Petrov likely to remain at City – agent

Speaking to Sport, Martin Petrov’s agent played down talk of the Bulgarian leaving City during this transfer window.

When asked if he thought Petrov would be leaving, Wolfgang Voege said:

“No, I think he will stay will Manchester City. We have had a few calls from German clubs regarding him, but nothing concrete.

“We will see maybe in the January [transfer window] how he is going. But, as you know the next ten days in football are interesting. However, I think he will stay with City.”

He also denied Harry Redknapp had been in touch when asked. It appears City weren’t anticipating Petrov’s comments and presumably Hughes wasn’t impressed, especially as we’ve nursed him back to fitness following his injury with the Bulgarian national team.

This sounds like the agent backtracking on behalf on his client, though naturally not wishing to rule out the idea of a transfer at some point.

With the number of new forwards at City, it is far from clear how things will pan out in the coming months and it wouldn’t make sense for Hughes to start letting go of players who could well be required.  Petrov certainly comes into this category

As arguably our most dangerous crosser I’m sure Hughes has considered the idea of him as a supply line for Santa Cruz and Adebayor. He’s also versatile enough to switch flanks during a game, as is Robinho who can also play as a second striker. Therefore the presence of the Brazilian doesn’t preclude Petrov from first team action.

There’s a second reason why it could make sense for Petrov and his agent to wait till January. Given he missed virtually the whole of last season with injury, potential buyers might like to see him play a few games before committing themselves to paying a large wage for a thirty year old with a history of knee problems.


Petrov unhappy on the bench

Speaking to the Bulgarian paper Dnevnik, Martin Petrov was concerned he may only be used from the bench this season.

“I don’t see City depending too much on me this year, at least from what I have seen from the pre-season friendlies so far. No footballer is content with polishing the bench and I am no exception.”

As to a possible transfer:

“There were several inquiries but no offers as of yet.”

I doubt Hughes would want to let him go as he likes to have wide players who can put in a good cross. However if we play with a single striker then Robinho is ideally suited to playing on the left with his ability to cut inside  and goalscoring threat.

Petrov remains a fantastic option as an out and out winger if we want to play 4-4-2 and he also chips in with a few goals. Hughes wants to have different options as well as quality cover so hopefully he’ll convince Petrov of his importance. The Bulgarian should get plenty of game time this season even if  he doesn’t always start.

One of the big tests this season for Hughes will be his man-management skills in keeping quality players happy when they’re not an automatic choice. This is essential when managing big clubs in the modern game, but didn’t appear to be his forte last season when it came to our Brazilian contingent.