Confederations Cup 2009: Robinho’s Redemption
Robinho had a frustrating 2008-09 season at Man City. Despite finishing near the top of the Premier League goal scoring table, his play seemed uneven and at times he looked disinterested. But this Summer’s FIFA Confederations Cup has provided Robinho who has had a hand in four Brazilian goals sweet redemption on the world stage. While fellow Man City star Elano has found himself off the pitch after an unvene first game against Egypt, Robinho excelled against both the USA and Italy in consecutive 3-0 Brazil wins.
Next Robinho and Brazil face host South Africa in the semifinals with the opportunity to face Spain, the reigning Euro Champions in the final. Spain must get past the USA in the other semifinal.
Elano and Robinho Take on the World
The FIFA Confederations Cup begins Sunday and Man City heroes Robinho and Elano will be among the key players to watch. Brazil having been transformed into a more tactical and defensive minded side under Dunga lead COMNEBOL qualifying and now put their impressive record on display against some of the world’s best.
Brazil has been drawn into Group B with Egypt, the United States and Italy. The Brazilians will be favored against Egypt who will be without Zaki, and will overwhelming favorites against the United States who have struggled away from home for the better part of six years. But it is the match-up versus Marcello Lippi and Italy that bears watching. That final group game will be broadcast in the UK i on BBC 3 a week from today.
Should Brazil advance to the final a date with Spain, the current world #1 could await. We’ll track Elano and Robinho’s progress throughout the tournament.
The Hughes Revolution: Barry The Latest Signing
Filed under: Elano, Gareth Barry, Mark Hughes, Robinho, Shaun Wright Phillips, Shay Given, Wayne Bridge
Mark Hughes has seen the faith placed in him by City’s owners and some supporters rewarded with the signing of Gareth Barry. Barry has featured for England under Fabio Capello more regularly than any other midfield player.
Hughes is the right man to take City forward in a positive way. For all the clamoring from outsiders that City must bring in a cosmopolitan manager, Hughes has an ability to connect with players from the British Isles, the core of this City team better than anyone on the market.
In his role Hughes is learning how to better utilize Robinho and Elano two Brazilians that have made Dunga’s international side perhaps the most formidable on globe outside of Spain. Jo’s return to Manchester City will likely find the talented Brazilian striker more at home than he was in the first six months of Hughes tenure.
The City manager has learned to deal with talented foreign players and his managerial skills had clearly improved by the end of the 2008-09 season.
Additionally Hughes ability to sell top players with Premiership experience on City instead of a current big four club is critical.
Let’s look at the list of City signings from within the Premier League under Hughes:
- Shaun Wright Phillips
An England squad player whose level of comfort in City colors is unquestioned
- Wayne Bridge
England international whose relationship with Hughes dates back to Southampton in the late 90s. This signing solves City’s long term woes on the left side of defense and can push forward into the attack comfortably.
- Shay Given
One of the top 10 goalkeepers in the world and arguably the best Premiership goalkeeper over the past ten seasons. An indispensible player for the Republic of Ireland
- Craig Bellamy
Cultured Welsh international who previously had great success under Hughes with the Wales National Team.
- Gareth Barry
After years on the fringe has become a regular for England under Fabio Capello.
Hughes has not only signed useful premier league players but players who feature regularly for the national teams of the British Isles. In City’s recent history attracting quality players of this stature who were not on their last legs as professionals has been almost impossible. With these signings Hughes has proven he belongs. Now the question is whether or not he has staying power.
We’re back
Sorry for being away at the end of what was undoubtedly a disappointing season for many. Beginning later this week we’re going to be covering the latest in transfer news, following Elano and Robinho in COMNEBOL qualifying and the Confederations Cup and doing some features on city history as well. Come back and give us a fresh new look in the upcoming weeks!
-
Categories
- Adam Johnson
- Benjani
- Carlos Tevez
- Ched Evans
- City History
- Craig Bellamy
- Daniel Sturridge
- Darius Vassell
- Elano
- Emmanuel Adebayor
- Felipe Caicedo
- Gareth Barry
- Garry Cook
- Jo
- Joleon Lescott
- League Cup
- Mark Hughes
- Match Previews
- Match Summaries
- Micah Richards
- Richard Dunne
- Roberto Mancini
- Robinho
- Shaun Wright Phillips
- Shay Given
- Site News
- Sven Goran Eriksson
- Sylvinho
- Transfer Rumors
- Transfer Targets
- UEFA Cup
- Wayne Bridge
-
Archives
-
Links
-
Meta
-
Sponsor