FOOTBALL EXTRA Pep gives the green light to tunnel vision
CORPORATE punters at Manchester City will be able to watch post-match interviews through a one-way screen next season.
Officials at the Etihad Stadium have installed curtains that opposition staff can close in case they do not wish to be seen by home supporters.
The unique addition to City’s new Tunnel Club will raise eyebrows and is the latest feature of the new £15,000-a-year hospitality suite.
A one-way glass wall has been fitted in the suite’s lounge, which backs on to the postmatch interview area and the mixed zone, a narrow corridor where players walk past members of the press, who ask for comments.
it means members of the Tunnel Club will see both managers give their reactions to broadcasters almost immediately after the game, with adrenaline sure to be still pumping.
City manager Pep Guardiola has given the set-up the green light.
However, wary that the likes of Jose Mourinho may not wish to be gawked at by home fans, City have added a curtain at the back of each room.
Those being interviewed can close it and keep prying eyes away, should things have gone badly on the field.
As revealed by Sportsmail, customers will also be given a tactical briefing by Guardiola’s backroom team before every home game.
Members of the Catalan’s staff will work on a rotational basis to tell members of the Tunnel Club what to look out for, the reasoning behind the starting Xi and how City intend to beat their opponents.
ViPs will also be able to see the players line up in the tunnel before games through a glass window.
The moves are the latest which City believe continue to put them ahead of their rivals when it comes to innovation and corporate offerings across the Premier League.
They were one of the first clubs to put a camera in the tunnel before, during and after matches — something which drew criticism from city rivals Manchester United.