Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has stoked the fire ahead of the Manchester derby by saying the focus of the match should simply be about emerging champions of Manchester.
A late Robin van Persie goal ensured bitter rivals Manchester United came out on top in the reverse fixture at the Etihad earlier this season.
But choosing to isolate the game from United’s seemingly unassailable title charge Kompany urged the Blues to salvage some pride and emerge victorious from Old Trafford.
“A derby is a derby. I don’t think we could care less about the league in that game,” he told the Mirror.
“It’s about who is going to be champions of Manchester. That’s all it is.
“It would be nice to challenge them on their turf again.”
The Citizen’s last trip across town was their memorable 6-1 triumph in October 2011 – a result that set them on the way to the title.
But despite the Red Devils having motored to a 15-point league lead this time around, the skipper does not expect the game to be any less ferocious.
“I don’t expect United to be less motivated because they have this points gap between us, where they are pretty safe,” added Kompany.
“It will be like a one-off game – like a cup final. I can only wish the same with a happy ending for Manchester City.
“It’s about coming out on top in that game. I’m looking forward to it and I think everyone else at Manchester City is too.”
Kompany – who made his eagerly anticipated return from a three-month calf injury last weekend – has had to watch helplessly as his side fell away in the title race.
But back leading the troops once more, the Belgium international urged the Blues to continue fighting in order to set them up for anther title assault next year.
“Collectively, it’s disappointing. At the same time, I feel there is still a lot to look forward to,” he said.
“Whichever way we finish this season might set us up for the next one.
“The end of one season has an impact on how you start the next one.”
Image courtesy of Roger Goraczniak via Wiki Commons, with thanks
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