MARK HUGHES is battling growing unrest in his Manchester City squad over Robinho’s attitude.
A number of City stars are fed up with the Brazilian’s approach to training and poor form in games.
And some have made their feelings known in no uncertain terms. The club’s management now fear the problems could spill over as City’s season lurches towards a mini-crisis.
The £32.5million British record buy from Real Madrid has also raised eyebrows among the Eastlands hierarchy over his attitude on European trips.
While the rest of the team arrive in club suits and ties, Robinho turns up with his shirt hanging out, no tie and wearing trainers.
His fellow Brazilian Elano cut an equally dishevelled figure on the way back from Hamburg last Friday.
Hughes refuses to criticise Robinho in public. But behind the scenes he is becoming increasingly frustrated by both him and Elano.
Robinho had a great first half to the season, scoring 12 goals.
But he has not scored this year and was subbed in seven of his last 12 games before starting Sunday’s 3-1 defeat by Fulham on the bench.
A decent offer could see Robinho and Elano sold in the summer.
Hughes will find himself under even more pressure this week.
Billionaire businessman Sheik Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose Abu Dhabi United Group bought City last summer, is bringing over a large delegation for Thursday’s crunch UEFA Cup return with Hamburg.
Chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak and other directors plan a variety of meetings throughout the day. City’s faltering form means Hughes’ position is certain to be on the agenda.
City are set to announce the richest kit and shirt sponsorship deal in Premier League history next month.
It is believed they have landed a £90m deal with Abu Dhabi airline carrier Etihad and shirt makers Umbro.
A number of City stars are fed up with the Brazilian’s approach to training and poor form in games.
And some have made their feelings known in no uncertain terms. The club’s management now fear the problems could spill over as City’s season lurches towards a mini-crisis.
The £32.5million British record buy from Real Madrid has also raised eyebrows among the Eastlands hierarchy over his attitude on European trips.
While the rest of the team arrive in club suits and ties, Robinho turns up with his shirt hanging out, no tie and wearing trainers.
His fellow Brazilian Elano cut an equally dishevelled figure on the way back from Hamburg last Friday.
Hughes refuses to criticise Robinho in public. But behind the scenes he is becoming increasingly frustrated by both him and Elano.
Robinho had a great first half to the season, scoring 12 goals.
But he has not scored this year and was subbed in seven of his last 12 games before starting Sunday’s 3-1 defeat by Fulham on the bench.
A decent offer could see Robinho and Elano sold in the summer.
Hughes will find himself under even more pressure this week.
Billionaire businessman Sheik Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose Abu Dhabi United Group bought City last summer, is bringing over a large delegation for Thursday’s crunch UEFA Cup return with Hamburg.
Chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak and other directors plan a variety of meetings throughout the day. City’s faltering form means Hughes’ position is certain to be on the agenda.
City are set to announce the richest kit and shirt sponsorship deal in Premier League history next month.
It is believed they have landed a £90m deal with Abu Dhabi airline carrier Etihad and shirt makers Umbro.