Man City boss Hughes warns Tevez of future supersub role

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has hinted he sees Carlos Tevez as a supersub.

After another draw at Liverpool, Hughes has his hands full trying to keep everyone happy, from owners who want a return on their investment to players who struggle with the concept of squad utilisation.

Six straight draws suggest the first part could be going better, while saluting Tevez’s qualities as a substitute will do little for the second.

It wasn’t what the 25-year-old had in mind when he moved, but he may have to get used to it after going on in the second half and sparking a revival that almost left Rafa Benitez having to explain a sixth Barclays Premier League defeat of the season.

"Carlos has had a bit of a problem with his knee, but not starting him was a tactical thing," declared Hughes. "You are not going to go gung-ho at Anfield because the likelihood is you will concede goals.

"Once we went behind it was time to introduce him. It was always my intention to bring him on at some point, because of the impact he can have from the bench. He got us into a winning position which we didn’t see through.

"He won’t play every game, as a lot of others won’t, because we have a good squad. It has been frustrating for him."

More media pressure for Man City after Tevez revelation

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has been handed a new media headache through Carlos Tevez.

Tevez's admission yesterday that he may quit after the 2010 World Cup is sure to bring more media pressure on Eastlands.

The Times says with City already having to contend with intense speculation about the future of another high-profile South American, Robinho, the Brazil forward, the last thing they will want now are questions about how long Tevez will be at the club.

It certainly represents another unwelcome distraction for Hughes, the manager, who was returning with the squad today from Abu Dhabi, where they have spent the week on a winter training camp, and raises questions about the club’s ability to keep their big names happy.