Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini believes his side are being singled out for the same special attention by Barclays Premier League rivals that Manchester United have been so used to down the years.
City secured top spot on Christmas Day for the first time since 1929 thanks to their 3-0 win over Stoke at the Etihad Stadium.
However, the first 20 minutes were a real struggle as Stoke strung four big men across the back and sat their midfield virtually on top of them.
The move from Tony Pulis was a compliment to City's new-found status. And it is something Mancini thinks they will have to get used to.
"It is the same thing that happens against Manchester United," said Mancini. "All the teams that play against them play with fear.
"They don't attack because for a long time, United were a top team and it was very difficult. Probably now, also against us, some teams have a problem and play in a different way."
Comment 28 - 47 of 47
It doesn't say we don't fear or more accurately respect other teams,just that other teams fear us,which is true ie.they now take note of us!
Blue moon rising!
ps.At the moment we have 4 fingers on the premier trophy,next year is all about putting the other six firmly around the trophy,prevent us if you can,otherwise give us due credit!
We are not sitting on a perch!
We are just no.1 in premier at the moment,with our feet planted firmly on the ground!
Blue moon rising humbly!
Mancini's comment is accurate and fair!
People are now sitting up and looking at City with wide eyes!
Blue moon!
@24:Sorry doc,how do you know all this stuff?
1.You were in protection,that must have been a long time ago?
2.You are now a doctor in divinity,why the change?
3.How do you know about all this stuff in the Bolton's as that must be quite recent and I get the impression you have been out of protection for quite a while now?
4.How old are you?
What a load of rubbish, city have not won anything yet and Mancini is already comparing them to real greats, chelsea once said exactly the same thing and look what happened to them. What a tool!!
mr mancini manu are still a team to fear as u will find out in fa cup ....u build ur team on money we build our team frim pride....fear us not'AT YOUR PEARL' when we beat you in wat the name of your stadium this year ...knock ye off your perch sooner than later...the money guys will leave u high and dry...as for Brian Kidd ...waster
If Dr Graham J Smith DD was really a Doctor, I would be the Prime Minister.
Jealous, bitter, obnoxious rag methinks.
Which usually means unemployed.
its not billions its players and a manager who trust each other and getting that combination will get you everyting and the younger the better for both manager and players wages are what are bringing in these pre madonas
that's what a billion dollars in transfer and salaries get you. congrats. good luck in the europa league. Hahahahahaha.
Hey Doc, is this a cease fire over the festivities, lol?
Merry Xmas mate
Thanks for the insult doctor, when the sheik bought city he wiped out all club debts and turned it into equity. He has stated it was a gift to the club and he does not intend to recoup the money. All of this is irrelevant however because city do not have to comply with any rules just yet, a plan is in place for when they do though. You are obviously an intelligent man and I find it difficult to understand why you waste so much of your time on Man City pages arguing the toss about a club you don,t support.
Hey Cully
Happy christmas have a good one
Will,
You are so literal you need to lighten up and not take life so seriously. Develop a sense of humor or at least ask Santa Clause for one. Apart from you being incorrect about everyone apart from Hart who incidentally I rate very highly is the only ever present in your team 4 of the others have been red carded so obviously didn't play.
Basically what Im saying any fool and his dog could manage City and win with the wealth of talent you have available
Hello again dr dimwit.I have frequently told you the money from the sheikh is a gift.not a loan,no need to payback.Unlike your foreign owners,who borrow your money from foreign banks.Yet another rant from a supposed member of the clergy?this time you were personal security for a king,next week you will be the new James Bond.What country is it you were thrown out of ? and why does a man of the cloth keep posting such purile nonsense.c.t.i.d.
tremendous away support from stoke 20,000 plus!
Sellobic,
You really are a fool, any money given to you by your owner is a debt which the club has to manage he can't pay your debts for you you have to find 190,000,000 from your own clubs merchandising, ticket sales and other revenues not have it paid for you. In the real world it doesn't happen like that so dream on
47,000 crowd? cant think where the extra 20,000 came from? any suggestions anyone!
Man City made a loss of 190,000,000 in the last financial year, the sheik who owns them went to his likkle piggy bank and paid it off. Therefore Man City have no debt. TICK TOCK.
merry christmas everybody
Awreet hairy_monster, bah humbug, I work hard and have a good job mate. However, it's xmas in case you hadn't noticed, it's my last day and everyone is winding down. And if your not a rag, Merry Xmas....
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