CRYSTAL Palace boss Neil Warnock has hit back at the snipers who have criticised Manchester City’s spending spree.
Warnock’s cash-strapped side take on City in a televised Carling Cup tie on Thursday and although there will be a huge gulf in the value of both squads, there is no hint of jealousy from the man who will be in charge of the underdogs.
He said: “I just think it's fantastic personally.
“Man City fans have had it rough over the years and I think it's great the foreign owners have come in and supported a British manager.
“Everyone talks about the pressure he's under, but I think he'll be loving it.
“To be able to sign these quality players with the money he's got is exciting and good luck to him.”
Warnock also rejected the suggestion Manchester City’s wealth should be spread further down the football pyramid.
He explained: “Whose fault is it? Man City have got this buyer from wherever and good luck to him.
“It is only like Abramovic at Chelsea, isn't it?
“We wish we could get someone like that coming in.
“They've won the lottery and it's a great thing for the club and for Manchester because all of a sudden there's two teams in Manchester and looking from afar I think it's fantastic.”
Warnock is certainly not resigned to defeat on Thursday against the Premiership’s richest club, but did admit there would need to be a huge improvement in his side’s defending following Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat against Newcastle.
He said: “If we defend like we did in the first 15 minutes against Newcastle, I would think we'll be looking at double figures, so we know we can't defend like that to have any chance whatsoever of an upset.
“And we don't really want to be three or four nil down at half time, but it will be a good challenge to see if we can give a game to a team like that.
“If people don't listen to your instructions, are you going to stick with it or are you going to change it and play people who are going to listen to your instructions?"
He added: “We've got three or four youngsters who could get in most Premier League squads and it will give them an opportunity to see what they can do.
“When you look at Freddie Sears, Darren Ambrose and Victor Moses I think we've got people who can more than cause them problems.
“Obviously we need a bit of luck on the day because I was listening to Mick McCarthy on Saturday and they could have got 10.
“But having said that, Wolves could have equalised near the end, so that's what you need.
“You need a bit of luck against teams like this because they are going to create chances.”
Always liked Warnock because of his passion, so it's good to see that a proper football man is behind us imo.
The mancityfans.net football forum
The BEST FORUM in all the land and all the world
[/center]
