Kevin Davies doubts City's credentials (From Leigh Journal)

Kevin Davies doubts City's credentials

8:00am Tuesday 9th February 2010 in

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KEVIN Davies has poured scorn on the Manchester City revolution.

The Wanderers captain does not think they are good enough to break into the top four and believes there are question marks over the team spirit at Eastlands.

Davies’ remarks are sure to cause a stir ahead of tonight’s clash with their big-spending neighbours.

City owner Sheikh Mansour has spent more than £200 million on the squad since sweeping into power 18 months ago.

But Davies believes the club are no closer to qualifying for the Champions League.

“I don't think they will be challenging for the top four,” said the Whites talisman. “The top six or eight sides are all great teams and all spending good money, but I think they might miss out this year.”

After winning their first four games under Roberto Mancini, who took over from Mark Hughes in December, City have faltered of late, culminating in Saturday’s lacklustre defeat at struggling Hull City.

And Davies believes the Italian’s honeymoon period is well and truly over.

“When the new gaffer came in, there was a reaction from the players,” said the 32-year-old. “He won the first three or four but obviously it’s settled down a bit.

“Maybe they are not as keen to impress, I don’t know.

“They have some great players, however, and when you have all those superstars it’s hard to get that team spirit; sometimes it’s just playing as individuals.

“But there is no doubt about it, they have got some good players and they are up there challenging for Europe which is where you want to be.”

Davies is still smarting from having his last-minute “winner” disallowed against Fulham in 500th career appearance.

Referee Mark Clattenburg controversially denied Wanderers three points when he penalised the skipper for a push on Brede Hangeland.

But Davies, who claimed the Tyne and Wear official has a personal vendetta against him, insists Bolton must now put the weekend’s disappointment behind them as they look to upset City’s millionaires.

He said: “That game has gone; we got a clean sheet and took a point, although it was a game we thought we should have won.

“But we will take it into the City game and give it a good go.”

Wanderers boss Owen Coyle also insists his side will take the game to the Blues.

He added: “I believe and expect us to go there and get a result.

“If you look at our performances against Arsenal a couple of weeks ago we’ve shown we can go and play the top teams and acquit ourselves well, and that’s what we’ve got to do again.

“Manchester City have some fantastically talented players but they lost on Saturday. We’ll go there and have a real go at it and see where it takes us.

“We are capable of scoring goals and our last two league games at home have been shutouts. If we can do that on the road that will help.”