Brian Kidd hit back at ex-Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor’s suggestions of in-fighting, as the Blues prepare for Sunday’s trip to face Tottenham Hotspur.
Adebayor – who switched the Etihad Stadium for White Hart Lane last summer, following a season-long loan – took a dig at the City players yesterday.
However, Kidd re-buffed the comments, telling the media things have changed at City since the Togolese international striker left.
“You’ve only got to look at the manager and the group of players we have got,” he said. “They don’t like losing, do they?
“Also, with respect to Ade, he has not been around for the last couple of years, has he?
“The boss has put silverware on the sideboard in that time, so I hope they carry on ‘fighting and arguing’.”
Kidd is expecting a tough test in North London against a Spurs side with serious Champions league aspirations, but a rough patch of form.
And he is confident Andre Villas-Boas’ side can withhold the challenge of Arsenal and Chelsea to finish inside the top four.
“This time last year Harry (Redknapp) got them into the Champions League positions. It was just unfortunate for Spurs, but great for Chelsea that they won the Champions League.
“Harry got them in the top four and I think it’s going to be really tight from now until the end of the season.
“Of course they can get in the top four – it is there to play for definitely.”
Roberto Mancini’s right-hand man also fielded question about next month’s FA Cup final and its controversial late kick-off.
Both sets of fans – City and Wigan Athletic – have raised concerns about getting back to the North West so late in the day, should there be extra time and penalties.
“I don’t know why quarter past five,” Kidd added. I’m a traditionalist – three o’clock Saturday was what it was all about.
“You do feel for both sets of fans. It is an awkward tie.”
As for this weekend, Sergio Aguero and David Silva will be closely monitored, but it is possible neither will recovery from injury in time to line up at Tottenham.
Image courtesy of mcfc.co.uk, with thanks.
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