>Manchester City fans tuned into Match Of The Day on Saturday night safe in the knowledge that their strong performance over West Ham had put them joint top of the Premier League – an impressive achievement at this point of the season for Roberto Mancini. However, what should have been enjoyable viewing for the City followers soon turned into disturbing scenes. There in front of them was Gabby Logan presenting the first glimpse of the news that Carlos Tevez had possibly handed in a transfer request as she held up copies of the forthcoming Sunday newspapers.
The Sunday morning came and sure enough, sprawled across several of the weekly tabloids was the news that captain Tevez had handed in a transfer request to leave the blue side of Manchester. No concrete reasons had been given, however several have been brandished around. Tevez and Mancini’s relationship is beyond repair, Tevez is too homesick and misses his daughters and Tevez is fed up of the constant rifts at City seem to be the common themes amongst the press. However, until Tevez speaks out and confirms the actual reason he wants to leave, then such speculation will only continue.
Manchester City themselves then released a statement on their official website that contained the following opening paragraph:
“It is with disappointment that we confirm to our supporters that Carlos Tevez has submitted a written transfer request. The Club can also confirm that the request has been rejected. The Club remains disappointed by this situation and particularly with the actions of Carlos’ representative.”
Reading in between these lines, it seems Kia Joorabchian, the man who engineered Tevez’s controversial move from the red side of Manchester, may not be an innocent party in this situation, which leads to questions surrounding the sincerity of claims surrounding Tevez being homesick. The City statement then went on to suggest that the same Kia Joorabchian had tried to renegotiate the Argentinian’s contract by an extra year – a strange move for a player who is said to be so homesick he is considering quitting football altogether. However, because City have a policy of not negotiating contracts midway through the season, these advances were put on hold.
The most feasible reason for Tevez to leave City would be that he does not get on with Mancini. However, we must not forget Tevez is paid millions a year and part of his job is to operate with a degree of professionalism towards his senior and his colleagues. Tevez should respect the Mancini’s position as manager. The Italian is clearly set in his ways and has a ruthless streak that has seen Bellamy shown the door, Shay Given dropped, and as Adebayor frozen out. Tevez will not be bigger than the club, and as Mancini’s methods appear to be bearing fruition, Tevez has the opportunity to become a City legend and steer the club to glory that they have long been starved of.
Tevez is the club captain, the team can be built around him, his goals have proved vital so far and the relationship he has with the fans is like no other. The striker has propelled City to where they are now, and unlike Robinho, the original marquee signing,) he has the strength, skill and determination to carry City. To throw that all away now would surely be a big mistake for a player who prides himself on the challenging targets he sets.
By Oliver Holmes
Virtually Naked 