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Roque Santa Cruz preparing himself for Manchester City's top four battle
Resolution and physical fitness key to successful run-in...
17 Mar 2010 18:51:00
By Zack Wilson
Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz is pleased that he and his team-mates have begun to show some fighting spirit in tight games in recent weeks, because he knows that they will need to if they are to claim fourth spot in the Premier League this season.
The Paraguayan also believes that the physical fitness of Roberto Mancini's side could give them a crucial edge in the run-in as we approach the business end of the season.
The strength of the bench at Eastlands is also another massive factor in their favour, the striker feels.
"It’s a compliment to the team, we’ve been good in those situations where we have been behind and needed to get back into a game," Santa Cruz told City's official website.
"We’re experienced and tough, mentally, but a lot of it is to because overall the squad has stayed fit. We can cope with what games throw at us until we get the results that we want because we are in good shape, considering the stage of the season we are in.
"But we are going to need to keep that mental strength in the next few weeks. These games coming up are going to be the decisive ones of the season.
"Everybody will need to be ready to get involved at any time. I have not started many games lately but I know how important it is to be prepared and able to contribute as soon as you come on.
"Most of the squad are fit, and we just need Ade to come back to help strengthen the team even more.
"You have to expect people coming off the bench to make an impact and change the game. I did what I could on Sunday, and of course Adam [Johnson] scored that fantastic goal as a substitute [against Sunderland].
"That’s just what you need from a replacement, the team’s got to stay as strong even when changes are made and that’s what we all have try to do even if we are not starting every game."
City now head to west London to face Fulham at the weekend and Santa Cruz thinks that victory is a necessity.
"It’s going to be another tough one, but it’s one of those games that we need to win," he said.
"We can’t allow ourselves any draws any more, we need to go for the win at Fulham."
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The Paraguayan also believes that the physical fitness of Roberto Mancini's side could give them a crucial edge in the run-in as we approach the business end of the season.
The strength of the bench at Eastlands is also another massive factor in their favour, the striker feels.
"It’s a compliment to the team, we’ve been good in those situations where we have been behind and needed to get back into a game," Santa Cruz told City's official website.
"We’re experienced and tough, mentally, but a lot of it is to because overall the squad has stayed fit. We can cope with what games throw at us until we get the results that we want because we are in good shape, considering the stage of the season we are in.
"But we are going to need to keep that mental strength in the next few weeks. These games coming up are going to be the decisive ones of the season.
"Everybody will need to be ready to get involved at any time. I have not started many games lately but I know how important it is to be prepared and able to contribute as soon as you come on.
"Most of the squad are fit, and we just need Ade to come back to help strengthen the team even more.
"You have to expect people coming off the bench to make an impact and change the game. I did what I could on Sunday, and of course Adam [Johnson] scored that fantastic goal as a substitute [against Sunderland].
"That’s just what you need from a replacement, the team’s got to stay as strong even when changes are made and that’s what we all have try to do even if we are not starting every game."
City now head to west London to face Fulham at the weekend and Santa Cruz thinks that victory is a necessity.
"It’s going to be another tough one, but it’s one of those games that we need to win," he said.
"We can’t allow ourselves any draws any more, we need to go for the win at Fulham."
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
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| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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