MANCHESTER // The Manchester City manager Mark Hughes says he is fully prepared for what is being billed by the English media as the "Abu Dhabi Derby". His Manchester City side, set to be bought in a Shiekh Mansour bin Zayed-led takeover, face Etihad-sponsored Chelsea on Saturday.
And Hughes cannot wait to face one of his former clubs, who are owned by the Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich City were flying British record signing Robinho, who cost £32.5million (Dh209m) from Real Madrid, in a private jet back from Brazil, where he was part of the team who could only draw 0-0 with Bolivia on Wednesday night. He is expected to take part in training tomorrow, but it was thought that he may not be in the team who kick-off against the club he was desperate to join during the summer.
Hughes has nothing but praise for Sheikh Mansour's group, who are finalising the club's takeover. "I suppose people are referring to it as the 'clash of the cash' and that's a bit of fun," he said. "But I have been really pleased with the positive attitude of the people who are coming in to Manchester City. They are really focused on what they want to do. They are the type of people who listen to people with the expertise of what they need and then they make decisions based on that knowledge."
City showed their intent by buying Robinho, but Hughes is wary of speculating about any possible future signings. "I think that you will find that some of the hype that surrounded the initial takeover will be dampened somewhat and then we will move forward in a more considered way," he said. The City of Manchester Stadium encounter is not the only major match in England on Saturday, with champions Manchester United visiting arch-rivals Liverpool.
The Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa is desperate for his team to make amends for last season's 1-0 defeat at home to the champions. "That was a really bad experience," the Spanish full-back said. Meanwhile, West Ham have confirmed the appointment of Gianfranco Zola as their new manager on a three-year deal. Zola said: "I'm delighted to be here. It is a great honour for me." mwalker@thenational.ae