UEFA Cup Build Up: Given Experience Is Crucial

Google language translator

City's defenders can prepare for tonight's clash in Copenhagen knowing they have a wealth of international experience between the sticks behind them...




For all Joe Hart's brilliant potential, there is nothing like having that extra bit of international goalkeeping savvy in your side going into the UEFA Cup knock out stages.

Shay Given has that by the lorry load and it will be interesting to see how he links up with returning City skipper Richard Dunne at the heart of the defence.

Given gave his assessment of tonight's task to City's O'fishal website:

'It is a great trophy in terms of kudos for any team to win and I am sure all the teams left in it are as desperate to win as we are. There is definitely a different feeling playing in Europe, it is hard to define but there is a special atmosphere surrounding match nights.

'Sometimes there is not the blood and thunder of the Premier League and it is a little bit cagier. You find teams want to keep possession more and try to hit you on the break.

'I have some great memories of European nights at Newcastle and I hope to have some more here this season.

'Last weekend at Portsmouth was a huge disappointment for everyone involved with the club. On the day we were not good enough and we need to rectify that. Whenever you have a bad performance it is great if the next match comes quickly and you can immediately start to put the record straight...

'...we know that we let the fans down at Portsmouth when we were not good enough on the day.

'The extremely cold temperatures in Denmark will not be a problem. Sometimes when it is really cold the ball moves all over the place but the modern ball does that any way.

'It is just nice to be back in Europe again and it is great to be in with a chance of winning a trophy. Who knows which team's name is on the cup. It could be ours.'


PLEASE CONTRIBUTE TO THE CARL RAMSBOTTOM APPEAL:

On 27 November 2008, Carl travelled over to Germany to watch his beloved side play Schalke in the UEFA Cup, however due to a tragic incident at a German train station, Carl suffered life threatening injuries.

Due to this horrendous incident, Carl ended up in a coma for three weeks. He is currently in a rehabilitation unit in Germany while his family remain by his bedside.

The family are hopeful that Carl might be in a position to be repatriated to a rehab unit within the United Kingdom, hopefully sometime in March.

If you would like to make a donation, please make cheques payable to P&W MCFCCSA and send it to Ian Ramsbottom. 12 Plant Hill Road Blackley M96NH.

Or,if you would prefer to pay by credit or debit card, please click on the following link.

Thank you.

JOIN VITAL MANCHESTER CITY:

When the first whistle blows in Denmark, don't forget to join the Vital MC Community on our popular Live Match Thread in the Forums.

Vital Manchester City and it's Forums are growing fast with over 1,100 Blues now registered with us. There's more to come - Be Here Now and join our worldwide community: