Manchester City strikers warned to play well or face axe

Last updated : 19 August 2011 By Daily Mail

Mancini has bolstered his already-considerable forward line with the club record ?38million signing of Sergio Aguero from Atletico Madrid during the current transfer window, and a deal for Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri is thought to be nearing conclusion.

The Italian also has big-money acquisitions David Silva, Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko at his disposal, while Aguero's fellow Argentina international Carlos Tevez remains with City despite expressing his desire to leave this summer.

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The competition for a starting berth looks set to be fierce and Mancini knows it may not be easy to keep all his stars happy.

'Silva, Tevez, Aguero, Dzeko, Balotelli - it is difficult,' Mancini said.

'I think probably during the games there will be some moments when we can try to put all these players on the pitch.

'But it is difficult and we have to have a good balance for the team.'

He added: 'All these players are professionals and it is important that they are not happy when they don't play.

'If there is a player who is happy when he doesn't play, this is not good. They must be ready.'

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Meanwhile, Tevez could be set to make his first appearance of the season for City in this weekend's clash at the Reebok Stadium.

After a fraught summer, during which he handed in an official transfer request and was unsuccessfully pursued by his former club Corinthians, Tevez returned to training with the Blues last week.

Inter Milan have been linked with the 27-year-old, but it appears no further bids have been forthcoming.

He did not feature in Monday's 4-0 win over Swansea at the Etihad Stadium, but Mancini has already made it clear he would be happy for Tevez to stay and will consider him for the game on Sunday.

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'He will probably be available, although I want to wait until tomorrow to make a decision,' Mancini said.

'He has worked very well in these two weeks.

'When Carlos plays, he always plays very well and gives 100 per cent. I think maybe he is not 100 per cent fit, but his mind is okay.'

Mancini must also decide whether or not to hand a first start to Aguero, who came off the bench against Swansea to score twice and set up another goal in a sensational debut.

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Source: Daily Mail

Source: Daily Mail