Samir Nasri Can Use International Duty to Improve His Form

There were a few poor performers in the Manchester City squad last season. After playing some fabulous football en route to the title in 2011-12, they suddenly became disjointed and one-dimensional, culminating in an embarrassing cup final defeat and the sacking of Roberto Mancini.

Samir Nasri was high up the list of worst offenders. He was constantly on the periphery of matches, rarely having an impact, and sometimes looking distinctly uninterested. He lost the respect of countless City supporters, particularly after his embarrassing flinch in the wall during the 3-2 derby defeat at the Etihad, and will have to work hard to win them round.

Mancini didn’t hold back in his criticism of the player, saying he wanted to “punch” him for his inconsistency throughout the season. Mancini’s turn of phrase may have been ill-advised, but the sentiment was understandable given the discrepancy between Nasri’s talent and his performances.

Nasri hit back, claiming Mancini had shown “bad faith” with his comments. It was clear their relationship was strained and, much like Edin Dzeko, Nasri will be relieved the Italian has left the building.

Rarely has a new season brought so much hope to one player. Hope that he can regain the form he showed in his last season for Arsenal, where he was absolutely outstanding. Hope that the new manager respects him and finds a role in the side that suits him. And hope that he can win over the supporters who deserted him in droves.

This week, Nasri is back in the international fold for the friendly with Belgium after a year away due to his loss of form. France coach, Didier Deschamps, has been keen to praise Nasri’s ability to operate in a number of attacking positions, saying:

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His skills can be as useful to the French national team as they are to his team, Manchester City. He's able to play from different positions. He's not exactly a midfielder. He can play on the right, on the left, or in the hole.

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They’re the kind of comments you feel Nasri needs right now: a respected manager showing belief in what he has to offer. This international friendly gives Nasri a real opportunity to enjoy himself and play with freedom, under less scrutiny than he was under last season at City, before returning back to Manchester where the hardwork of winning the Premier League begins.

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2013-14 season. Follow him on Twitter here @TypicalCity