That was the message from City EDS assistant boss Simon Davies as the Blues prepare to take on Everton at the Etihad Stadium.
Patrick Vieira’s men are without a win in the Barclays under-21 Premier League this season and the Frenchman’s right hand man believes that home support in one of the best stadiums in Europe will aid the players in their quest to get off the mark.
“Just to be playing at the stadium is wonderful, it’s one of the best in the Premier League, if not Europe,” Davies declared.
“It’s our home, we want to perform there. It’s Bank Holiday Monday, so we hope there will be lots of support for the boys which can only help them.
“I know the lads are buzzing already to walk out at the stadium because that’s their dream – that’s their goal, they can’t wait.
...Simon Davies...
“Everton from top to bottom are hard-working, organised and have genuine players – I don’t see that changing so we know we have to match that.”
In their last encounter, City faced off against an experienced Spurs outfit which included Brazil international midfielder Sandro and a pair of Engalnd u21 internationals in Harry Kane and Tom Carroll.
The boy Blues were edged out in a nine-goal thriller in Enfield and Davies admitted that defensive solidity is something that the whole team needs to work on in the coming weeks.
“It was a good experience for the boys because they were playing against players with Premier League experience,” Davies recalled.
“We created the chances and scored the goals against a strong team but maybe we could have a couple more.
“On the flipside, there’s plenty to work, especially on conceding the goals that we did.
“Like any young team, we have to learn when and where to manage the game. We were a little too open and we exploited by some key passes from some quality players.
“We’ve got the quality and the goals in the team but now we’re really focusing on building a strong base. We know we can create but we need to defend better – that’s not just the back four, that’s the whole team with the attackers and midfielders pressing from the front.”
We are pleased to announce that we will be granting free entry for all 2013/14 Seasoncard holders to the Barclays U21 Premier League fixture against Everton to be played at the Etihad Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday.
Supporters must present their valid 2013/14 Seasoncard at entrance Y for free entry to the game.
All seating is offered on an unreserved basis in Colin Bell Stand Level 1*.
Non-seasoncard holders can purchase a ticket for this game, priced £3 for Adults and £1 for Concessions (Under 16’s & Over 65s), online at www.mcfc.co.uk/tickets, or in person at the Ticket Office above the City Store at the Etihad Stadium.
Tickets will also be available to buy from the Stadium Ticket Office located in City square behind the stage from 11am on matchday.
