Rather than rest on his laurels, Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini kicked off the summer transfer rush by adding former Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna to his squad.
Why? The hope was that he would strengthen and add variety to what was already a sparse choice of defenders last season.
If Sagna’s new mentality is anything to go by, it might just have paid off.
“I needed a change. I wanted to start at the bottom again and work hard,” the Frenchman told CityTV ahead of today’s Community Shield against his old club.
“I believe I have chosen the best city in England and one of the greatest teams in the world to play for.”
Sagna is already settling in well and is enjoying life at the Etihad. He seems willing to give his very best to training and show the manager his full potential when picked for the first team.
“The Etihad setup seems very professional. You see players in the gym before coming out and it has given me the willpower to work even more. I am looking forward to working hard every day.
“When you come into a great team it is not hard to motivate yourself. You just want to be part of the team.”
Sagna had spent seven years in north London and had also been a French international during this time.
He made his move to Manchester City on a free transfer and fans and players alike are looking forward to witnessing the breadth of experience he will bring to the Premier League winning side.
Despite his brilliant work ethic and experience, Sagna faces tough competition for getting into the first team against regular choice right-back Pablo Zabaleta.
The Argentinian has proved time and time again that he is one of the best defenders in the Premier League and has played a huge part in Manchester City’s victories over the past few seasons.
“It has worked out well so far between us. I am not here to fight against him, I just want to bring what I can to the team,” said Sagna.
“One of us will play more than the other but when I get my chance I will give it my maximum.”
Pellegrini is yet to decide which of the players will take up the right-back position in the Community Shield.
Zabaleta has recently shown yet again how skilful and experienced he is under pressure during his World Cup campaign in Brazil, which saw Argentina compete for the trophy in the final against Germany.
Sagna realises what he is up against though and seems to want to put in a lot of effort to win his place in the team.
“I’ll work hard and give 100% and hopefully we can celebrate something at the end of the season.”
Main image courtesy of Manchester City FC via YouTube, with thanks.
