twinkletoes
Well-Known Member
Manchester City manager Mark Hughes is counting down the days to the January transfer window.
The Eastlands outfit - financed by billionaire owners the Abu Dhabi United Group - have been connected with a host of big-money signings in the New Year.
AC Milan's Kaka, Valencia's David Villa and Real Madrid's Iker Casillias have all been mentioned and Hughes has repeatedly stressed his desire to reinforce the quality of his squad.
And with two weeks to go until the transfer window reopens, the former Blackburn boss - who moved to City in June - admits he is 'looking forward' to the opportunity to wield his chequebook.
"We need to improve the quality we have and we are looking forward to it," Hughes told Sky Sports News ahead of Thursday's trip to Racing Santander in the Uefa Cup.
Pressure
"We are in a position where we can go into the market. It is important that we do that."
Hughes has also thanked the City hierarchy for recent public backing following speculation that the Welshman was under pressure due to a run of one win in nine matches.
"I've had fantastic support," added Hughes. "They know it is a case of little by little and that we are not going to become an outstanding team over night.
"What we have to do is build a side, add to the qualities we already have, and make sure we are consistent."
Meanwhile, Hughes admits he is saddened by the plight of ex-club Blackburn, who relieved manager Paul Ince of his duties on Tuesday.
Shrewd
But Hughes, who played with Ince at Manchester United, is confident Blackburn chairman John Williams will select an appropriate successor.
"I'm sorry for Blackburn and for Paul, obviously, because he is an ex-team-mate," Hughes said.
"It is not easy when it happens. John Williams is a very shrewd chairman and if he feels it is right for the club, that is the decision he has made.
"I'm sure his next appointment will be one that he hopes will get them out of the situation the club is in."
The Eastlands outfit - financed by billionaire owners the Abu Dhabi United Group - have been connected with a host of big-money signings in the New Year.
AC Milan's Kaka, Valencia's David Villa and Real Madrid's Iker Casillias have all been mentioned and Hughes has repeatedly stressed his desire to reinforce the quality of his squad.
And with two weeks to go until the transfer window reopens, the former Blackburn boss - who moved to City in June - admits he is 'looking forward' to the opportunity to wield his chequebook.
"We need to improve the quality we have and we are looking forward to it," Hughes told Sky Sports News ahead of Thursday's trip to Racing Santander in the Uefa Cup.
Pressure
"We are in a position where we can go into the market. It is important that we do that."
Hughes has also thanked the City hierarchy for recent public backing following speculation that the Welshman was under pressure due to a run of one win in nine matches.
"I've had fantastic support," added Hughes. "They know it is a case of little by little and that we are not going to become an outstanding team over night.
"What we have to do is build a side, add to the qualities we already have, and make sure we are consistent."
Meanwhile, Hughes admits he is saddened by the plight of ex-club Blackburn, who relieved manager Paul Ince of his duties on Tuesday.
Shrewd
But Hughes, who played with Ince at Manchester United, is confident Blackburn chairman John Williams will select an appropriate successor.
"I'm sorry for Blackburn and for Paul, obviously, because he is an ex-team-mate," Hughes said.
"It is not easy when it happens. John Williams is a very shrewd chairman and if he feels it is right for the club, that is the decision he has made.
"I'm sure his next appointment will be one that he hopes will get them out of the situation the club is in."