Hughes - Squad nearly there

Hughes: Expectations more realistic

Now we are getting closer to what we need to be to be able to challenge.

Hughes on City squad
Quotes of the week

Related links

Teams

• Manchester City

Also see

• Transfer Centre
• Clockwatch
• Papers
• Your View
• Betting

Mark Hughes says his Manchester City squad were not good enough to compete last season and that his summer additions have helped address the balance.

The Eastlands outfit have been busy in the transfer market since the season ended after striking deals with Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers for Gareth Barry and Roque Santa Cruz respectively.

Although City splashed out on the likes of Robinho following their takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group, headed by Sheikh Mansour, Hughes felt quality was still lacking.

City were largely unable to live up to lofty expectations last season, but Hughes now believes they are more equipped to fulfil their potential and challenge for honours.

Perceptions

"People's perceptions about us will be accurate this year," explained Hughes.

"If we can get the players we are hoping for we will have more tools to do the job. We didn't have that last year.

"Now we are getting closer to what we need to be to be able to challenge."

City are being linked with the likes of Samuel Eto'o, Carlos Tevez and Joleon Lescott, but despite a wealth of riches at his fingertips Hughes says not every player is attainable.

Disappointments

"We might not be able to get all the players we need during this transfer window," he continued. "There may be others we need to negotiate in.

"But leading into the new season I fully expect us to be in better shape and be better prepared than we were last year when expectations were the same as they will be this time.

"Last year we couldn't fulfil them. This year I anticipate we will."