The People:
ARJEN ROBBEN has warned Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour that his money won’t guarantee success – but sticking with manager Roberto Mancini will.
The Dutchman, whose Bayern Munich side host City in the Champions League on Tuesday, was part of the Roman Abramovich revolution at Chelsea.
In the four years since he left Stamford Bridge, he has watched the Russian oligarch sack four different managers.
Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Carlo Ancelotti have all been dismissed by Abramovich – and the winger is adamant that regularly wielding the axe on managers only serves to hinder the pursuit of top prizes.
He said: “The similar aspect between City and Chelsea is the financial investment.
“Abramovich entered with a show of force and now the Arabs have repeated that at City.
Money
“But money doesn’t guarantee victory and City need to be patient with their coach for this new project of theirs.
“Last season they won the FA Cup, but there can be any number of unforeseen dangers in a season and particularly in a debut season in the Champions League.
“It is working through these dangers which will make the squad stronger.”
City’s first outing in the Champions League ended in a 2-2 draw with Napoli at the Etihad Stadium and Robben is adamant that their trip to Munich this week will provide an even tougher challenge.
Mancini’s team have undoubtedly been given the toughest Champions League group of all four English teams – Villarreal make up the fourth team in Group A.
And Robben added: “City are Champions League rookies and that could be a problem for them.
“After the game with Napoli comes this game with Munich, it is huge pressure for them, and this week will be key to finding out how far their squad can go.”
Say no more........basic facts