Elano’s Exit: A Bad Sign

Elano’s exit from City further proves the critics point about Mark Hughes inability to manage cosmopolitan styled footballers. The Brazilian midfielder who has been a critical part of Dunga’s setup in Brazil and starred under Sven Goran Eriksson, never found a real role in Hughes’ British styled attack. Forced to play wide and track back regularly and also neutered of the creative sparks which are shown in South American qualifying and this summer in the Confederations Cup, Elano was wasting his time in City blue.

The big question now, is whether or not more quality players from South America or Continental clubs will sign for Hughes. Those signing for City currently, may in fact be doing so believing a managerial change is coming. If Hughes does survive the first few months of the season, chances are City will find it difficult to bring in players from outside England in the next window.