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Wayne Bridge is the best left-back in England - Roberto Mancini
Manchester City boss backs troubled defender...
5 Feb 2010 14:00:00
By Niall McGlone
England manager Fabio Capello still considers Wayne Bridge as an integral part of his plans for the 2010 World Cup, according to The Sun.
The future of the Manchester City full-back with regard to international duties was thrown into uncertainty following revelations concerning John Terry's alleged affair with Bridge's former partner, Vanessa Perroncel.
However, it is claimed that Capello has no intention of axing the Citizen, as his importance in providing cover for Ashley Cole is the need of the hour as football's showpiece event looms large.
In the meantime, Eastlands boss Roberto Mancini has revealed that Capello's assistant, Franco Baldini, has already got in touch concerning Bridge's mental and physical condition.
"I spoke with Baldini on Monday morning," Mancini is quoted as saying.
"He asked me about Wayne and I told him that he is training every day. I said it's not a good moment in his head but it's not a problem on the training ground.
"For me, it's important he should play now and not think about the other person.
"Wayne is very important for us. He plays in the national team and he's the best left-back in England and the Premier League - and that's the most important thing for me and the other players.
"I spoke with Wayne two days ago, three days ago and on Wednesday - and he wants to play on Saturday [against Hull City] and I think he can play. I am convinced.
"For me he's liking this moment because he can play football again. He can think on the pitch, he can think about the Premier League and not think about the other situation."
Despitehis involvement with the situation in both a club and international sense, 'Mancio' decided to keep mum as to whether Bridge has any plans of returning to the England fold.
"I don't know about that - but I think he can play on Saturday," added the Italian.
"He has been working with us for 10 days after his injury. He is still good on the pitch where he is working very well and, for me, that is what is important.
"For me, other things are not important. That is his private life. All I know is that he is a fantastic man and a fantastic player."
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The future of the Manchester City full-back with regard to international duties was thrown into uncertainty following revelations concerning John Terry's alleged affair with Bridge's former partner, Vanessa Perroncel.
However, it is claimed that Capello has no intention of axing the Citizen, as his importance in providing cover for Ashley Cole is the need of the hour as football's showpiece event looms large.
In the meantime, Eastlands boss Roberto Mancini has revealed that Capello's assistant, Franco Baldini, has already got in touch concerning Bridge's mental and physical condition.
"I spoke with Baldini on Monday morning," Mancini is quoted as saying.
"He asked me about Wayne and I told him that he is training every day. I said it's not a good moment in his head but it's not a problem on the training ground.
"For me, it's important he should play now and not think about the other person.
"Wayne is very important for us. He plays in the national team and he's the best left-back in England and the Premier League - and that's the most important thing for me and the other players.
"I spoke with Wayne two days ago, three days ago and on Wednesday - and he wants to play on Saturday [against Hull City] and I think he can play. I am convinced.
"For me he's liking this moment because he can play football again. He can think on the pitch, he can think about the Premier League and not think about the other situation."
Despitehis involvement with the situation in both a club and international sense, 'Mancio' decided to keep mum as to whether Bridge has any plans of returning to the England fold.
"I don't know about that - but I think he can play on Saturday," added the Italian.
"He has been working with us for 10 days after his injury. He is still good on the pitch where he is working very well and, for me, that is what is important.
"For me, other things are not important. That is his private life. All I know is that he is a fantastic man and a fantastic player."
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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