Hughes backs City to learn from defeat

Mon, 21 Sep 08:19:24 2009

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes insists his side will shrug off the derby defeat and grow stronger as a consequence.

Hughes was furious that over five minutes of added time was played at Old Trafford, allowing Michael Owen to seal a dramatic 4-3 victory for Manchester United.

City had clawed their way back into the match three times with Gareth Barry and Craig Bellamy twice on target, only to finish with nothing.

Hughes said: "We will be stronger after the events of this game, not weaker. We have come a long way in a short space of time. There will be setbacks like this but there is no denying we have the means and resources to be better and that is what we will be.

"I believe we are developing as each game goes by. We've got lessons to learn from this match but we will take them on board very quickly.

"We are going to be around for a long time. We know we can have an excellent season. That's what we aim to do and maybe get into a position to challenge."

 

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  1. I still cannot see City in the top 4 with the playing­ style in the derby...
    City was playing for a draw and­ not for a win... when the score is level, city played­ with 9 defender and a lone stricker... this is not the­ playing mentality / tactics for a top 10 team...

    From Issac, on Mon 21 Sep 2:28PM

  2. hughes has still alot to learn and time is not his­ friend
    john

    From ROGERSON, on Mon 21 Sep 1:28PM

  3. Hughes needs to learn from this defeat. His tactics in­ the second half meant that the very average Valencia­ was being marked by Bridge and Ireland and what had­ been a strong central midfield was suddenly overrun.­ Every time City went forward they threatened to score­ but spent most of the second half hoofing the ball­ anywhere. Does anyone remember how @#$% City where at­ defending leads last season because they sat back at­ 1-0? This was the same.
    Give Utd space to run and they­ will murder anyone. That is why City lost. Refs at Old­ Trafford will always play all the extra time Ferguson­ needs - that's why you can't rely on defence­ there. The extra minute is a smokescreen for poor­ tactics. City are at their best when they attack -­ that's why they stuffed arsenal last week despite­ being under pressure.

    From steve c, on Mon 21 Sep 1:20PM

  4. Well said Hughesy - Taggart won't admit it but he­ DOES fear City's threat, which will be even greater­ when the full squad is available and let's not­ forget, we're on the same points as them if we win­ our game in hand so it's not the biggets of­ setbacks.

    Your tactics were still awful yesterday,­ though, son - change came 20 mins too late as Tevez was­ dead on his feet and contributed to their winner by not­ holding the ball up.

    From Paul F, on Mon 21 Sep 1:17PM
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