The striker was named as Barclays Player of the Month a couple of days after City fans voted for him as their Etihad Player of the Month for December. In that time the striker banged in eight goals in seven appearances, but he appears unruffled by the change of manager and a new set of methods to work with.
Rather than be distracted by matters off the field, Tevez has carried on regardless but he insists that even he is not guaranteed a place in every starting line-up.
He said: “It’s nice to get awards like this and the one from the City fans as well, but as long as the team does well, that’s all that matters.
“I’m very happy with my form, but what’s more important is that the team has been playing well recently. I did not start against Middlesbrough but the team that the Manager picked did as well as any of the other teams he has chosen.
“This squad has the ability for the manager to pick a team to suit a certain game or if there a few injuries about. He is willing to change things, even during a match, so you have to be alert to what he wants to do. He’s very strong on us working hard when we have not got the ball, and we have not conceded any goals in the last three games so his methods are obviously working. I’m really enjoying the way he has us playing.
“There’s a great spirit in the squad right now. Everybody was out to impress the new manager when he came here, and it’s not easy to get into the team because there are others ready to take your place.”
The Barclays trophy was presented to Carlos ahead of training at a snowy Carrington on Friday morning, and he shrugged over the affects of the cold snap currently gripping Britain.
“I’m used to the cold – I’ve lived in England for a few years and it does not affect me too much,” he smiled. “Training in the cold is hard, but you have to be at your best in training to get into the manager’s thoughts, so you cannot let that get you. The manager has already shown he will give anybody a chance if he likes what he sees in training. It’s been at a good level ever since I came here, but it’s even more intense now and you have to bring the best out of yourself.”
