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Blame The Players For Manchester City's Draws - Nigel de Jong

Lay off Mark Hughes, says Dutch midfielder…

Nov 30, 2009 9:47:35 AM

EPL: Vassiriki Diaby - Nigel De Jong, Manchester City - Arsenal (PA)

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EPL: Vassiriki Diaby - Nigel De Jong, Manchester City - Arsenal (PA)

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Nigel De Jong

Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong says that supporters ought to blame the players, not manager Mark Hughes, for the club's record run of seven consecutive draws.

The Citizens were pegged back to 1-1 by Hull City on Saturday at Eastlands, with a Jimmy Bullard penalty robbing the hosts of all three points.

The lack of wins has led to rumours that Hughes's position at the club is under threat, with Guus Hiddink being touted in some reports as a possible successor.

But De Jong insists the finger of blame should be pointed at him and his team-mates, and wants an improvement against Arsenal in the League Cup this week.

"We have to sort it out," the Dutchman told The Manchester Evening News.

"We are frustrated at the way we played, and the way we have played in the last couple of weeks at home. We have to dominate teams here, and that didn't happen.

"We need to pick ourselves up and look forward to the game against Arsenal.

"I would love to give you a reason - if I could give you the reason, we would win all of our games.

"Maybe there is a lack of confidence in some situations. We try to keep our confidence high, especially when we play at home. We are frustrated but have to continue to build for the future, and these kinds of games are always hard to play.

"There are a few factors, but we have to give more in every line of our game – midfield, defence and attack. It's a team thing and we have to work harder and harder to get where we want to be.

"It was disappointing to play at home again and to concede in the 80th minute. It was also the seventh draw, so we don't get any closer to the top four. Now it is up to us to take it on the chin and come out fighting on Wednesday."

Zack Wilson, Goal.com UK

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