Regardless of Man City's Champions League exit the weekend's clash for Newcastle United was always going to be tough.
I have no allegiance to Man City whatsoever, but I was absolutely gutted watching their game the other night as they were so close. I am very much one of these people who wants to see all the British clubs be successful.
I am delighted Rangers got to their final, and I wanted Man City, Leicester and West Ham in their respective finals. I really felt for them all.
I know Man City have bounced back after setbacks but I have never seen the impact the results had on the players behind the scenes. Pep said after the game that things were positive still and said the players will be fine and go again. The proof will be in the pudding again on Sunday.
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It can go two ways, Man City may look at it and think they have the one opportunity to win something now in the title, which Pep always says is the biggest prize as it is played over a period of time, and act like the wounded animal. Or will they have a bit of a hangover after an epic game and the fact it went to extra time?
Extra time isn't ideal but the emotional and physical output they put into the game will be affected. If Newcastle stay in the game for long periods they could get a bit jittery.
Obviously, we are talking about players of a lot of experience and they have come through situations like this before. It's going to be interesting and I think it will boil down to the first 10 minutes of the game.
It will tell you where we at and which Man City will turn up. The pressure on them has intensified now with this being the only opportunity to win something.
Let's see if Newcastle can try to take advantage at the Etihad Stadium.
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