Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes the stadium atmosphere benefits his players more on gameday.
Pep Guardiola thanked Manchester City fans for bringing more noise than ever before as he looks to turn the Etihad into a fortress.
The City boss has already told supporters his side could not have won the Premier League last season without the support of the home crowd when it was needed most on the final day but has been impressed with what he has heard and felt in the opening two fixtures of the new campaign. Bernardo Silva was given a terrific reception in the 4-0 win over Bournemouth amid uncertainty over his future at the club before the fans help City to overcome a 2-0 deficit in thrilling fashion against Crystal Palace.
Guardiola made sure his players applauded the stands after the final whistle on Saturday and says the squad has noticed that the atmosphere is much better this season – particularly compared to his early years at the Etihad. With City again set for a highly competitive battle for the title, the manager is hopeful that the supporters can help ensure they have as much home advantage as possible going forward.
“It’s different from previous seasons and definitely from my first seasons here.” “The noise is louder, they’re closer, it’s always packed, and it’s a joy to play in the Etihad right now,” he said.
“It’s a lot better. The way we want to play encourages [the fans] to stick close to us. They are always present in the game’s bad moments.
“Aston Villa [last season] was completely different because we were playing for the Premier League, but when we scored the first goal against Palace, we felt they were there – the noise and everything – and that is so important for both the opponents and ourselves.”
“When that happens, they support us because they know we will never give up and will do our best to make them feel it is a good 90 minutes.”
