QPR’s Mark Hughes not interested in Manchester City revenge
QPR boss Mark Hughes insists the possibility of exacting revenge on Manchester City will not come into play on Sunday
Mark Hughes insists he is not interesting in gaining “revenge” on Manchester City when Queens Park Rangers take on the league leaders on Sunday.
Hughes replaced Sven-Goran Eriksson as City manager in June 2008 but the Eastlands outfit underwent sweeping changes when the Abu Dhabi United investment group took over the club just two months later.
The 48-year-old was in charge just over 18 months at City before a run of two wins in 11 games led to his dismissal and Roberto Mancini’s subsequent appointment in December 2009.
Mancini’s side are now on the cusp of winning their first top-flight title since 1968, with many of Hughes’ signings still first-team regulars at Eastlands – but the QPR boss insists his focus is solely on helping the Londoners avoid relegation.
“People keep throwing that word up [revenge] but that’s not in my mind at all,” said Hughes.
“From my point of view I’m totally focused on what we have to do as you would expect.
“We’ve got a huge game and a huge challenge. It’s not going to be easy because Manchester City are an outstanding football team and the prize they’re going for is the ultimate prize.
“For us to deny them the opportunity to do that will be difficult – everybody acknowledges that.
“But the fact that this season has been so unpredictable, you can never say that a result is a given and that’s how we’re thinking.
“We will go there with the intention of getting the points we need to be safe.”
Manchester United trail City on goal difference and if Sir Alex Ferguson’s side beat Sunderland and QPR manage a point or a win at The Etihad, then the Red Devils will retain their crown.
But Hughes, won two top flight titles as a player at Old Trafford, maintains his focus remains on keeping QPR up, regardless of the various permutations at the top of the table.
“There will always be that thrown at me [helping Manchester United to the title] in terms of my playing background,” he added.
“A big part of it was at Manchester United – I was proud to be a United player but I was proud to be a Manchester City manager.
“Sir Alex Ferguson knows what type of individual I am and he has no problems in terms of how I will prepare my team to give ourselves the best shot.
“If that helps United so be it. But my focus is totally on QPR.” 
