City came crashing back to earth tonight, after they were taught a European football masterclass by Bayern Munich. But Editor Dean Mears explains why this is anything but positive for City's future and progression.
It takes some getting used to, this Champions League football, it requires something completely different to regular league matches and cup games, it's almost an ego, that you cannot be touched and every move and every pass will lead to goal scoring opportunities and that no side can beat you. How many teams in Europe do you think Barcelona actually fear playing?
This season was the season that City became a force in the Premier League, and they've started very well indeed barring the slip up at Craven Cottage. But any City fans who were dreaming of dominating the Premier League and Europe, were brought back to earth with a bump by a magnificent Munich side. Munich showed them how to keep possession, with raw German mechanism, how to wear your opponents down, and how to make counter attacking football look effortless.
People may criticism Mancini for his selection, starting Dzecko, Aguero, Nasri and Silva was a bold move against a team who have yet to taste defeat this season. But don't forget this is the same manager who was criticized for playing too negative, Mancini is no fool when it comes to European football, but remember he was sacked by Inter for failing to deliver Champions League glory, despite a trio of Serie A titles.
A defeat in this style will perhaps do more good than bad for City, they can realistically look at where they are as a team and assess any aims they may have had. Mancini knows how to win titles, and for a club who have won one trophy in 34 years they should set the bar a little lower.
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