Man City boss Roberto Mancini joked that he wanted to punch Samir Nasri after the midfielder’s superb performance against Newcastle. The Guardian report that the Italian couldn’t help but feel frustrated at the inconsistent form his players have shown this season.
Speaking after the 4-0 drubbing of Newcastle, in which Nasri was the best player on the pitch, Mancini said: “I would like to give him a punch. Because a player like him should play like today always. Always. Every game.”
It is easy to sympathise with Mancini in this case, after all he is in real danger of losing his job. Nasri has underperformed this season but he is not the only member of City’s squad that has disappointed.
David Silva, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero were the attacking force that won City the title last season, but all three have been ineffective for long spells this time around.
Still much to play for
City now have the FA Cup semi final against either Man Utd or Chelsea to look forward to, as well as protecting their position of second in the league. Whoever they face in the semi final of the cup, the game will offer a great opportunity of landing some silverware this season with only Wigan or Millwall awaiting them in the final.
There is also still the Manchester derby to play at Old Trafford before the end of the season. These games have been terrific contests in recent seasons with both sides handing out crushing defeats to their rivals.
A victory at Old Trafford, particularly anything like the 6-1 they achieved last time, would offer City fans one last chance to celebrate in what has been a disappointing season.