Napoli 2 – 1 MAN CITY – MY THOUGHTS
23 Nov
The likely end of our Champions League journey. Disappointing, yes, but we should recognise that this is the toughest club competition out there and we’re novices. Wealthy novices, but novices nonetheless. It was never going to be easy but we must learn from this experience and make sure that come next year, we’re a better side.
I stated at the start of this season how the most crucial aspect was to make sure we’re in the draw for the group stages next year. However well Spurs did last campaign in the Champions League, they missed out on it this year and for me, it was imperative we avoided that mistake. If we really are to establish ourselves as a premier force in Europe, then we need to be involved in this competition year after year. Success isn’t instantaneous in the Champions League; it takes time and we’ll be better for this experience.
We’re not necessarily finished just yet, but I can’t see Villarreal getting a result against Napoli. So it’s with a sense of disappointment and frustration, yet mixed with belief and hope, that I’m writing this. Having elevated ourselves into a position where we controlled our destiny, a couple of sloppy defensive moments have meant our fate is now in the hands of others. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Top of the Premier League by five points and having performed OK in Europe without ever stamping our authority, we’ve got a very solid base upon which to build. I trust Mancini and the players to learn from this and to come back next year, even more determined to make an impact.
Focusing a touch more closely on this game and it’s clear to see how yet again we were undone by a momentary loss of concentration. So far, that’s been our downfall in the Champions League and at this level, switching off is costly. The first goal came about because we had no-one on the post – a basic error – whilst the second was down to our laboured start to the second half. Let’s take nothing away from Napoli, who have been hugely impressive in both games against City, but we ought to have done better on both counts.
One player to return to Manchester with his reputation improved is James Milner, who continued his sterling recent form with another outstanding display. His energy to Yaya Touré’s lethargy is eye-catching, whilst his link up play and defensive awareness are top-notch. On current form, he’s our star man and having been given an extended run in the side, he’s displaying the type of form of which we know he is capable.
I’m not sure Roberto Mancini had his best game as a manager either, with his substitutions, although correct, coming far too late. Leaving Sergio Aguero on the bench until the 81st minute seemed a bizarre decision, coming as it did with Edin Dzeko so off the pace. Aguero instantly made an impact with his movement and darting runs and it was shock that he didn’t come on earlier.
Opposition View: Napoli now have a fantastic opportunity to progress and from what we’ve seen from them so far in the group stage, they deserve it. Ezequiel Lavezzi was the man of the match yesterday, controlling the game with his electric pace and eye for a pass. He’s a player Mancini has watched a number of times and judging him on his performances against City, he’d be a great addition. Equally, Edinson Cavani has caused is problems with his pace and clinical finishing and would be another one who could improve City.
For the Blues, we now face a test of our character as we travel to Liverpool at the weekend. It’s another hugely important game that we’ll have to be at our best for, but should we play to our capabilities, we’ll be fine.
I’m down about it but i just haven’t enjoyed watching City in the champions league. We have been so underwhelming and although their are various people that we can point the finger at it just has not happened for us all. I just hope that its put down to experience and Mancini doesn’t bother with that joke that is the Europa and concentrates and our domestic challenges.
Couldn’t agree more with your pat on the back for James Milner. He is getting better every month. I’m disappointed as I’m sure all Blues are at the result, but City have to grow into our new position of European teams. The first goal? These things happen sometimes to the best teams. But I was distraught to see that Cavani could amble into the penalty area totally unmarked and in perfect position to score the second goal. Distraught but not too surprised. We need time to grow and to expect everything all at once is daft.
Going out of the competition is not a bad thing. City is a team in progress and success is not instantaneous. The bright side is that we have less games after month of December and hopefully City can focus on the title or at least securing next year Champions league. Just see how far we have improved in domestic competition this year compared to our performance last year. I am sure we scale up by the same rate in Champions league next year.
Now let’s see if we can get Carvani in January window!
would rather have RVP over Cavani any day
Dont forget that this pool was extremly difficult. Bayern, and Napoli are quality sides. Even villareal are decent. Hopefully next year we are seeded higher that the third pot. We bounced back from the loss in munich we can do the same here
agree with the sentiment of the article, napoli played really well, we had a lot of the ball but that didn’t bother them, in fact it played to their strengths. considering the form of the team and some of the players over recent games you would’ve expected us to take the game to them but it just didn’t happen. hopefully we can rollover liverpool and put a dissapointing night behind us. i’m still going to bayern game though.