Last season’s derby kept Blues focused
CITY players laid it on the line to each other at half-time of Sunday’s derby...there must be no repeat of last season.
Memories of United’s comeback, to postpone the Blues’ title celebration were still raw as they went into the dressing room a goal up, courtesy of David Silva’s strike.
And Benjamin Mendy has revealed that the team geed each other up by remembering how they had been cruising towards the title after 45 minutes in April - only to allow United a three-goal blitz after the break.
Said Mendy: “In the dressing room at half-time we had spoken about what happened in the derby last year, and we were telling each other not to let that happen again.
“We remember it went 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, so we said we had to stay focused, keep trying to play and make chances.
“So Kun scored and then Gundogan and it was perfect. We stayed focussed.
“Every player was saying the same thing - ‘OK, guys, don’t do the same as last year, be careful, pay attention’.
“So when we came back on the pitch, we played better than the first half - and we won the derby.”
The three points was more important to the players, although Mendy says they understand how important the derby is.
“We know the derby is for the fans, and for the people who work for City,” he said.
“We understand that, but last season we lost the derby and won the league, so the three points is important.”