Manchester Derby
Manchester City first team coach David Platt has issued a strong warning to the sky blues that the Red Devils won’t capitulate and give up on the title even if they win the Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
Manchester United has been on an unbeaten streak, suffering their first loss of the season to Mick McCarthy’s relegation battlers Wolverhampton Wanderers, and another loss, would be a dent to their title ambitions. David Platt though begs to differ.
The former Arsenal midfielder believes that City can challenge for the title, if they win all the games in hand. But still thinks its United’s title to loose.
Speaking to Manchester Evening News, Platt echoed his sentiments. “We can’t go to Old Trafford, win the match. And hope that a team which has never capitulated under pressure in the last 12 years in the premier league will do so.”
“We should be hoping to do something more, which is in our control. In our hands is to win every football match. And that is from now till the end of our season.”
“But we aren’t looking across the street, and thinking about that dressing room, with the experience they have got, and they winners they have in their squad. One loss is not going to put them under a lot of pressure.”
David admitted that the derby has an added pressure to it but says it’s the points that count’s. Cause the bragging rights in Manchester at the end of the season won’t count for anything.
“We are looking forward to the game, we have a dozen games to go to after Old Trafford, and we believe we are capable of winning the game.”
“It’s a big game, and the tension has been building up since all week, but the, be all be end all is that those three points count, and continuing along our road.”
“That’s a compliment to us, and where we have reached as a football club. That we are not just talking about it solely in terms of derby, it’s about the title challenge we pose.”
In references to the starting line-up Platt revealed that Alexander Kolarov will start in the left midfield position following Adam Johnson’s injury. Platt revealed. “We need something from within to give us width in advanced areas because of the loss of Adam Johnson.”
“Adam injury and the closing of the January transfer window means we have to look within try to get someone, not necessary he has to be a good dribbler of the ball, because Alex isn’t a dribbler. We need someone who can put a cross in.” “It gives us that width in forward position, and that was solely behind the thinking.” concluded Platt.
The Manchester derby is not a game to be missed, with not only the bragging rights but also the title race on the line. Who do you think will emerge as the best team in Manchester?
Watch Manchester United vs Manchester City at 6:30 pm, 12th February 2011, Saturday. Cheers guys!
Tags: David Platt, Manchester City, Manchester derby, Manchester United, Old Trafford, Red Devils
