Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has stated that he believes Wayne Bridge should look for a new club, as first team opportunities are not forthcoming at the Etihad Stadium.
The veteran left-back is behind Aleksandar Kolarov and Gael Clichy in the Italian coach’s preferences, and has not made an appearance for the current Premier League leaders this season.
Despite more than likely having to take a pay-cut should he move, Mancini feels the defender would be best to look for a new employer.
“For a player, it should be important to play football,” Mancini told The Telegraph.
“I don’t know why someone would want to stay at one club when they know they cannot play.
“I don’t understand why there are some players who have a good chance to play football, maybe not in the Premier League, but in the Championship, and don’t take it.
“When we are young and start to play football, we don’t play for money. We play because we like football and every player should have this target in mind: play football.
“Wayne is a good guy, but for every player it should be important to play. Wayne has had two or three chances [to go somewhere] in the summer, he had the chance to play for Celtic and this is an important team.
“It’s difficult for a player to stay here every day – then Saturday, no [game].
“When we are here, he trains with us and sometimes he trains with the young players. It’s for this reason he should want to play. To stay here, I don’t think that’s easy,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Mirror Football indicate that Arsenal may be set to make a surprise bid for Bridge in January.
Arsene Wenger has injury concerns in the full-back position and is believed to want to take the ex-England international on loan.
By Gareth McKnight
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