24th October, 2016
Nigeria striker, Kelechi Iheanacho, has appealed to Manchester City fans to exercise patience with the team following underwhelming performances in recent matches.
Iheanacho, saved Coach Pep Guardiola’s blushes, coming off the bench to score for Manchester City in their 1-1 draw with Southampton at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
The goal was Iheanacho’s third for the season though it was not enough to earn his side the full points against Southampton.
The Citizens have failed to win in their last five games in all competitions and had to come from behind to rescue a point against Southampton in the English Premier League (EPL) on Sunday.
Iheanacho was quoted on the club’s website as calling for restraint while insisting that the team would soon turn the tide around.
“There is no problem (with City manager, Pep Guardiola’s system), we need to get our heads straight and focus on the next games.
“The fans need to know that we are football players, but we are human beings as well. We didn’t come from a different planet — we are of this world.
“I know the fans expect a lot from us, as players, but we are capable of losing and drawing as well as winning.
“There are a lot of games to go, so they need to have patience and get behind us.
“We’ll get there soon and make them proud,’’ Iheanacho said.
NAN reports that City’s form has been poor but Iheanacho has been outstanding.
Now the Citizens aim to end their winless run at Old Trafford in the English Football League (EFL) Cup Derby on Wednesday after cruising to a 2-1 win in September.
However, Iheanacho (who scored in that win) has warned it would be tougher this time.
“We haven’t won in five games now, but it is the game of football, and this can happen. We need to head straight and focus on the Derby that is coming.
“Last time we played United we put in a great performance from the whole team and won it, so we are looking forward to it again.
“This one will be harder, as they are getting to know us and our players.
“Also, having been humiliated 4-0 by Chelsea on Sunday in the EPL, we will definitely be looking for a positive response.
“They will fight hard so we have to get our heads straight, fight back and get the win at Old Trafford,’’ he said.
NAN reports that Iheanacho has now scored eight times in his last 11 league appearances for City.
His conversion rate is equally impressive as he has now netted 11 goals from 17 shots on target.