Pep: Ref not Red
I’m no longer myself. For me, my mindset changed because my relationship with God is not to use him as a stepping stone, but to serve him by enjoying life and glorifying him.
“I believe the reason why I’ve enjoyed this season is that I have made my mind up that I am going to serve the club, I’m going to serve my team- mates, and whether I get played or don’t start I’m just going to play with a freedom.”
Bigirimana’s first season in the Coventry first team as a 17-year-old saw him earn a £1million move to the top flight with Newcastle.
He started for the Toon at Old Trafford, the Emirates, played in the Europa League all the way through to their quarter- f inal with Benfica – he had the world at his feet.
He sighed: “That was the mindset I came with, that I had been at Newcastle and played Premiership, Championship and League One.
“But because of where I was I wanted to get back to the Premier League, and the Scottish league seemed l ike a great platform. But that was completely the wrong mindset.
“For some people, it’s okay, but for me it’s not right.
“Last season was quite tough because I had to examine mysel f. I even wanted to quit and I wasn’t enjoying it because my motive wasn’t right.
“When I was thinking of quitting, I was thinking of serving the lord, or becoming a minister. I had a tough few months but I spoke to my wife and we both broke down in tears.
“But now, my motive is right and I play to help my team-mates, to help the young boys, whoever I can. I’m just here to serve.”
One of those he’s serving superbly right now is rising teenage star David Turnbull. The midfielder’s two goals in two games have earned him the headlines but Bigirimana is the unseen hand.
He grinned: “It’s al l natural to him, he’s so
technically gifted. So if it means I have to do the horrible, dirty side of the game to help the manager think he can bring in David Turnbull, then that has been my joy, just seeing him play.
“I love playing with him because he makes my job easier, and I make his job easier.”
Back to back wins and clean sheets have lifted some of the early- season gloom around Fir Park, lightened only by a gutsy 3-3 draw when they first met Rangers.
Now they go to Ibrox today with a spring in their step and Bigirimana said: “We know that they are on a good run in the Europa League, and we’ve played them, so we are aware of their threat.
“We’re all enjoying ourselves just now though. We’ve had a bad run and had some negative comments. When things are tough, you have to accept the criticism, but when things are going well, you have to make sure you enjoy it.”
The Burundi international was at Ibrox himself in 2015 as part of the bizarre five-man Newcastle loan deal instigated by Mike Ashley.
He didn’t kick a ball for them – but doesn’t harbour any grudge as he goes back.
He said: “They’re a different club now from when I was there and that’s why they’re back in Europe and competing for the title.
“Every club sometimes have tough times and for Rangers it’s good they have sorted out their problems. I enjoyed my time there even though I didn’t play.
“The staff were great to me and were so supportive. It was a shame I didn’t get to play, but I am looking forward to facing them.” Jose Mour inho’s f ier y reaction to Man United’s 2-1 win in Turin in midweek was sparked by Juventus fans spitting at him.
Mourinho cupped his ear to the home crowd after the dramatic Champions League victory in reaction to the fans, who had dished out a non- stop barrage of abuse on Wednesday night.
But a United insider defended the gaffer’s actions and said: “Considering wha t had happened during the game, it was understandable that Jose acted in that manner.
“It just wasn’t nasty personal insults he was forced to put up with but he was also spat at.
“Some of the spittle also landed on Jose’s assistants. It wasn’t very pleasant.
“What he did was just to show some emotion after a tremendous win.”
On his reaction, Mourinho later said: “I probably shouldn’t have done it and with a cool head I wouldn’t have done it.” Pep Guardiola says he doesn’t share the fears of Man City fans about derby referee Anthony Taylor.
Taylor will be in charge of today’s meeting of the Manchester clubs, despite being born in nearby Wythenshawe.
The 40- year- old has declared himself to be a season- ticket holder at local National League outfit Altrincham.
But many City fans claim Taylor is a secret United supporter who doesn’t want to rule himself out of reffing in the Premier League’s biggest games by owning up to his allegiance.
Guardiola said: “Mr Taylor is from Manchester, but he supports Altrincham, so no problem. He’s going to try and do the best job possible.
“Hopefully the officials can make good decisions and it’s a good game.
“The referee doesn’t want to make a mistake. He knows everyone in Europe will be watching.
“The important thing is to focus on our game.”