With all the changes at Manchester City in the last seven years, the one constant has been the anthem being played over the speakers at the Etihad Stadium and sung in the terraces by Blues supporters—“Blue Moon.”
But when you read the lyrics, the official club anthem is no longer relevant with the club itself.
David has become Goliath, as City’s journey to the top was clearly paid for in cash—over £1b in transfers and wages.
Most won’t admit it, but we’ve all at some point held an affinity for Manchester City before they struck the football lottery. Living in the shadows of their city rivals, having to endure a copious amount of Manchester United trophy parades, it was hard not to feel empathy.
The ability to re-invent themselves season after season—with a blank cheque book—has paved the way to five trophies under ADUG (Abu Dhabi United Group) ownership. Throwing money at the problem has become the Manchester City motto, so it shouldn’t be surprising that the same process will continue this summer—albeit on a much larger scale than before.
When you have unlimited funds, a planned overhaul and reconstruction of your on-field product is definitely a good thing. The Blues have won two domestic titles in the last three years, both won through adversity late in the season, sot’s not all bad news.
However, the trials and tribulations in the UEFA Champions League have continued, and City’s inability to fix the problem has lead to plenty of criticism, not only from outside forces but from within the club itself.
No need to speculate as to which influx of players that will be sold—Yaya Toure, Samir Nasri, Bacary Sagna and Edin Dzeko are just a few names. Manchester City isn’t bothered by selling at a loss. The bigger question revolves around Manuel Pellegrini and whether or not the club will re-sign their manager at season’s end when his contract expires.
We posed all these questions to Manchester beat reporter and Guardian football writer Jamie Jackson on the latest edition of European Football Weekly on Sportsnet 590 The FAN. His answers may surprise you.
To listen the interview, CLICK HERE
