Guardiola asks City fans to show up for the derby

Manchester United travel to the Etihad on Sunday, hoping to win for the sixth time in the last nine visits away to City.

Our rivals, who are currently five points ahead with a game in hand, have struggled to sell out their stadium and generate an atmosphere, even with their success. Pep Guardiola has repeatedly called them out in past, even begging supporters to come to watch City in the Champions League last season.

The general secretary of City’s official supporters club hit back at the manager then.

To question the support, which is effectively what he is doing, is disappointing and uncalled for. It does also play into the hands of supporters from other teams who want to take every opportunity to have a go at City for what they think are the poor attendances. People refer to the Etihad as the ‘Emptyhad’.

Guardiola hasn’t been put off from making it easy for rival fans to have a pop at the blues though. Ahead of the derby, he’s asked again for the fans to attend and to try and make some noise too, if possible.

We’re proud of what we’ve given to them. The produce many since we are together. Go to the stadium it’s important we feel the pressure of them. Demand the best of ourselves. We need it, I want them to be active. It’s not just a football game. Demand the best of ourselves.

Sunday’s game kicks off at 2pm.

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The post Guardiola asks City fans to show up for the derby first appeared on Republik Of Mancunia: A Manchester United Blog.