In coordination with this weeks TOTW question - it's certainly worth a discussion about how Manchester City are performing as of late.  The question I really have is - is it too late for Hughes to set things right?

A number of articles int he UK are saying he is fighting against a group of three influential players who are leading a mutiny against him in the dressing room (Jo, Elano & Tal Ben Haim) and based on the way the team played versus Nottingham Forest, it's a battle Hughes appears to be losing.  He's trying to get Ben Haim shipped out in the Santa Cruz deal but Jo and Elano might be tougher - though Elano seems to think Lazio are coming in for him right away.  It's interesting to note that Ben Haim was the first player Hughes brought in when he arrived - but obviously the player is not into the manager's strict style.

This situation also begs the question - if Hughes knew the frailties of his squad when he took over in June, why has it taken him THIS long to address them?  This is essentially his 2nd transfer window (1st with an unlimited budget) - yet the squad still have the same problems as when he came in. 

I gave my answer to the TOTW question on the Monday show - I'd have walked away.  Sure you have an unlimited budget but you are under immense pressure to get results, you have a large portion of the team that essentially hates you (Dunne, Vassell, Robinho also not fans) and a frustrating set of purchases ahead that will be made under inflated pricing based on your ownership's wealth - not to mention media types like me questioning the fact he's now made Wayne Bridge the highest paid defender in England (145k US per week!!).

I used to be of the mind that Hughes was just going to bide his time and wait for Sir Alex to retire and then take his rightful place along the touchline at Old Trafford....Now, I know that won't ever happen.  And at the rate he's going - he could be the next Sam Allardyce.....Lots of promise, but you end up managing a team like Blackburn.....Oh wait...He's done that already....

Your thoughts?