Thought Manchester City have managed to put together one of the best squads in world football and arguably the best squad in the Premier League, I still feel that something is missing. They’ve got the right players and I’d argue they’ve got the right manager but something is still missing from the Man City equation: a winning mentality. I’m not talking about a capacity to win a bunch of games on the run, or even the ability to beat other top clubs – I’m talking about the facility for winning big competitions, the kind of thing that can only come from regular success.
Yes, I’m well aware that Man City won the FA Cup last season, but it’s also worth bearing in mind that the last time they picked up this silverware was back in 1969. Heck, the last time they won any notable silverware was 1976 when they won the League Cup. I think it’s fair to say that success hasn’t come naturally to this side and although they’ve finally got a squad capable of big things, they still don’t have a squad that’s accustomed to picking up the big prizes.
They don’t have a squad that’s well adjusted to the rigours of a title-chase. I’d argue that the result against Swansea last week shows that they still lack a United-esque ability to eek out results when they need them. It may be unfair to single out a particular game but that result may yet come to be seen as a turning point in Manchester City’s season. All of which is suffice to say: Given that Man City lack the mentality of Champions aren’t they at a serious disadvantage in the title race?
I’m not saying that they don’t have the potential to drag themselves over the finishing line through sheer ability, I just feel that it’s currently advantage Manchester United in the chase for the Premier League title.
Yahoo recently spoke to Steve Bruce, the ex-Sunderland manager who was once a part of the United side who ended a 26-year title drought. Commenting on City’s capacity to overcome this psychological battle he said:
“We found that was the most difficult thing when we won it in ’93. It doesn’t matter how many talented players you have, make no mistake you get nervous. Back in ’92 we lost a hell of a lead to Leeds, and in the end we choked, if I’m being honest. But the experience of that helped us the year after. The first one is always the most difficult one.”
That’s the problem City face at the moment. Once they grab their first title I have little doubt that the floodgates will open and they’ll grab plenty of more. The longer Manchester United are able to hold them off, however, the less belief there will be in the City camp. With that in mind the final standings of this season are even more pivotal and at the moment it’s advantage Man United – isn’t it?
For more insight from Steve Bruce and other leading managers plus exclusive Barclays Premier League highlights go to www.yahoo.co.uk/sport
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