No complaints from Hughes

Manager accepts that City have a long way to go

Last updated: 14th September 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

No complaints from Hughes

Hughes: Praise for Chelsea

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Mark Hughes acknowledged that Manchester City still have a long way to go after the 3-1 defeat to Chelsea.

City have been tipped to become a major force in English football following the takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group earlier this month and subsequent arrival of Robinho for a British record transfer fee.

But despite a goal for Robinho on debut, City were outplayed by Chelsea as Ricardo Carvalho, Frank Lampard and Nicolas Anelka all struck for Luiz Felipe Scolari's side.

Hughes admits that it was a fair result and feels the hysteria that has built up in recent weeks may now start to die down.

He explained: "It wasn't a reality check from our point of view. We are still very early in our development as a squad and a team.

"We realise we are still young in time terms, but some people have got a little bit ahead of themselves and a little bit hysterical. We know the level we are at.

"Chelsea were excellent in the second half. They set traps for you.

"In the end, it was a fair result, we have no qualms about that."

Robinho praise

Hughes could have left Robinho out of his starting line-up after a busy week of World Cup qualifiers in South America, but he feels the Brazilian will benefit from facing Chelsea.

"Robinho was excellent," he said. "I was pleased with his overall performance.

"He showed in glimpses what he can produce and he also has an excellent work ethic, which a lot of people don't realise.

"It was difficult because he has just come off a flight from Brazil and he has played a lot of football.

"But I felt it was important he was exposed to what the Premier League is about. He will be better for it."