Hamann ready for fight

Veteran midfielder wants to play his part

Last updated: 18th July 2008

Didi Hamann Man City Uefa celeb

Hamann: Hoping for big role

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Dietmar Hamann insists that he can still play a major part for Manchester City next season.

The 35-year-old midfielder scored the winner in City's opening game of the season as they defeated EB/Streymur 2-0 in the Uefa Cup on Thursday.

Hamann admits he has a battle on his hand to convince new manager Mark Hughes that he is a valuable member of the squad.

"I know that I have to prove to the new manager Mark Hughes that I am still worth my place," he said.

"I am happy to work for Mark. He has only been here a few weeks and he has impressed everyone.

"I am looking forward to the new season just like always. Maybe he will sign a few more players before the start of the season, but that does not bother me.

"I am looking forward to the challenge and I am always here to fight for my place.

"I still think I have got a lot to offer."

New faces

Hamann is unconcerned by the prospect of any new faces that could arrive at the club this summer.

"If the manager wants to buy a new player, that is up to him. He needs to know what he wants for the team and that does not bother me," he continued.

"Obviously a few names have been linked but I just take it as it comes. We have been training for two weeks and I have other things to worry about than new players coming to the club.

"I have only worked with the new manager for a couple of weeks but the intensity has been very high. He is always asking the players and the staff to do things right and correctly.

"We have been training very hard and we will only see the difference from last season later on.

"When you played against Mark Hughes' sides at Blackburn it was always a very physical and they were a tough side to break down.

"Probably he will try to do the same here. Maybe at times last season we were found a little short. But we played some very good football, especially in the first half of the season.

"I was satisfied with a good season last time. It did fall apart in the last few weeks, but overall it has been good and we are obviously looking for an improvement on that."