Tevez saga boils over at the Allianz Arena

To add to his side’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich last night; Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini has a fresh dilemma to deal with. Carlos Tevez, who expressed his desire to leave Manchester in the summer, allegedly refused to come on against Bayern at the Allianz Arena. This apparent disregard for his manager’s authority has prompted widespread criticism for the Argentine striker, lowering an already tarnished public perception.

Let’s be honest, most of us didn’t have much time for Carlos in the first place. Widely regarded as one of the mercenaries of the game; Tevez has only made matters worse. The Argentine made his feelings heard during the transfer window, continually requesting a move away from the Etihad Stadium. Tevez has also spoke out against the city of Manchester in the past, describing it as “small, wet and boring.”

Not exactly the type of press that will endear you to your side’s supporters. Not that Tevez probably minded at the time of the interview, he assumed a suitably big club would swoop in and rescue him from his City nightmare. No such deal was struck, and Tevez has laboured on the City bench this term. Now back to the offence in question, Tevez’s refusal to play any role in his side’s 2-0 loss to Bayern last night. There is a growing culture of disrespect towards Mancini in the City camp, stemming from influential figures like Tevez and City’s resident bad-boy, Mario Balotelli.

Edin Dzeko, thoroughly ineffective in last night’s defeat, also displayed some petulance when substituted. Mancini must stamp this out, and put Tevez in the stands until someone will take him off City’s hands. When a player earns in excess of £200,000 per week, you expect said player to fulfil his duty as a footballer, and lace up his boots and play. Your obligation as a player is to get up and play, almost as an act of piety towards your club. Tevez professed his innocence: “There was some confusion on the bench and I believe my position may have been misunderstood.”

Regardless of Tevez’s remarks today, there was 35 minutes remaining in the match last night, enough time to make an impression on the game. And when you refuse to play, you cross a line. Enjoy your time in the stands Carlos, good luck with your next club. Or not.