City rely on Maicon

Manchester City football development executive Patrick Vieira believes new signing Maicon’s experience can help the English champions in their quest for ongoing success. Premier League title holders City travel to Stoke on Saturday before next week’s daunting Champions League tie away to European giants Real Madrid. However, former Arsenal and France star Vieira said the arrival of Brazilian right-back Maicon, whom he played alongside at Inter Milan, would strengthen City’s ability to cope with the pressure of big matches. “He is a fantastic player,” said Vieira. “I spent a few years with him at Inter and he has experience and talent. He has the ambition to be part of the Brazilian national team for the World Cup. “It is something really important for him and I am sure he will bring a lot to this football club. He is a fantastic character to have around too.” “He has the experience of winning the Italian league and the Champions League and to have him at the football club is fantastic.” Maicon and the three other players signed in transfer deadline week - fellow defender Matija Nastasic, midfielder Javi Garcia and winger Scott Sinclair could feature in at least one of the two tough away fixtures. “They’re different challenges,” said City assistant coach David Platt. “I think we will see the benefit of having the size and quality of squad we’ve got because we will be playing every three days right up until Christmas. “That’s when, strategically, you’ve got to pick the right teams both physically and tactically. “The balance of the squad is good in terms of the alternatives that we’ve got. I think we’ve got more strength in depth than we did have. “We’ve got a lot of players to choose from. I think the manager is delighted with the way things have gone.” England midfielder Gareth Barry remains City’s one high-profile absentee after a hernia operation. His injury has been cited as a reason for the team’s poor defensive start to the new campaign, with Roberto Mancini’s men having leaked seven goals in their opening four games. But Platt believes City’s busy end to the transfer window means his squad is now far better equipped to cope with injuries to key personnel. “You look at it now whichever 11 you pick is strong,” he said. Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson was relieved to welcome a fit Robin van Persie back to Manchester ahead of Saturday’s clash against Wigan at Old Trafford.