Juggling act will test City chief

HAVING splashed the cash, Manchester City kick off their most eagerly-anticipated season in decades at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday lunchtime.

The eyes of the world are on the Eastlands outfit like never before after a second successive summer spending spree.

Yaya Toure, David Silva, Jerome Boateng and Aleksandar Kolarov are already on board, with Aston Villa’s James Milner and Mario Balotelli of Inter Milan thought to be on their way.

And boss Roberto Mancini admits he faces the ultimate juggling act to keep so many top players in line.

He said: “At this moment it is easy, but from Saturday onwards it is going to be difficult to keep them happy, especially now we have bought four fantastic players.

“We are playing in four competitions this year. Obviously, it’s not easy putting so many new players into the side, but we must work together quickly because we want to start the season well.”

The Italian believes his charges can challenge for the title.

He added: “I always start out for a win, I don’t start out to arrive in second or third position. I think we can definitely win something this year.”

With Premier League clubs required to register a squad of 25, Mancini admitted some players are going to have to look for a new club in the coming weeks.

Roque Santa Cruz, Craig Bellamy and Robinho are three of the men constantly linked with moves elsewhere.

“We are moving closer to helping players leave the club. I have to speak to Roque about his situation,” said Mancini.

“Craig has worked hard throughout pre-season. He is another on which I will have to decide.

“Robinho comes back here after he has completed international duty with Brazil. I need to sit down with him when he returns.

“He never had a problem with me. He was unhappy as he needed regular football before the World Cup.”

One player who won’t be leaving according to the manager is Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

The target man, who has been handed the number nine shirt this season, was linked with a move to Juventus in the wake of the Balotelli rumours, but his boss insisted the reports are not true.

Should Balotelli join his fellow countryman at Eastlands, Mancini is confident of being able to handle his somewhat infamous temperament.

“I work with Bellamy and Carlos Tevez so it wouldn’t be a problem!” he joked.

Yaya Toure, who has joined brother and club captain Kolo at City after leaving Barcelona, is excited by the challenge ahead.

He said: “I am delighted to be here. I can help the club to become great which is a very good feeling.”

And Silva, who moved from Valencia, is determined to end the Blues’ long wait for trophies.

He said: “It would be nice for me to do my little bit along with everyone else to help this club win something.”