How do you assess Manchester City’s season?
Overall it’s been OK. We’ve got ourselves to blame for not being top of the table. The pressure got to us and we’ve just not performed over the last few weeks. The loss to Liverpool was avoidable and that was the decider for me, win that and win the league, lose and that’s it. Now we’ve got to rely on us not slipping up.
How would you rate Manuel Pellegrini’s first season at the club?
I think despite my moaning he’s done well. I think we’re competing at a better level than last season and barring a few poor performances like the Sunderland and Aston Villa matches, we’d have been cruising to the league title. There are some areas to improve for next season but we’ve won silverware and still have a chance for the title.
Who would be your player of the season?
That’s a tough call. Aguero has been in the goals this season but for me, it has to be Yaya Toure. He’s been the focus of our team this season and his energy has been unrivalled in the middle of the park.
Your aim at the start of the season was to be competing for the Premier league title with an eye on Champions League next year. Has that changed?
No I don’t think so. We need to be qualifying for the Champions League each season and for that we need to be in the hunt for the title. I don’t think we’ve helped ourselves this season, as I said sloppy defeats to teams struggling at the foot of the table have shaped our season but further progression in the Champions League is a must.
How have your signings performed this season?
We spent a lot of money during the transfer window but I think the signings we made were good. I was sceptical about Fernandinho and the fee we paid but he has been quite a consistent performer. Negredo and Navas have both added something to the team in terms of flair and goals. Saying that Demichelis has been a liability at times unfortunately!
Micah Richards has been linked with a move to the Boleyn Ground. What do you make of that?
I’ve been an advocate of Micah playing for England so I’d be disappointed if he left this summer. I can see you getting Lescott though. He’s exactly the kind of player that Big Sam likes.
What have you thought of West Ham this season?
Sam Allardyce is so unpopular that he’s now making West Ham unpopular as well. I don’t like his style of play or his attitude but he has given you some stability I suppose.
Which West Ham players would you have in your squad? W
inston Reid looks destined for greatness and I’d like to see us put in a bid for him this summer. I was surprised that Morrison left because I think if he can be trained up he can be a world beater.
In our last interview you predicted that City would be 1st with West Ham 13th. Would you like to change these predictions and what are your thoughts on the match?
I think we will come 2nd to Liverpool unfortunately and I think we’ll beat you 3-0.
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