Saturday 20 June 2009

Brazilian discontent

Duncan Castles in The Sunday Times raises a worrying prospect: that Elano's probable departure this summer could disillusion Robinho. We always hear about how good friends they are, and so Hughes' marginalisation of Elano is only likely to have a negative impact:

Manchester City’s transfer activity isn’t keeping everybody happy at Eastlands. Robinho has reportedly asked advisers to secure him a move to Barcelona as City pursue Samuel Eto’o and Carlos Tevez. The Brazil international signed for a UK record £32.5m only last September but his time at Eastlands has seen him develop an ongoing uneasiness with Mark Hughes.

Robinho has also been angered by the manager’s handling of compatriot and close friend Elano. For his part, Hughes is understood to have felt undermined by the Brazilians’ attitude at a time when other coaches, notably Jose Mourinho, were asked if they were interested in taking over at City.

Given how quickly Garry Cook came out against the 'Robinho to Barca' stories last week, I'd be surprised if Robinho does leave this summer. I'm sure, though, that Elano will be off to become one of the best players in Serie A next season - Castles mentions that Inter are interested. Does this mean that the club are confident that Robinho will in fact be ok with being the only Brazilian in the squad? Or are they complacent about the possible outcome from this eventuality? Robinho's very good at lots of things, but 'being sensible' isn't exactly one of them.

6 comments:

N Rowland said...

Personally, I'm getting a bit tired of the questions surrounding Robinho, and particularly his inconsistency on the pitch. It may be true that Elano's departure could have a negative impact on Robinho, but on the bright side, maybe that will once and for all determine whether or not he's the professional he's paid to be!

2nd Gen Blue, Ontario Canada

baggyinoz said...

Yeh; time to get rid of Elano. He's been whinging all season...Yes he's the best penalty taker in the league and he did play OK towards the end of the season but went missing (along with others) too often away from home. Give Robby until January to prove his worth.

Ambient said...

Elano has to grow up as does Robinho. Start performing consistently and you will be guaranteed a place in the team, act like a prima donna and you will be left to take your chances when they come. Staring to be fed up with both Elano and Robinho. Without doubt both sublimely talented but if its only displayed spasmodically how worthwhile is that talent?

Brian Roban said...

Agree no end,
If Elano is the unbalance in the dressing room he's gotta go Robinho has to learn that there is a much bigger picture than a friendship here if this is the case he acting like a kid in a multi pound biz which is unprofessional

Elby the Beserk said...

Once a player - any player - has precedence over the manager, it's time for that player to ship out. Simple as that. I love Robbie and Elano, but if they fuck up what's happening at City, they have to go.

I hope they don't. Either of them.

Unknown said...

Quite right, E the B.
If either were consummate pros and consistent, reliable key players, we'd be talking about our chances in Europe this season, innit, look, see!