Petrov unhappy on the bench

Speaking to the Bulgarian paper Dnevnik, Martin Petrov was concerned he may only be used from the bench this season.

“I don’t see City depending too much on me this year, at least from what I have seen from the pre-season friendlies so far. No footballer is content with polishing the bench and I am no exception.”

As to a possible transfer:

“There were several inquiries but no offers as of yet.”

I doubt Hughes would want to let him go as he likes to have wide players who can put in a good cross. However if we play with a single striker then Robinho is ideally suited to playing on the left with his ability to cut inside  and goalscoring threat.

Petrov remains a fantastic option as an out and out winger if we want to play 4-4-2 and he also chips in with a few goals. Hughes wants to have different options as well as quality cover so hopefully he’ll convince Petrov of his importance. The Bulgarian should get plenty of game time this season even if  he doesn’t always start.

One of the big tests this season for Hughes will be his man-management skills in keeping quality players happy when they’re not an automatic choice. This is essential when managing big clubs in the modern game, but didn’t appear to be his forte last season when it came to our Brazilian contingent.