Difference Between Players And Us

It has been a while since I last wrote an article for Vital Manchester City, and you would think that with everything that has been going on, the topics would almost be endless. But then I guess that was the main problem; just too much to talk about, and what with emotions running high on several subjects with most posters, I figured perhaps it best if I was to wait a while.

However, the clouds seemed to have settled somewhat, and flared tempers have subsided a tad, with posters seemingly having calmed down and got behind the 'scarf-wearer'. So what now? Will the boys in blue be able to keep this winning streak under Mancini going? Actually, probably not. The thing is that whenever a club gets a new manager in, chances are that they will up their game to prove to their new boss that they belong in the team, which is fair enough, but then, why don't they do this week-in and week-out?

Each and every player has only one job to do, and that is to get on the pitch and do the very best they can, and for doing just that, they are paid very (very) well for it. We as fans (and not just those belonging to Man City), would give anything to be in the position that they are in - and no, it isn't because of the money (although it would be very nice). Whether we brave the elements going to the games, or sit at home, our club and our team runs through our veins, and we profess our undying devotion to them. So why don't the players?

That's the problem you see; they are there because they are paid to, but we are there to pay them, and as such, they will never fully understand us, and we in turn will always be baffled by them. Of course (no pun intended) once in a blue moon, you will find players that do give their all, and would be perfectly happy to spend their dying days in the stands amongst the fans - case in point, Craig Bellamy, who only recently said he does play for the supporters, and becomes very annoyed when he doesn't give his all for us. I have not written this to point fingers at any player in particular; it is more of a case of pointing out that this problem exists and that it always will do. Much like the places of work that you work at (or have worked at); you were not there, I suspect, out of loyalty, but out of necessity, and would quite easily and willingly jump ship, if an offer from elsewhere with more pay came along. But then, this is football, and this is our club that we belong to as much as it belongs to us, and so perhaps the analogy doesn't quite fit so well. Perhaps we and 'our' players should just try and get along.

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