Mancini tells want-away striker Adebayor to focus on his football

(GSM) – Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has told Emmanuel Adebayor to concentrate on his game.

Adebayor has been the subject of transfer speculation after growing frustrated with the lack of first-team opportunities.

The Togolese striker’s frustration showed as he claimed a loan deal was in place for him to join Serie A club Juventus during the January transfer window.

However, City denied the claims while Mancini wants Ade to focus on producing his best form during the 10 matches between now and the end of the festive program.

“They must understand that in a top team, it is impossible to always play,” said Mancini.

“When a player plays, he must do well. That goes for Adebayor, Jo, Mario Balotelli, everyone.

“It is important for all the players to think about their job,”

“For Adebayor, probably this situation can change in January. But it depends. If we lose a striker, we must get another one.

“No player is happy when they don’t play. But between now and when we play Arsenal on January 5 we have 10 games, so all the players will play this month and we need them to concentrate on that.”

Italy striker Mario Balotelli is available for City’s trip to Stoke City on Saturday having served a three-match ban. But Mancini insists the former Internazionale forward is not guaranteed a place in the team’s starting line-up.

“Mario is available but I still have to decide,” he said. “I also have Jo and Adebayor as well so maybe he will be on the bench.”