Manchester City haven’t had things their way this season and the frustrations are coming to the fore, with it becoming manifest in certain players demeanour. The evidence we can cite being the obvious rows that have ensued on the pitch between Emmanuel Adebayor and Vincent Kompany against Wolves and previous to that was the heated discussion between James Milner and Yaya Toure when playing Arsenal at Eastlands. The pressures of Premiership football are renowned which can sometimes engulf the participants in a fury of rage brought on by frustration when events don’t go according to plan. Will the Manchester City players be their own worst enemies with distending egos causing the ultimate downfall of their title challenge?
Manchester City have clearly got a title winning squad with the quality they have brought in and stemming from this quality will be certain expectations externally from the fans and internally from the players who wish to attain trophies. The external pressure can be held at a distance and managed accordingly, but the internal pressure shackles itself to the mind, causing players to change into success driven monsters who lash out when others don’t conform to the demands. Then another player will react as their ego won’t accept responsibility or they justifiably are keeping up with demands but have been unfairly singled out. Thus the clash of the egos shall begin, with iron wills not wishing to bend even if it were for the greater good.
Gareth Barry was quoted as saying: “We have had two sets of players picked up now by the media saying we are arguing but that is because we are desperate to win. For me that is only a good sign and I am sure the manager has already pointed that out.” This is the generic statement issued after such instances as these. When you’re desperate to win, it doesn’t mean you’re more likely to win if you all get embroiled in arguments with each other, it means you oppress others and make even more demands that can cause divisions.
The frustration emanates from being eight points behind leaders Chelsea, who appear to be favourites for the title with their form, after having lost consecutive games and dropped down to fourth. Now I’m not writing Manchester City off at this early stage of the season, but a quarter of the season has elapsed and City don’t appear to be forming a bond or understanding on the pitch that can pull them through games.
Adebayor concerning his involvement with Kompany stated: “That’s what great teams do. It is all about passion and desire to do well and if Vincent and I are guilty of that, neither of us have a problem with it.” Both of these emotions have to be limited in some manner, otherwise when they’re let those they become detrimental and diminish the ability to encourage fellow team mates. The egos at City are numerous in number; with them all being relatively new in playing together, this requires exceptional management and time in order to curtail those over exuberant egos.
It’s self-evident that not many people wish Manchester City success due to the manner in which they’re attempting to ascertain it, but then Chelsea were loathed for the same tactics, initiating what should be a siege mentality within the club. To find comfort and reassurance in your team mates should be second nature instead of reprimanding them for a poor decision, as there are enough people with eager readiness wishing City the worst of fortunes. As to display scenarios of this kind can draw unwanted attention, such as this article, and life would be made much easier without disruptions of this kind.
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