BLUE MOON ROUSING
Walker: We need to win Champions League to get our fans to love it
KYLE WALKER says Manchester City may have to make history and win the Champions League – if they are to spark a love affair between their fans and Europe.
With further allegations of financial sleight of hand emerging yesterday, the relationship between supporters and UEFA’s flagship competition will be as strained as ever tonight.
But the City full-back says it is up to the players to drag Etihad supporters back on side, first by beating Group F rivals Shakhtar Donetsk, then powering their way to glory in Madrid next May.
A significant portion of City’s support make their feelings about UEFA known at every European night, stemming from the fine and sanctions dished out against the club for breaching Fair Play rules in 2014.
And before the first match against Donetsk two weeks ago, Pep Guardiola admitted he did not feel the club was ready to win the Champions League because the fans were not “pushing” the team to win it (empty seats at the Etihad, above right).
Walker said: “It is down to us as players to create the atmosphere in there and help the fans. They are the 12th man and we have an important job on the field to get the victory we need to make history for this club.
“Obviously, you do want the atmosphere as it makes it difficult for the opposition.
“We do probably lack that a little bit but have come to terms with it and have to let our football do the talking.”
The latest allegations surrounding the financing of the club include keeping payments to players for image rights off the balance sheet using an overseas shell company. Guardiola said: “If people say it’s just about money we accept it – but that point of view is completely wrong.
“We work a lot in a good way and that’s why I always defend us – especially my players – and what we do.
“Of course, we want to follow the rules. But we focus on what we have to do on the pitch.”
Hacked emails appear to suggest that in 2012 the club “investigated avenues” to avoid non-compliance of impending FFP rules under the auspices of a project known internally as “Longbow”.
Despite the allegations, Guardiola and his squad insist they will have little trouble focusing on the task in hand at the Etihad tonight.
Victory against Shakhtar would put them within one point of qualification for the knockout stages with two matches to spare.
Walker (with Guardiola, left) added: “Last season we had a great chance but came up against Liverpool, who were on fire, and we had two ‘10 minutes of madness’ in the first leg.
“But we have learned from that, and hopefully can take it into this campaign, and come out on the front foot.”