transfer window reopens in January.
He added: "We have good players but if the club wants to be big, we have to sign more.
"I have suggested Kleber, the Santos left back, Thiago Silva who plays at centre-back for Fluminense, who's been playing very well. The coach mentioned Luisao, who is Brazilian and plays for Benfica.
"Who would I sign? If I could choose it would be Kaka and (former Brazil striker) Ronaldo.
"But at this moment the team needs to improve the defence.
"When you build a house you have to start from the floor. You have to start from the bottom, the defence, and then you fix the attack."