By any definition, 2019 has been a stunning year for Manchester City where we have eclipsed all other sides by becoming the first team to ever achieve a complete domestic clean sweep of trophies.
Any yet many rival fans and pundits and journalists have spent months trying to belittle these achievements out of a combination of jealousy and a desperate search for internet clicks.
The staggering achievements of this Pep Guardiola side are pitted against a hostile media and that has taken some shine from the glory we have enjoyed. We were never truly awarded our moment in the sun, to bask in achievement, instead we were forced onto a back foot defensive stance, awaiting the next punch.
A curious and memorable year all told, so here at Man City Square we thought we would look at three takeaways from our 2019.
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The Power of Positive Thought
Sports psychologists work extensively with elite athletes such as footballers these days to get them mentally prepared for the trials and tribulations of top level performance. One of the techniques they utlise from cognitive behavioural therapy is called actualisation.
This is about getting players to believe totally in their capabilities. The elimination of any doubt is key here.
Anyone who has seen or heard Vincent Kompany talk about his goal last season against Leicester can see the technique in action. He talks of seeing the goal before he struck the ball.
Belief is key. It is what makes a player – and by extension a team, feel as though they are invincible. It is that belief which has been missing from City since defeats to Norwich and Newcastle.
It is imperative we get back to thinking we are the best, not second best, because it is only then that we will achieve.
No one likes us, but we don’t care
That was the song beloved of Millwall fans back in the day, often used as a retaliation to constant criticism of the fans. We should take a leaf out of that book in the way we, as City fans, engage with the media.
The hostility towards our Club, and even our fans, by many in the media has been a constant feature of 2019. But rather than engaging in a ever decreasing circle of challenging those attitudes, better to just rise above it.
Attempting any dialogue with the Miguel Delaney’s, Duncan Castles, Rob Harris’ of the world is a just like a steady trip through Dante’s levels of hell. Ultimately, it doesn’t make anyone feel any better.
Instead, channel your energy as a fan into supporting things – we don’ t have to defend the Club, thats not our job!
Pep Guardiola should not be taken for granted
There was a glorious moment towards the end of the game against Sheffield United where the crowd rose up to sing the Guardiola song in unison. He turned and appeared almost unusually emotional as he acknowledged the support.
The backdrop is that the press have been full of stories of him leaving. In the context of several defeats, the media have even managed to create some fans who want him gone. Fraudiola cry the Liverpool fans, in desperation, hoping he goes.
The reality is that as fans we are comfortable and relaxed with Guardiola and consequently we probably don’t give him the plaudits he deserves. As we approach the end of his current contract, we should be letting him know, what we think of him with every opportunity we get.
Who knows what 2020 will bring. The best we can hope for as fans is for our team to be in the mix and competing at the highest levels by playing exciting football. If we get to enjoy more success then that will be a beautiful bonus.