Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland has blamed former
boss Mark Hughes for his loss of form this season.
The 23-year-old was named as City's player of the year for
2008-09 but, following the arrival of Carlos Tevez as a deep-lying
striker this season, Hughes moved the Republic of Ireland
international into unfamiliar positions, and he admits that the
tinkering took its toll.
City slicker: Stephen Ireland has praised the job
done by Roberto Mancini since his arrival in December
'The last six months under Mark Hughes was very frustrating for
me,' says Ireland. 'I was being played out of position. Maybe as a
holding midfielder, left wing, right wing. It is not me.
'You have to adjust and think 'I have to do it' but if you want
the best out of me you have to play me in my best position. Then I
can be myself because the chains are off.'
Mark of frustration: Ireland admits he was
disappointed by Hughes' decision to change his position this
season
Under new manager Roberto Mancini, Ireland has been given the
opportunity to revert to his favoured attacking midfield role, and
he is full of praise for the job carried out by the Italian since
he replaced Hughes in December.
'It is difficult for anyone to come into a club, turn it round
and get it going their way' said Ireland.
'The manager is doing different things but he has done a really
positive job so far. We are still scoring goals but we have not
conceded as many and are working hard.'
Ireland's displays are believed to have caught the eye of
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson but, for now, the
midfielder remains loyal to City, a club he feels welded
into despite his roots on the other side of the Irish Sea.
I have really worked hard over the last two years to build up my
relationship with the fans,' he said.
'Even when I was doing a signing session a few months ago I
ended up staying for over three hours. It comes naturally to me.
Even though I came over from Ireland, the fans still regard me as
one of them. I am very grateful for that.'