MANCHESTER // While the image of dilettante footballers persists, an arduous week can be an enjoyable week. The sequence of Chelsea, Juventus and now Newcastle United makes this the most demanding chapter of Manchester City's season to date, but Kolo Toure's were the words of a workaholic.
For the 29-year-old, it renders it the most pleasing period of the campaign. Roberto Mancini's belief that perspiration will bring inspiration is echoed by the Ivorian, who believes that industry is essential to any success.
"I can play a game every day," the former City captain said. "I play my football and I love what I am doing. When I am on the pitch, it is not like I am tired."
Mancini's policy of implementing double training sessions in the same day has not met with universal approval. His belief that some of the players he inherited looked forward to their day off rather too much has been contentious. At a club where there is an understandable focus on transfer fees and pay slips, he wants proof of commitment.
Toure, however, is an advocate of the Italian's approach. "I wouldn't enjoy the time off. I can work every single day and it is no problem," he added. "I am so happy because I think have a good job. We are really lucky to be footballers." Mancini's quest for a winning mentality is ongoing. For Toure, a member of Arsenal's "Invincibles" in 2004, it begins at the club's Carrington training ground. He is seeing similarities with life under Arsene Wenger.
"Every training session was so harsh. After that, when you go to play a game, I think it was much, much easier," he said. "Everybody wanted to be in the team and you had to fight for every single ball. I think that's what we are getting at City now." Put it in the context of the journey from his hometown Bouake, in war-torn Ivory Coast, to millionaire status in Manchester and extra training is no great hardship, as the centre-back realises.
"You need to make sure you are in your best condition and you impress in training to be chosen and that's really, really difficult," Toure said. "There is a lot of fight and a lot of competition for places and that will make a difference." Recently, admittedly, there has been less competition at the back. One of the few defenders at Eastlands who has remained fit in a testing time, Toure is guaranteed a third start in eight days today.
Pablo Zabaleta is the latest withdrawal from today's game, though Micah Richards or Joleon Lescott may be fit to return. Not that there are complaints from Toure about the workload. As he acknowledges, there is a time for footballers to rest: when they are retired.
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