Steve Bruce on City

[thegoatfeeder]

Did anyone hear Steve Bruce on 5live on Saturday?

I was driving to the game and had radio 5 on. Long story short, Bruce was on and he was asked about City and our recent dip in form. He essentially said that early in his United career, the 91-92 season to be precise, that United did something very similar to what we are threatening to do now. They lead everyone throughout the first half of the season, but after Christmas the wheels came off and they ultimately finished behind Leeds.

He blamed this on the pressure of being so close to winning the title, and on the fact that the club hadn't won it for so long that the pressure became too much for them to handle, so they threw it away. He likened it to our situation and I thought he made a lot of sense. His final point was that the year after, they all sat around before the first game and said they weren't going to let it happen again, and he said they learnt so much from the previous year that it helped them go out and secure not just one title but championship after championship. Obviously he likened it to us and said that the squad will be more experienced with the pressure, but more importantly so will the fans and everyone working/involved in the club and that next year we will be an even better proposition.

Normally I would totally disregard anything that the man utters, but his comments made a lot of sense to me, I know we have title winners in our squad (the Toures, Nasri, Clichy) but the vast majority haven't won a huge amount, so this is a huge learning curve. Sure or frailties since Christmas could be down to the wrong tactics, or bad management, but for me, every time I see us playing lately I see a team short of confidence and belief, and a team that is struggling with the pressure.

So to sum up, after hearing what Bruce had to say, I genuinely believe we will come back next year better equipped mentally than we are now, and I think we will win the league in style. We are still gaining that winning mentality, and we will continue to develop and improve. As dire as Saturday was, we came from 2 goals behind to take a point, we wouldn't have done that a few years ago, we also came from behind against Chelsea and Stoke, again those are games that we would have lost 18 months ago. I genuinely believe we are starting to get the right mentality and we will learn from our mistakes this campaign, there, now how is that for a bit of positivity?

[Kiss_The_Goat]

Totally agree with all of that... the most important thing is that we keep this squad and the management in place... No knee-jerk Abramovich bullshit - that will get us nowhere fast.

Whether or not we win the league this year... we WILL definitely win it next year if the board and the fans keep the faith!

[bigblue]

who'd of thought the elephant man would have that much insight. But very true words, spoken from the perspective of actually building sustainable success

...so we shouldn't sack Bob before the game vs. arsenal?

[Blue Since 76]

...so we shouldn't sack Bob before the game vs. arsenal?

Afterwards will do. Or possibly during.

[Im_Spartacus]

Afterwards will do. Or possibly during.

During, jees that brings back bad memories. The Hughes sacking was one of he most mishandled dismissals of al time, coming out at half time during the sunderland game

[Blue Since 76]

During, jees that brings back bad memories. The Hughes sacking was one of he most mishandled dismissals of al time, coming out at half time during the sunderland game

I didn't find out till after the game. Disappointed they didn't make him stand in the centre circle at half time and then announce it over the tannoy.

[simon12]

Did anyone hear Steve Bruce on 5live on Saturday?

I was driving to the game and had radio 5 on. Long story short, Bruce was on and he was asked about City and our recent dip in form. He essentially said that early in his United career, the 91-92 season to be precise, that United did something very similar to what we are threatening to do now. They lead everyone throughout the first half of the season, but after Christmas the wheels came off and they ultimately finished behind Leeds.

He blamed this on the pressure of being so close to winning the title, and on the fact that the club hadn't won it for so long that the pressure became too much for them to handle, so they threw it away. He likened it to our situation and I thought he made a lot of sense. His final point was that the year after, they all sat around before the first game and said they weren't going to let it happen again, and he said they learnt so much from the previous year that it helped them go out and secure not just one title but championship after championship. Obviously he likened it to us and said that the squad will be more experienced with the pressure, but more importantly so will the fans and everyone working/involved in the club and that next year we will be an even better proposition.

Normally I would totally disregard anything that the man utters, but his comments made a lot of sense to me, I know we have title winners in our squad (the Toures, Nasri, Clichy) but the vast majority haven't won a huge amount, so this is a huge learning curve. Sure or frailties since Christmas could be down to the wrong tactics, or bad management, but for me, every time I see us playing lately I see a team short of confidence and belief, and a team that is struggling with the pressure.

So to sum up, after hearing what Bruce had to say, I genuinely believe we will come back next year better equipped mentally than we are now, and I think we will win the league in style. We are still gaining that winning mentality, and we will continue to develop and improve. As dire as Saturday was, we came from 2 goals behind to take a point, we wouldn't have done that a few years ago, we also came from behind against Chelsea and Stoke, again those are games that we would have lost 18 months ago. I genuinely believe we are starting to get the right mentality and we will learn from our mistakes this campaign, there, now how is that for a bit of positivity?

To be fair they said this on the suppository 2 weeks ago. The fact that potential title winners always came close by being runners up first.

[Foreverinbluedreams]

Good post Goatfeeder.

A positive thread and yet it's slowly slipping down the forum with just a few responses. That's a surprise.

[lets all have a disco]

So good to hear i feel sooo much better now.

[Tru_Blu]

Totally agree with all of that... the most important thing is that we keep this squad and the management in place... No knee-jerk Abramovich bullshit - that will get us nowhere fast.

Whether or not we win the league this year... we WILL definitely win it next year if the board and the fans keep the faith!

This. Lets build on this great season

[Goaters 103]

When Steve Bruce is around, I find there always seems to be an elephant in the room.

[Tony P]

When Steve Bruce is around, I find there always seems to be an elephant in the room.

Coffee on screen.

[trout man]

The elephant man speaks sense. I have to say that I have struggled psychologically with this season, for despite seeing football from City that was awe inspiring throughout this season I never felt totally confident that we would win the title, I just hoped that we would. I can't say I have 'enjoyed' the last few months and the behaviour of us as fans both at the ground and on the forums has in many ways become as erratic as the players. We are symbiotic of each other and therefore in some ways dependent on each other as our behaviour reflects but can also inspire or deflate how our team performs.

I have many rag mates living in Ireland, that's just part of the deal living here, and I was astounded in December and January when to a person, my rag mates said we would crumble under the pressure and they would nick it by at least three points...I thought they were delusional but they are good sensible friends (apart from the obvious handicap) and in fairness they have been near enough right. I have made three bets with mates in December of €50 each that we would stroll home as winners, I am now just about ready to make a withdrawal.

However, the funny thing is, the pressure is gone; I don't feel as agitated nor as nervous as I did. I believe a degree of acceptance and understanding as to how difficult the premiership is to win has finally sunk in and I for one was guilty of assuming we had this in the bag in January. We can blame refs, managers of other teams for rolling over, our manager, our players, our fans or whoever is on line to take a pot shot at but at the end of the day if we don't win the league this year, it's because we weren't good enough this year to stay the distance.

I believe next season we both as fans and as a club will be mentally prepared for what is ahead, and I for one hope that Roberto and all our boys that we love are there and that we share the long road together.

CTID

[thegoatfeeder]

The elephant man speaks sense. I have to say that I have struggled psychologically with this season, for despite seeing football from City that was awe inspiring throughout this season I never felt totally confident that we would win the title, I just hoped that we would. I can't say I have 'enjoyed' the last few months and the behaviour of us as fans both at the ground and on the forums has in many ways become as erratic as the players. We are symbiotic of each other and therefore in some ways dependent on each other as our behaviour reflects but can also inspire or deflate how our team performs.

I have many rag mates living in Ireland, that's just part of the deal living here, and I was astounded in December and January when to a person, my rag mates said we would crumble under the pressure and they would nick it by at least three points...I thought they were delusional but they are good sensible friends (apart from the obvious handicap) and in fairness they have been near enough right. I have made three bets with mates in December of €50 each that we would stroll home as winners, I am now just about ready to make a withdrawal.

However, the funny thing is, the pressure is gone; I don't feel as agitated nor as nervous as I did. I believe a degree of acceptance and understanding as to how difficult the premiership is to win has finally sunk in and I for one was guilty of assuming we had this in the bag in January. We can blame refs, managers of other teams for rolling over, our manager, our players, our fans or whoever is on line to take a pot shot at but at the end of the day if we don't win the league this year, it's because we weren't good enough this year to stay the distance.

I believe next season we both as fans and as a club will be mentally prepared for what is ahead, and I for one hope that Roberto and all our boys that we love are there and that we share the long road together.

CTID

I'd go along with all of this. Yes i'm gutted that we probably won't win the title now, but the nerves and apprehension around every game recently has been unbearable and I am sure that must get passed onto the pitch. I am convinced that without too much tinkering next year will be even better and we'll win the damn thing AND do far better in Europe.

[Dubciteh]

The elephant man speaks sense. I have to say that I have struggled psychologically with this season, for despite seeing football from City that was awe inspiring throughout this season I never felt totally confident that we would win the title, I just hoped that we would. I can't say I have 'enjoyed' the last few months and the behaviour of us as fans both at the ground and on the forums has in many ways become as erratic as the players. We are symbiotic of each other and therefore in some ways dependent on each other as our behaviour reflects but can also inspire or deflate how our team performs.

I have many rag mates living in Ireland, that's just part of the deal living here, and I was astounded in December and January when to a person, my rag mates said we would crumble under the pressure and they would nick it by at least three points...I thought they were delusional but they are good sensible friends (apart from the obvious handicap) and in fairness they have been near enough right. I have made three bets with mates in December of €50 each that we would stroll home as winners, I am now just about ready to make a withdrawal.

However, the funny thing is, the pressure is gone; I don't feel as agitated nor as nervous as I did. I believe a degree of acceptance and understanding as to how difficult the premiership is to win has finally sunk in and I for one was guilty of assuming we had this in the bag in January. We can blame refs, managers of other teams for rolling over, our manager, our players, our fans or whoever is on line to take a pot shot at but at the end of the day if we don't win the league this year, it's because we weren't good enough this year to stay the distance.

I believe next season we both as fans and as a club will be mentally prepared for what is ahead, and I for one hope that Roberto and all our boys that we love are there and that we share the long road together.

CTID

Well said!

[Renato_CTID]

Totally agree with all of that... the most important thing is that we keep this squad and the management in place... No knee-jerk Abramovich bullshit - that will get us nowhere fast.

Whether or not we win the league this year... we WILL definitely win it next year if the board and the fans keep the faith!

The same for me, mate! What we need now is to avoid to become a new Chelski spending lot of money changing again management and players.

[Beefymcfc]

There's no way that you can disagree with Bruce on this, just because you need hope. However, the timing of this for me just reeks of another ex-rag playing the Fergie Fiddle. He said this prior to last nights game when we were only 2 points behind and paints a picture that we have already lost the league. People then jump on it and basically say 'Yes, he's right, roll on next season'.

Just another Rag twat choking the Taggart Chicken whilst ensuring we City fans are left pining for next season, forgetting that we've got 7 games to play in this one.

[trout man]

There's no way that you can disagree with Bruce on this, just because you need hope. However, the timing of this for me just reeks of another ex-rag playing the Fergie Fiddle. He said this prior to last nights game when we were only 2 points behind and paints a picture that we have already lost the league. People then jump on it and basically say 'Yes, he's right, roll on next season'.

Just another Rag twat choking the Taggart Chicken whilst ensuring we City fans are left pining for next season, forgetting that we've got 7 games to play in this one.

Not so sure about this Beefy. Equally it can be said that the constant admiration whether it be of super spurs or more accurately of City's dominant play throughout the first half of the season, brings with it a level of applied pressure that can be equally deemed subversive by its nature. Nobody was talking about how wonderful the scum were playing and they just went about their business and now are in a dominant position without setting the premiership on fire. I actually think a lot of the clever pundits and journos actually applied more pressure to us both as a team and as a set of fans by building us up, (classic British tabloid tactics), to enjoy watching the pressure and get the sensationalist headlines we have been seeing constantly for the last two months. It's a complex game, and I really don't believe Bruce had any agenda, he is just seeing it as it is.

[Beefymcfc]

There's no way that you can disagree with Bruce on this, just because you need hope. However, the timing of this for me just reeks of another ex-rag playing the Fergie Fiddle. He said this prior to last nights game when we were only 2 points behind and paints a picture that we have already lost the league. People then jump on it and basically say 'Yes, he's right, roll on next season'.

Just another Rag twat choking the Taggart Chicken whilst ensuring we City fans are left pining for next season, forgetting that we've got 7 games to play in this one.

Not so sure about this Beefy. Equally it can be said that the constant admiration whether it be of super spurs or more accurately of City's dominant play throughout the first half of the season, brings with it a level of applied pressure that can be equally deemed subversive by its nature. Nobody was talking about how wonderful the scum were playing and they just went about their business and now are in a dominant position without setting the premiership on fire. I actually think a lot of the clever pundits and journos actually applied more pressure to us both as a team and as a set of fans by building us up, (classic British tabloid tactics), to enjoy watching the pressure and get the sensationalist headlines we have been seeing constantly for the last two months. It's a complex game, and I really don't believe Bruce had any agenda, he is just seeing it as it is.

Even if inadvertent, it still comes across the same way, just like Robson, or Blackmore this morning. You are right though, the media have obviously played a big part by bigging us up ready for the fall. I don't complain about tha 'cos we can't have it both ways. It's the outright lies and negative stuff that I take exception to, and also the way Sky manipulate the way the league pans out. It's not changed for years though, it's just this year that many are seeing it more.

[trout man]

There's no way that you can disagree with Bruce on this, just because you need hope. However, the timing of this for me just reeks of another ex-rag playing the Fergie Fiddle. He said this prior to last nights game when we were only 2 points behind and paints a picture that we have already lost the league. People then jump on it and basically say 'Yes, he's right, roll on next season'.

Just another Rag twat choking the Taggart Chicken whilst ensuring we City fans are left pining for next season, forgetting that we've got 7 games to play in this one.

Not so sure about this Beefy. Equally it can be said that the constant admiration whether it be of super spurs or more accurately of City's dominant play throughout the first half of the season, brings with it a level of applied pressure that can be equally deemed subversive by its nature. Nobody was talking about how wonderful the scum were playing and they just went about their business and now are in a dominant position without setting the premiership on fire. I actually think a lot of the clever pundits and journos actually applied more pressure to us both as a team and as a set of fans by building us up, (classic British tabloGid tactics), to enjoy watching the pressure and get the sensationalist headlines we have been seeing constantly for the last two months. It's a complex game, and I really don't believe Bruce had any agenda, he is just seeing it as it is.

Even if inadvertent, it still comes across the same way, just like Robson, or Blackmore this morning. You are right though, the media have obviously played a big part by bigging us up ready for the fall. I don't complain about tha 'cos we can't have it both ways. It's the outright lies and negative stuff that I take exception to, and also the way Sky manipulate the way the league pans out. It's not changed for years though, it's just this year that many are seeing it more.

True that, the outright lies and malevolent negativity can only be negated by us winning the premiership and then Sky, the beeb and fucking RTE will have to have their opening credits showing us picking up the title...that will send a constant shiver down their necks and then eventually they will get used to it....sooner or later, they are going to have to get used to it :-)