Manchester City in Need of a Change

The Eastlanders are a funny team to behold.

Look at some of the talent the club has on display: Elano, Robinho, Ireland, Richards, Evans, Hart, Zabaleta, and you would think that a team comprised of these regulars with a solid crop of youth from their development system would make Manchester City a contender for the top four.

Look at the current table, and you'll be amazed to see where this team lies. It makes the average fan wonder why, and more importantly how, such a talented club cannot muster the sort of strength and success that is warranted in the Premiership.

To many, Manchester City's lack of consistency is attributed to the coach, Mark Hughes.

I have to say that I agree and disagree.

Agree because Hughes is not doing enough with the talent he has on display, and that he has the team playing a more familiar brand of football that is not hard to penetrate or snuff out.

Disagree because Hughes is a quality coach, but unfortunately doesn't have the same pedigree as Big Phil, the Special One, Fergie, Arsene, or even Guus Hiddink.

So much for deja vu.

It wasn't the current owners who hired Hughes. They've made numerous suggestions that Mark Hughes' job is safe for the time being, and that they're willing to give him time.

So, as a Manchester United supporter, and someone who personally would want nothing more than to see both City and United go at it for the league title every season, this Eastlanders team has to measure themselves up to a higher standard.

Or they'll just be known as another team that was nothing more than a tease...a fact City fans have had to suffer with for so long.