MANCHESTER MEN GO INTO CRUISE CONTROL DURING ONE-SIDED ENCOUNTER AGAINST Schalke

Hughes full of praise as City make the last 32

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Mark Hughes hailed Manchester City’s excellent night after their 2-0 Uefa Cup victory at Schalke. Benjani and Stephen Ireland scored a goal in each half as City cruised to a one-sided win.

With three teams qualifying from each group City are now guaranteed a place in the last 32 following Paris St Germain’s 2-2 draw with Racing Santander last night.

Hughes was full of praise for a strong team effort.

“I am very happy,” he stated “This week was a great week. We beat Arsenal comprehensively and we came here knowing it was a very difficult game on paper.

“But we coped with the game quite easily. We were always in control and never allowed Schalke any real opportunities.

“We sustained pressure and were always looking strong on the break.

“I am very, very pleased with the manner of our performance. It was excellent.”

Hughes was especially happy with the performance of his attackers.

Daniel Sturridge looked impressive as understudy for the injured Robinho, with Benjani and Darius Vassell also playing well. He believes the result will help to raise City’s profile further around the world. “It is important that when we are in European competition that we make our mark,” he said.

“We want to continue in the competition and see how far we can go. It is important that Manchester City is in a position to compete in European matches on a regular basis and that is what we aim to do this year.”

The result should give City another confidence boost ahead of the big derby against Manchester United on Sunday. “Confidence-wise we are in great shape”, Hughes added.

“People looked at the week that we had ahead of us with Arsenal, Schalke and Manchester United, and obviously people felt it might be beyond us. But I know the quality I have in my squad.”

Meanwhile, Schalke boss Fred Rutten praised City’s ruthlessness.

“Two mistakes decided the game,” he said. “We started out well but we could not come back after the first goal. It put City in a brilliant position as they are very strong on the counter-attack.

“Our disappointment is huge but we will get over it. We will continue to work hard and make up for it.”

Rutten felt the game could have taken a different turn had only Jermaine Jones beaten Joe Hart with his shot after nine minutes.