Just the job, says Hamann

Chris Bailey

November 28, 2008

THE FUTURE'S BRIGHT: Stephen Ireland celebrates with Daniel Sturridge and Shaun Wright-Phillips

DIDI Hamann saluted a job well done for City as they booked their place in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup.

With three teams out of five qualifying from the groups, the Blues are in pole position to top the group after winning their first two matches.

Next up is Paris St Germain at home followed by a trip to Racing Santander, those two sides drew 2-2 in the other game.

Hamann was one of the Blues' best players in the 2-0 win over Schalke and said: "We want to win the group now because that gives us a theoretically easier tie in the knockout stage and means we have the second leg at home which is important."

Manager Mark Hughes admits Hamann's performance last night has given him a selection headache ahead of Sunday's derby with Robinho likely to be fit.

"I will have to see if I have done enough to play on Sunday," said the German international.

"But it is not about individuals, we have a strong squad which means the manager has alternatives. We play as a squad and have to go forward as a squad.

"Every player helped each other last night. We defended together and worked really hard all over the pitch."

Should City play Hamann in the derby? Have your say.

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CTID despite the pain, Isle of Man (28/11/2008 at 10:22)

Providing he is fit after the exertions last night, where Didi was outstanding, I'd certainly have him in the squad.

Whether he should start or come on in the secong half to hopefully help protect a lead, is purely down to MH.

Irrespective of his playing ability, which is still considerable, I rate him for his great European experience gained over many years. His calming influence on the pitch is a huge bonus to a team that is largely inexperienced in European competition.

The Realist SW14 (28/11/2008 at 10:26)

have we had any wins/draws in this season's black & red kit? Is it jinxed ??!!

think we should play in orange away from home for the rest of the season.

telsa73 (28/11/2008 at 10:26)

I think Didi is so important to City this season,but I think europe is his stage,the matches are played at a slower pace which suits him.As for the derby,no I wouldnt play him,the downside of this is I thought Kompany was excellent at centre half last night,I think that is his true position.Mark Hughes is going to have to tinker with the side until he can buy more players in the window.So my team for sunday if players are fit.Hart,Zab,Dunne,Richards,
Garrido{thought Ball was poor last night}SWP,Kompany,Ireland,Sturridge{gotta keep him big future ahead}Robinho and Benji.Lets do em on sunday City and shove Rooneys and Bacon faces words down their throats.Saying they don't see us as a threat,they ain't half doing a lot of talking about us.THE FUTURE IS BLUE.

Dunneymonster (28/11/2008 at 11:08)

The Kaiser. Absolute master. The way he wins free kicks and plays frustrating slow passes for the opposition to tantalisingly chase, but not get, is priceless...he just slows it down, waits that split second longer and then just as they are about to tackle him he'll lay it off, or just use his body to shield the ball for a foul.

Although his legs are going, his football brain is still there for all to see. Form is temporary, class is permanent. He's a very good mentor for the other midfielders at the club.

Kent Blue, Kent (28/11/2008 at 11:12)

Just arrived back from the game. The City performance was orchestrated throughout by Didi Hamann who was incredible.He was matched by Kompany ,Ireland and SWP. The City fans were also fantastic - easily outsinging the 50,000 Schalke fans and spurred on by an idiot German announcer who asked the 'Man U' fans to sit down !!! Roll on Sunday !

Spike,, Whitefield (28/11/2008 at 12:21)

First class performance again.......Shalke must have thought we were Holland in desguise.....Lets make it a hat-trick on Sunday just to finish off a perfect week.......

IMHO...I would start with the team Hughes put out in Germany and play the first half in a euro style which would cause the rags to follow suit......We'd bag a brace..... Then hit them hard and fast in the second half winning the half 1-0 and bringing us another 3-0 home win.....

If that happens me thinks I'll be in a corner, with my head to one side, talking broken biscuits and drooling like a granddad after the Christmas dinner.........

That Stevie Ireland....He's pants he is........ :-))

Might as well give him the bloody POS trophy now.....

Blue Spider, Withington (28/11/2008 at 12:44)

We need to Kaiser to slow things down on Sunday and let us play at a pace we dictate. I'd have the same back four as last night (assuming Garrido's fit). Midfield: Rob, SI, Didi, SWP. Probably have Elano behind the striker and I'd start with Studge up front.

If Didi doesn't last the 90, stick VK in the holding role and bring Zab on (move Richards central).

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