Hodgson: Power must rest with managers

West Brom boss Roy Hodgson has said "no player should be bigger than his club" and the manager should be the most powerful figure ahead of Thursday's clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Hodgson stressed his comment was not aimed at City striker Mario Balotelli, who has been involved in a series of spats with Roberto Mancini and was sent off for a third time this season against Arsenal.

But he said: "It should be that no player is bigger than his club. No player should really be a stronger person than the manager at the club. Once that happens you're taking the power from where it should be, in the hands of someone who represents the club, the fans, the owners and the team."

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