Manchester City seek to prove credentials in UEFA Cup
Thursday, 9 April 2009
PARIS, Apr 8 (AFP): Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha says medals and not money will tempt new recruits to the big-spending club, ahead of their UEFA Cup quarter-final first leg at Hamburg.
City's take-over by the hugely wealthy Abu Dhabi United Group in September thrust the club into the spotlight and after an indifferent start they are now beginning to climb the Premier League table.
Such is the club's financial strength that rumours are already beginning to circulate about who they will sign in the summer, but England Under-21 captain Onuoha feels the UEFA Cup trophy is more likely to lure big names than the promise of a juicy contract.
"That would definitely mean more than the money," Onuoha said. "There is so much potential here now and the chance to be able to afford better players. But they will come because they see the club is moving in the right direction."
City's form has been patchy all season - they have managed consecutive league victories on just two occasions - and much has been made of the performances of 32.5million-pound record signing Robinho, who hasn't scored since the end of December.
The Brazilian has been playing with a sexual assault charge hanging over his head, but after that was dropped Monday and City skipper Richard Dunne backed the fleet-footed winger to rediscover his best form.
"It was an awful thing to be accused of and it would affect any man in that situation," Dunne said.
"He's got a young family and they are his main concern so hopefully that has lifted a bit of weight off his shoulders and he can start playing with a smile on his face again and showing what he can do."
City's take-over by the hugely wealthy Abu Dhabi United Group in September thrust the club into the spotlight and after an indifferent start they are now beginning to climb the Premier League table.
Such is the club's financial strength that rumours are already beginning to circulate about who they will sign in the summer, but England Under-21 captain Onuoha feels the UEFA Cup trophy is more likely to lure big names than the promise of a juicy contract.
"That would definitely mean more than the money," Onuoha said. "There is so much potential here now and the chance to be able to afford better players. But they will come because they see the club is moving in the right direction."
City's form has been patchy all season - they have managed consecutive league victories on just two occasions - and much has been made of the performances of 32.5million-pound record signing Robinho, who hasn't scored since the end of December.
The Brazilian has been playing with a sexual assault charge hanging over his head, but after that was dropped Monday and City skipper Richard Dunne backed the fleet-footed winger to rediscover his best form.
"It was an awful thing to be accused of and it would affect any man in that situation," Dunne said.
"He's got a young family and they are his main concern so hopefully that has lifted a bit of weight off his shoulders and he can start playing with a smile on his face again and showing what he can do."