Caretaker manager Brian Kidd admitted Manchester City have failed to hit last year’s standards as their below-par campaign ended with home defeat to a resurgent Norwich City.
Jack Rodwell twice equalised for City after first Anthony Pilkington and then Grant Holt fired Norwich in front but Jonny Howson’s solo goal won the game for the Canaries.
But Kidd ‒ who was pleased to hear former manager Roberto Mancini’s name sung by the City faithful ‒ hailed the side’s application after a difficult week.
“We have fallen short of the standards we set last season, but it hasn’t been for a lack of effort,” he told BBC Sport.
“You defend as a team and attack as a team, so you have to look collectively, but we haven’t reached that consistency.
“It’s been an emotional week with the events at the club. Full credit to the lads, they’ve got stuck in and given their best and you can’t ask for any more.”
Kidd took charge on Monday after Roberto Mancini’s sacking and six more coaches ‒ including assistant David Platt ‒ also left the club last week.
And former City and Manchester United favourite Kidd, who confessed replacing his former boss was difficult, admitted he does not know what is next for the club.
“I don’t know about changes,” he explained. “But the main change will be the appointment of a new manager, whoever that’s going to be.
“I was asked to take charge for two games and a tour of America, which has been tough with the boss going.
“The club make the decisions and you abide by it. I’m a big boy.”
Image courtesy of mcfcofficial, via YouTube, with thanks.
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