Rampant City to welcome Tevez back into the fold
MANCHESTER CITY 4 vs PORTO 0
MANCHESTER CITY manager Roberto Mancini is ready to integrate Carlos Tevez back into his first team squad, but the Argentina striker faces an uphill struggle to win back his place on the evidence of last night’s crushing Europa League victory over Porto.
The Premier League leaders stormed into the last 16 of the competition after dispatching the holders in ruthless fashion. Sergio Aguero opened the scoring after just 19 seconds and second half goals from Edin Dzeko, David Silva and David Pizarro, his first for the club, ensured a comfortable passage into the next round.
City already boast a frightening array of attacking options but their firepower is set to be enhanced by the presence of the former Manchester United star who has spent the last five months in self-imposed exile.
Tevez apologised to his employers for the first time on Tuesday for his conduct since he refused to warm up during City’s Champions League defeat in Munich back in September and also withdrew his appeal against a fine of six weeks’ wages.
“One week after Munich I called him to my house and said, ‘Carlos, apologise to everyone and it’s finished’,” said Mancini.
“I have no problem. I think he needs two to three weeks to train, then some games.”
Mancini fielded a surprisingly strong line-up for the visit of the Portuguese champions and indicated he would continue to do so as the competition progresses.
The Italian said: “We want to get to the final. It will be difficult but for this reason I will play the best team, although we can make some changes every game.”