Interim boss Brian Kidd hailed director Txiki Begiristain’s football philosophy as Manchester City came from behind to beat Europa League champions Chelsea in St Louis.
After Roberto Mancini’s sacking, City’s directors spoke of adopting a ‘holistic approach’ and developing a flowing style of football throughout all of the club’s teams.
And Kidd explained the stunning 4-3 win in America was thanks to a meeting between Begiristain, Elite Development Squad head Patrick Vieira and himself pre-match.
“Txiki was superb,” he told CityTV. “He turned round and said don’t be afraid to play the young boys and have a mix so it was great credit to Txiki and Patrick.
“It was his [Begiristain’s] philosophy so it was good and it gave me a lot of confidence.
“At lunch Patrick and I were talking and we said look, we need to get the philosophy now and speak with Txiki – let’s have a meeting.
“The young lads can go away now really pleased with themselves and it was refreshing with my youth background but, as I said, full credit to Txiki and Patrick.”
City dominated the possession and chances but found themselves two down at the break after Demba Ba’s header and Cesar Azpilicueta’s penalty.
Oscar extended the lead after the break but City hit back in the final half-hour through Javi Garcia, Edin Dzeko’s double and Micah Richards late winner.
The Blues handed rare appearances to youngsters Karim Rekik, Emyr Huws, Albert Rusnak and Dedryck Boyata alongside several of their more senior stars.
And Kidd – who believes the game was a great advert for the Premier League – admitted he was delighted with the Blues’ attitude to the tour after a turbulent fortnight for the club.
“I was really pleased with the way the lads went about it because they’ve had a tough fortnight with losing the cup final and the boss going,” he added.
“It has been draining emotionally, physically and mentally – it’s been tough.
“I think the trip has been very hard on the lads – they’ve done a lot of appearances, a lot of events, they’ve been all over New York City.
“They’ve been everywhere and they’ve gone about it, they’ve been great. They’ve only done one training session yesterday – maybe that might be the secret!”
Image courtesy of CityTV, with thanks.
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