“I think it’s not just this negative record. There are many, many negative records, but for me it’s one motivation more. For the players, I want this negative record, they give us more motivation, more mentality, more energy to win a game, to play a good game. Because we have the qualities enough to win a game, this game.
“Yes, it’s a derby against one very good team, very good coach, they have a clear style of play, great players, but also Tottenham players are very good. The level of the players is high, we have to show together as a team, not as an individual.”
“I think every game is different. We change many players, they change not too many players, but they change coach, two coach in the last two seasons. But nothing changes, you have to run, you have to fight, you have to put the same behaviour we are putting in the last two games.
“And then there is the game. To play with personality, with courage, to find a way to score, to find a way to defend in the best way we can with courage. Nothing more.
“We kept the ball against Coventry, we didn’t create too many chances, like in Manchester or Aston Villa also. But there is a reason, because when you find a low block so close, 5-4-1 or 5-3-2 or 4-4-1-1, it’s still difficult. If you watch the game Man City vs Coventry, considering Man City one of the best teams in Europe, also Man City didn’t shoot too many times. Because it’s a totally different game than a more open game.
“I think last season, the last game with Chelsea, we could make a great result. We conceded one stupid goal, but now it’s completely changed the situation.
“Against Coventry we played three at the back, we were predictable, not because we played three at the back, but because we played against one low block. We conceded only one counter-attack, I think we played a very good game in the order on the pitch, in the space we occupied. We can play tomorrow three at the back, we can play four, like the first period, nothing changed.
“It depends on the game, if the game is more vertical or more in control. Also for the behaviour, for the attitude of the opponent. If the opponent comes strong in the pressure, you will play more vertical. If they stay with the low block, if they cover the line pass, you have more time in control, but maybe you have many less spaces between the line, less spaces to do one-vs-one in dribbling. These are totally different games.”