Sigh said:
Champions2012! said:
Still waiting on one of these where they don't bring up the money
Here's one that doesn't
Man City Q and A
30 December, 2013 By Steven
The first game of 2014 see’s the Swans welcome title favourites Manchester City to the Liberty Stadium. We spoke to Ric from*http://www.bluemoon-mcfc.co.uk/ for the lowdown on Wednesday’s opponent.
How’s your season been so far?
Overall I’d say it’s been a good first half of the season for City. Our home form has been imperious and whilst we’ve struggled on our travels at times, there are signs of improvement on that front recently.
Progression to the knockout stage of the Champions League was imperative this season, and was achieved with relative ease.
What’s your opinion on Manuel Pellegrini’s start to life at Manchester City?
It took a while for Pellegrini to implement his own playing style on the squad, but we are now reaping the rewards. At times last season our play was too cautious and laboured, but we are playing a much more attacking game under Pellegrini. The approach seems to be “we will score more than you”, and it’s great to watch. Whilst it can leave us vulnerable at the back, few teams can match our vast array of attacking talent.
His man management skills are good, and he has commanded the respect of the squad. He has shown his European pedigree by progressing in the Champions League and, whilst he perhaps doesn’t have as close a relationship with the fans as Mancini enjoyed, few are still pining for the Italian.
Who have been your star players and who needs to buck their ideas up?
Of the new signings, Fernandinho and Negredo have excelled and added another dimension to our play. The likes of Aguero, Kompany and Silva look back to their best, whilst Samir Nasri is playing the best football of his City career, and appears rejuvenated under Pellegrini.
Javi Garcia and Edin Dzeko continue to frustrate, and it wouldn’t come as a surprise if both were to move on at the end of the season.
You have a very strong squad which is capable of competing on all fronts. But what competition would you most like to win and why?
Winning the Champions League would arguably be more of a statement and would raise our profile, but the Premier League is the priority for me. Anything else would be a bonus. Not that we can be too picky mind you, given our paucity of success over the years!
The Premier League season has been very open. Who do you think are your biggest challengers for the Premier League?
Liverpool have been the best team we have played this season, but may lack the squad depth to sustain a title challenge. Arsenal look to be back in form following their recent wobble, whilst you can never rule out Mourinho’s Chelsea. It’s the most open title race in years, which is good for the league.
What do you make of Swansea and which players are you wary of?
Swansea play good football, and gave us a difficult match at The Etihad a few weeks ago. The 3-0 scoreline flattered us, and it could have been a different story if de Guzman had taken his chance in the first half. I have a great deal of respect for Laudrup as a manager, and Swansea as a club. The likes of Shelvey, Hernandez, and Bony will all be a threat.
Predict the score and where both teams will finish.
Swansea 1 City 2. We’ve struggled at the Liberty Stadium in both visits so far, but we are on a good run of form at the moment and will hopefully maintain that momentum. I think/hope/pray City will finish first, and think Swansea will finish tenth.
