Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel slammed an "absolutely dead" Manchester City atmosphere after a bore draw with Inter in Champions League.
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Man City failed to get past InterSchmeichel took a dig at Etihad atmosphereLabelled it "flat" and unworthy of a European nightWHAT HAPPENED?
The encounter between City and Inter was highly anticipated as it marked a rematch of the 2023 Champions League final, where the English side triumphed with a 1-0 victory to claim their first-ever European title. However, this time, the Cityzens struggled to break through the solid defence of the Italian giants, resulting in a frustrating stalemate.
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Schmeichel, who enjoyed a stellar career with Manchester United, including a memorable Champions League victory in 1999, offered a candid assessment of the night’s events during his appearance on CBS Sports.
"I don't think it's a good draw. I thought it was a really, really boring game. I'm sorry to say that. I thought Inter did really well in stopping Man City," he said.
"I like good football and I like excitement from the crowd. It was dead. The Etihad today was absolutely dead. The only people we could hear were the Inter supporters who were quite good. But there's no atmosphere in the Etihad today. Normally you'd think 'well, a big European night', but it didn't happen for them."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Micah Richards, a former City defender and Schmeichel’s co-pundit took issue with the ex-goalkeeper’s remarks and attempted to defend his former club. During their exchange, Richards quipped, "Are you disrespecting my club?"
Maintaining his light-hearted yet critical stance, Schmeichel replied humorously, "Once in a while, I leave the studio and experience it."
Richards continued to push back, referencing Manchester City’s dramatic comeback win against Brentford in the Premier League just days before the Inter clash. "You should have been there on Saturday, Pete," Richards insisted.
Schmeichel, however, was unyielding in his critique, suggesting that perhaps the atmosphere from Saturday’s victory didn’t carry over to the Champions League night. "They might have left the atmosphere there on Saturday. Honestly, it was so flat," he responded.
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?
City won’t have much time to dwell on their disappointing draw against Inter, as they face a critical Premier League clash against Arsenal at the Etihad this Sunday. With Schmeichel’s comments on the lack of atmosphere ringing in their eyes, all eyes will be on City fans to see if they can provide the energy and support their team needs in this high-stakes encounter.