City reap benefit of Mancini magic: assistant manager

Roberto Mancini?s work during his first year at Manchester City was praised following the victory over West Ham that put his team back in the race for the English Premier League title.

Defeating West Ham meant Mancini’s side moved level on points with leaders Arsenal before the rest of the top five played over the weekend.

“I think the work the manager has put in is absolutely fantastic,” said assistant manager Brian Kidd after the 3-1 win.

“It?s a pleasure to see him work, Monday to Friday his work ethic is fantastic and his passion and desire is first class.

“It doesn?t come overnight but the work we?ve put in this season and last is starting to show. I think the club are very lucky to have him as manager. He is a winner.”

Mancini’s methods have been in the spotlight, with players reported to be unhappy with his training regime.

“There hasn?t been a resistance, he?s been focused on what it takes,” Kidd countered. “He’s been successful so it was a little bit disrespectful. He’s come over and he?s been like a duck to water.”

City have hardly looked like potential champions this season but they remain in touch with the teams at the top.

“You don’t win anything in December but if we are in the shake-up come March or April we can start thinking about it,” Kidd added.

“People have said about the fixtures coming up (being easier) but you have to make sure you win your games.”

Yaya Toure opened the scoring against the Premier League?s bottom club, then he made the second goal as his shot hit the post and went in off Robert Green.

Adam Johnson added a third before James Tomkins pulled a goal back for the hosts.

The only negative aspect of the win was Mario Balotelli storming down the tunnel after being substituted, with Hammers fans chanting “what a waste of money.”

“He’s a young player and a great kid. He works so hard in the training and you?re going to be under the microscope in the Premier League,” Kidd said.

“He’ll grow into it with our assistance. We?re happy with what we have because the boy is a talent.”

West Ham manager Avram Grant believes City are potential title winners.

“They could be champions, for sure,” he said.

“There is a big balance between the quality players, they weren?t in the game then they can score a goal. They are also very physical. I?m sure they can go on to win.”

The Hammers remain bottom but Grant added: “When we are not in the middle of the season there is time to turn it, but we do not like where we are. I don?t know how many points we will need but we can win two out of the next three games.”

Grant expects to add players to his squad when the January transfer window opens, depending on which of his players are fit.

“It depends on injuries. We need to see if some players can play. We need to be stronger. It depends on the players and how long-term their injuries are.

“For the moment we are thinking about two or three positions. First we have games this month. We are not in the middle of the season yet,” he said.