Carlos Tevez, like all good reserves, will be expected to do his duty tonight, when Manchester City should end Birminghamâs defence of the Carling Cup at the earliest opportunity. Letâs hope he doesnât choke on humble pie. Itâs hard to summon any sympathy for a player who, for the first time in a controversial career, is unable to manipulate the situation to his best advantage. Roberto Mancini, whose astringent managerial style has its benefits at a unique club like Manchester City, is calling the shots. Tevez has not started in the Premier League this season. According to Mancini, he is being kept out of the side by âbetterâ players. Edin Dzeko has been a revelation, as Man City have evolved into a fluid, attacking force, but it is Sergio Aguero who casts the biggest shadow. Eight goals in five Premier League games have established him as an instant folk hero. Suddenly, heâs the only Gaucho in town. Tevez is marginalised, and appears too clever for his own good. The âWelcome to Manchesterâ posters, which defined his acrimonious move from United, look as dated as love letters from a former girlfriend. He has always been a commodity, a product to be recycled for maximum profit. His advisers, cynical yet usually sure footed, have misjudged the market. You can count the number of clubs who can afford to pay Tevez £1million a month on the fingers of one hand. Inter Milan, who pay Wesley Sneijder something similar, wouldnât baulk at his wages. But the fee would be oppressive. Even with an annual turnover of 450 million euros, Real Madrid no longer allow Galacticos to name their price, on the assumption they will sell shedloads of shirts. Tevez is stuck, until January at least, with a walk-on role. A Carling Cup tie is not his natural stage. There will be swathes of seats unoccupied tonight, in the City of Manchester Stadium. The fans have seen through the badge-kissing charade. His pride has been hurt, and his professionalism is under scrutiny. It may not end well. What a pity. Such a shame. Never mind. By reminding Tevez that no one is indispensable, Mancini has done the wider football world a favour. http://www.newsnow.co.uk/A/520964099?-1808
Carlos has to put in a goood shift tonight, otherwise he might well find himself with a place on the subs bench on Saturday against Everton. Show I don't think Carlos will be up for it tonight, but let us wait and see as to how Carlos plays. A very good game tonight by Carlos may well see him beining given a run out instead of Edin on Saturday.
