Tevez calms Man City expectations

Last updated : 07 December 2010 By BBC Sport

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez has asked for patience as the Eastlands outfit come under pressure to succeed.City owner Sheikh Mansour's lavish spending has raised expectations at a club which last claimed a trophy when they won the 1976 league Cup.

"Nowadays we are always battling to be in the top four and trying hard to be one of the great teams," Argentine striker Tevez told City's website.

"But people need to remain patient. You do not build a great club overnight."

City are currently fourth in the Premier League and three points behind leaders Arsenal as Roberto Mancini attempts to earn a top-four spot and, in the process, a Champions League qualifying position.

"Each new player or new manager needs to go through a settling-in period," added Tevez.

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"There are lots of factors involved so you need to keep fighting, just like we have been doing, in order to win a title. That could then turn into many more trophies."

Tevez, who has 10 goals so far this season, scored the winner against Bolton on Saturday but was unhappy with Mancini when his manager substituted him late on in the game.

Along with Tevez's family being in his native Argentina and the player hinting at an early retirement from the game, question marks have been raised about the forward's future at City.

But he said: "I'm happy here. I really am. I do miss my family, just like anyone would when they are not around.

"But I don't see retirement happening for a long time to come.

"A sacrifice has to be made when you make a commitment like I have done with City and it is something I am going to see through.

"Once that job is done I will have plenty of time with my kids."

Reports of rows within the City squad have also been raised this season, although Tevez has played down any unrest in the City camp.

"It is just like any club. There are both good and bad vibes alike," he added.

"The most important thing is that, as players, we are all pulling in the same direction and trying to do our best for the club.

"Anything that goes on between us (Tevez and Mancini) off the pitch or in the dressing room stays there and he and I keep on fighting for the club."

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport