Roberto Mancini has challenged Manchester City flop Samir Nasri to take responsibility for his poor form and show some desire.
The midfielder joined from Arsenal in the summer of 2011 for an estimated fee of £25 million, but has not lived up to the price tag.
And the City boss has attacked Nasri’s attitude and hunger to do well at the Etihad Stadium.
“Samir is a top player and a top player should play well in every game,” he said.
“I have spoken about this with him many times. He can do better because he has quality, technique and he’s strong.”
The 25-year-old has, in recent weeks, been linked with a move away from the North West and back to his native France – moneybags Paris Saint Germain are one side who are regularly mentioned.
But Mancini admitted he does not want players who aren’t prepared to take the blame for their poor performances.
“I don’t like players that never think it’s their fault,” said Mancini. “These players can’t play with me.
“I want strong players that are upset with me when they don’t play but after that show me on the pitch that they deserve to play.”
Mancini is not entertaining talk of Nasri’s exit and instead challenging the midfielder to return to form and help City in their title challenge.
Mancini has himself been under increasing pressure, as Manchester United’s Premier League lead – now 15 points – continues to grow.
But the Italian is looking for players like Nasri to earn their high wages and never give less than they should for the club.
“I’m not rude with my players,” added Mancini.
“I say what I think sometimes if I think it could be good for my players to understand they could play better, they can do more.
“It’s important that one player takes responsibility because when you are a top player you earn a lot of money and you should play at 100 per cent always.”
City visit Aston Villa on Monday night, as they look to once again reduce United’s lead to 12 points.
Image courtesy of MCFC, via YouTube, with thanks.
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