Roberto Mancini and Jupp Heynckes have both told us that their teams will be looking to win the final Champions League clash of the Group Stages tonight at the Etihad Stadium.
City needs a win with the hope that an understrength sounding Villarreal team pull a rabbit out of the hat at El Madrigal.
Bayern in typical ‘Germans and English’ style are treating the face-off as a prestigious battle between the elite clubs in their respective divisions.
With 2400 Bayern fans expected in East Level 3 the atmosphere promises to be amongst the best experienced at the Etihad, with Mancini urging the faithful to ‘Make Some Noise Manchester’ as basketball stalwart Mike Shaft used to say.
With Micah Richards now also staring at the ceiling from the treatment table, City’s back line will take on an unfamiliar look with the possibility of Kolo playing at right back, or the possibility of 3 centre backs with wide cover from Johnson and Barry.
It’s an interesting selection headache for Mancini ahead of one of the biggest matches ever staged by Manchester City.
Recognised as a ‘must-win-with-benefits’, meek surrender is not considered an option as City looks to put their miserable night in Bavaria behind then and demonstrate to the football world that they are capapble of claiming one of football’s biggest scalps.
With the likes of Rummenigge having riled Roberto with his typical comments this weeks, Mancini is looking, I hear for another type of confrontation. What is it with K-HR? And what has what is going on at City got to do with him anyway? Does he not think that City understands the Financial Fair Play Rules and understand the need to work towards it? Does he not understand that Platini’s support for them will wane once he reads the PSG balance sheet?
Whatever has distrurbed him, I’m sure he’ll be more disturbed at ten o’clock tonight if the Club that he clearly fears most in the world has taken three points of Bayern.
Meanwhile AC Milan who yesterday were playing their ususal games tell us they have agreed personal terms with Tevez and have contacted City for a loan-with-intent-subject-to-conditions deal. Why does this simply sound like input from the Iranian Car Dealer?It is clearly an intention to smoke screen Tevez antics and limit the losses he will need to make good when a full transfer takes place. I can’t see City wearing it. A loan has the implication that Tevez can be sent back and that is not an option that is wanted at the Etihad.
So, if you are going – a big shout for City tonight. If not, don’t shout at the telly – it can’t hear you.
Read all about it in tomorrow’s Ped Report.
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