The lack of intent from Roberto Mancini and his players against Manchester United
It was the biggest Manchester derby in recent history as it hogged all the headlines going into the match. Manchester City had not won a trophy in 34 years and although, they were not going to win any trophy last night also but bragging rights were surely
up for grabs.
But with all the riches of Sheikh Mansour and all the superstars in their ranks, they failed to conjure up a win in front of their home fans. They even failed to test Edwin Vander Sar with a decent effort and in the end, their manager was quoted as saying
that he was happy with a draw but the matter of fact was that his side were up against a United side that was crippled by injuries and illness and yet his superstars failed to beat a second string United.
Let alone win the match, Mancini’s troops didn’t even play eye-catching football and it may not be wrong to conclude that with all the money and their spending in the summer, Sheikh Mansour can’t buy a sense of adventure.
It was clear for all and sundry to see that the two managers were too afraid to lose last night as caution prevailed and marred what could have been the most explosive Manchester derby in recent years. But let alone explosive, the derby hardly took off as
two teams sat deep in their halves and only tried to play on the counter.
It was a great opportunity for City to give their fans something to talk about as United were nowhere near full strength but Mancini’s defensive tactics failed their fans miserably.
City lacked intent and although, their opponents last night had not lost a match all season they surely were there for the taking.
Blighted by illness and injury and still bearing the effects of slimy virus that swept through their squad this week and left them with a half fit squad to field, Manchester United did not look like the side that one would put his money on.
But, Roberto Mancini had all his attention focused on avoiding defeat rather than going for victory and the end result was a draw that pleased no one.
Perhaps, there was some wisdom in the Italian’s approach last night. Perhaps, it is more important for him to finish fourth in the league rather than pleasing his fans with a victory over fierce rivals but if City reach the continental elite playing like
they are, it will be no fun.
The audiences worldwide learned a little more about City last night but it was not about their oozing potential, it was about their limitations.
Apart from the indefatigable Carlos Tevez, they boast no superstars, none of the elite players in their ranks. Although, they paid insane amounts of transfer fees and jaw dropping wages, yet they cannot muster a unit that could beat a half fit, second string
United side, let alone play attractive and attacking football.
Perhaps, the question one is forced to ask after the abject draw last night is that; Are City really hungry? Do they really desire to challenge the best in the game? Even if their fans think the answer is yes, their tactics on the pitch tell a whole different
story.
Playing three defensive midfielders in a side is by no means a statement of intent in a match where a win is of extreme importance. But 320 million pounds were not able to buy City the approach needed for a big game and it certainly did not buy them a player
who could lift a corner kick above the first defender in the box.
Perhaps, the time is up for Mancini as his gutless tactics will not be tolerated anymore.
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