LONDON (DF) -- After snatching a vital point from a disappointing Manchester City side, Fulham boss Mark Hughes went on the offensive against the club which replaced him as manager nearly 15 months ago, suggesting that if he were still in charge, City would have cruised to a 6-0 victory.
In a game where clear cut chances were at a premium, Damien Duff's second half goal canceled out Mario Balotelli's excellent strike from distance to give Fulham a deserved draw at Eastlands. Balotelli's moment of brilliance proved to be City's lone attacking highlight, with the home side often struggling for cohesion up front.
"There was no inspiration," said Liam Murphy, a former City trainee who now follows City with the Manchester Evening News. "It's something fans have been criticizing Mancini for since he took the job. The build up play is slow and predictable. No one was criticizing Hughes for that when he was in charge. Games were exciting-- play was pacey and quick. Now we're watching Serie A."
In his post-match interview, Hughes admitted he was disappointed with a draw, feeling Fulham were the better team on the day. He also turned up the heat in his rivalry with Roberto Mancini by taking a swipe at the Italian's languid tactics.
"We played really well today and I'm a bit disappointed to be perfectly honest because I thought we looked the more likely team to score. Tactically, I'm light years ahead of the Man City manager. If I had had that sort of talent at my disposal when I was in charge, I'm sure City would have won 6-0 today."
A Fulham spokesperson later clarified the Welshman's fiery comments, insisting Hughes has every right to defend his tenure as City boss. "It's not out of the ordinary for former managers to discuss what they would have done in a match involving their old clubs-- especially when they have the attention of the television cameras."
"Obviously, there's a bit of acrimoniousness still leftover from 15 months ago, but that's to be expected," continued the spokesperson. "Mark wanted to be part of City's rebuilding project and he had the rug taken out from under him. He still feels he's the best man for the job."
"If his verbal volley hits Roberto upside the head on the way to the Eastlands directors' box, then so be it."
