English Premier League: Javier Hernandez looks to settle the score with Tevez as Hodgson plays up a top four spot
Javier Hernandez has come out and commenced a war of words with Carlos Tevez before the Manchester United derby as the Mexican striker has vowed to score against the Blues at the City of Manchester stadium on Wednesday night. Hernandez
last played against Carlos Tevez when Mexico were defeated by Argentina in the round of sixteen at the 2010 FIFA World Cup when Mexico lost by three goals to one.
Hernandez was on the score sheet back then in South Africa as he scored the only goal of the match from the Mexican side. Tevez scored two goals against Mexico on that fateful night but his first one was a controversial opener
as the striker was in an offside position when the pass was played to him. Nonetheless, Carlos Tevez has a history with Manchester United as the centre forward himself parted ways with the Red Devils after they lost the 2009 UEFA Champions League final against
Barcelona. He made his move from United to Manchester City in the summer of 2009 and in doing so, he cemented his place as the public enemy number one as Manchester United fans.
Hernandez spoke to the British media as he said, "I have a sporting matter to resolve with Tevez. At the World Cup, Mexico were defeated by Argentina amid such controversy so now is the best moment to return the score. We know
Tevez is the key man in the derby - we need to stop him to reduce the danger in our penalty area. He's been out injured but, even so, he always seems to offer a big performance in these situations."
The Mexican striker added, "The important thing is victory for United. But I am living a dream in England and if I play in the derby and score it will be incredible. I can sense from the dressing room the importance of this derby
and also I have noticed the atmosphere in the streets. It all adds up to a special match and any footballer should give 200 per cent to play in this one. Apart from anything else it is vital for both sides to take three points. Actually, to beat City in their
own stadium would really be like winning four points - an extra one for the damage it will cause to City's morale if they lose."
Speaking about his team’s chances against City in the Manchester derby and their fitness issues, Hernandez went onto say, "United have suffered from the absence of key players but we are prepared for the battle and go into it without
fear. Sir Alex Ferguson has demanded we show the maximum concentration possible in our search for the first goal. To get that will be very decisive for the development of the match. This derby is being shown on TV in Mexico and many people want to watch me.
This is an extra pressure but I am happy to live this experience in the Premier League. This was my motive when I moved to Europe.”
On the other hand Liverpool’s manager was cautious as he described his chances of finishing in the top four. Roy Hodgson said, "We are demonstrating we have a good chance of winning the title. So we put up our best possible performance
to stay in the race with Chelsea. I don't wish to play down our chances but I think it is unfair to ask coaches like myself, who have had a bad start to the season and fallen way behind, whether they will be in the top four. My answer will only set me up for
ridicule later on. I would like to really discuss our top-four potential when we can really see whether it is a truly viable proposition or not.”
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