Hughes - No Robinho rift

Boss also rejects transfer rumours

Last updated: 2nd December 2008

Mark Hughes Manchester City

Hughes: Unfazed

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Manchester City boss Mark Hughes says he has no problems with Robinho's comments that the club has a small-time mentality.

Robinho claimed in an interview that City do not have the winning mentality to challenge for honours at the highest level.

Hughes believes the comments have been taken out of context and no disciplinary action will be taken against City's record signing.

"I view this as a different matter because people have jumped on certain statements," said Hughes.

Out of context

"They are trying to emphasise the negative part of it. I think it is a phrase from Robinho that has been taken out of context and it should be viewed as it was given at the time.

"Some of the comments were taken in isolation and sound a little bit damning. But when you see the full interview and the tone in which it was given, I don't think people should place much emphasis on it.

"When you see the interview, it is done with a smile on his face. It is done with tongue in cheek as well.

"What he's talking about is that a winning mentality has to be learned and you have to understand what it takes to win games, week in, week out. All clubs aspire to that and we are no different in that respect."

Hughes also played down suggestions that Robinho had been giving him transfer advice.

Denial
Reports emanating from South America have claimed that Robinho has recommended Fluminense centre-half Thiago Silva and Santos full-back Kleber to Hughes.

However, Hughes has shrugged off the reports saying too much should not be read into them.

"No, once again you have to understand [the interview] was done tongue in cheek," added Hughes. "He likes to surround himself with his friends as we know, but I don't think you should place too much significance on that."