Man City Has No Need For A Destructive Influence

In the words of Sir Elton John, sorry seems to be the hardest word. Yet, Manchester City’s surly striker Carlos Tevez has issued a belated apology to his club, following the much talked about incident in Munich.

The former captain delivered an official apology through City, stating his desire to get back into action and help his side, after three months away from the set-up:

“I wish to apologise sincerely and unreservedly to everybody I have let down and to whom my actions over the last few months have caused offence.

“My wish is to concentrate on playing football for Manchester City football club.”

The apology came after Tevez met with City’s football administrator Brian Marwood, and is believed to have been accepted by boss Roberto Mancini, despite no specific mention of him in the Argentine strikers statement.

The pair have yet to come face-to-face since the forward’s return, but there are rumours that Mancini may be willing to put the whole episode in the past, and welcome back his talented front-man.

This could, however, be a terrible decision on the part of the Italian coach for a series of reasons. Any backing down from Mancini would signal as a victory for Tevez, who would have undermined this manager’s leadership and been welcomed back into the fold. We live in a society that encourages forgiveness, second chances and rehabilitation, but after declaring that Tevez and City were ‘finished’ Mancini’s authority over a squad, possessing more than its fair share of big egos, could be called into question.

With the dressing room at the Etihad believed to be a settled environment with on-field performances reflecting this, the re-entry of Tevez could serve to disrupt the harmony. The striker is definitely not one to hold back with his thoughts, and after letting down his teammates with his refusal to play, he could find himself side-lined by other squad members. This in turn could cause a rift, and the effects of cliques in dressing rooms have been well documented down the years.

The motives behind the apology must also be analysed, after Tevez was so adamant that he wanted no further part at the club. The forward and his representatives have been searching for a team willing to take on the talented yet temperamental striker for a few months now, and as of yet their quest has been unsuccessful. Tevez needs to get playing again to get himself back on the world football radar, and justify his wage demands to potential suitors, who were believed to all be unwilling to meet the suggested figures. As a result City would not have a player fully committed to their cause, instead somebody using the rest of the season as a stepping stone, to manoeuvre an exit to pastures new. One thing the club need during the close of the campaign are players willing to put themselves on the line to press home their points advantage, as rivals Manchester United have the benefit of experience in title run-ins.

Tevez may be an extremely talented footballer, and one many clubs would be willing to welcome home. But, in the case of Manchester City there is just too much bat blood, and the Argentine could prove to be the catalyst for a complete meltdown at the Etihad.