AustinBlue
Well-Known Member
Ric said:Been asked to post these on behalf of RAWK as part of their preview of Sunday's game, if anyone fancies answering them:
1. What have you made of your season so far – did you believe at the beginning of the season you would be where you are now?
I thought we would be in a dogfight with United and Chelsea. We've performed about as I'd expect in the league in terms of points. I didn't expect RVP to stay healthy every game, so United have more points. I expected Chelsea to be much tougher opponents.
2. For the second season running your side didn't perform too well in the Champions League – why do you think they were unable to replicate their league form in the competition, was it just the quality of the opponents in a tough group or are there other reasons?
70% quality of opponents. 30% our management didn't get the team and tactics right. I don't think any English team would have got past Dortmund and Real on the form they had. The performances against Ajax were shocking.
3. The transfer window passed without much in terms of additions for City, and of course Mario Baloteli left to join Milan. What are you feelings on the strength of your squad post-January, and how do you feel about amario's departure?
I think we have the best squad in the league, when Yaya is back in the team. Mario is his own worst enemy - the most talented player I have ever seen on the practice ground... something happens in front of a crowd that changes him for the worse. And he just can't "trust" the team or the process. The team we have is better off without him, I hate to say.
4. Who have been the players in the City squad that you have been most impressed with this season and why?
Zabaleta is the man. Nastasic has been a pleasant surprise. James Milner has been vital in Yaya's absence. Silva is back to his best.
5. Any players underperformed?
We haven't seen Rodwell with injury. Sinclair doesn't seem to fit our system. Garcia had a slow start but is coming on. My biggest disappointment is Nasri, and possibly Tevez for losing his scoring boots.
6. I'd like to change the focus to Liverpool now if you don't mind. What is your opinion on how our season has gone so far, and what do you think of the job Brendan Rodgers is doing at Liverpool?
I think this was always going to be a building year for Liverpool and they have performed about as expected. Suarez is one of the most talented players in the world and they have ridden his form. My sense of Brendan Rogers is that he takes himself too seriously and he is half a step away from David Brent with his "mind games" and that will play out in Liverpool switching off at critical times.
7. Are there any members of the current Liverpool squad that you would like to see playing at City?
Can we take Suarez's talent without the rest of his odious nature? I can't quite get over him being a cheating twat. I rate Agger and Lucas. I rate Gerrard but it would be wrong to see him play anywhere but Liverpool.
8. Our sides drew 2-2 at Anfield earlier this year in a game full of quality and mistakes in pretty equal measure. Do you see the game at the Etihad being another high scoring game?
Not unless the ref sends off two of City's players in the first 15 minutes. City won't ship many goals and aren't scoring many. I see this as a 2-1 or 1-0 kind of game.
9. How do you think Roberto Mancini will approach the game and what team do you think he'll select?
I think he'll approach every game very cautiously until we lose a couple more, then he'll take the handbrake off and we'll win the rest. This one will be cagey and cautious.
10. Finally, care to make a prediction?
Suarez will dive about 4 times, be fouled in the box once, and win a penalty for a dive but not for when he was fouled legitimately. Hart will save the penalty. Sturridge will score and kiss the badge. Dzeko will score in the 89th minute and Tevez in the 94th minute. Brendan Rodgers will wax lyrical about the superior playing of Liverpool.