Kyle Walker has revealed what he told his Manchester City teammates at halftime during the victory over Manchester United.
Manchester City ran out 3-1 winners over their neighbours on Sunday but it was a tougher match than most expected.
Manchester United took a shock early lead through a Marcus Rashford wonder strike.
Pep Guardiola’s side dominated possession but couldn’t find a way past Andre Onana, though Erling Haaland did miss a remarkable sitter.
City went in behind at the break but kept their composure in the second half and their dominance soon paid off.
Phil Foden levelled things up with a stunning shot of his own and then completed the turnaround with a smart finish.
Haaland then went on to make up for his earlier miss by adding a third in stoppage time.
Now captain Kye Walker has shared what he told the players during the break to inspire the win.
Kyle Walker’s halftime team talk v Manchester United
Walker told Sky Sports after the game: “I don’t think we played badly.
“I said in the dressing room at half-time: ‘It’s not a bad performance. It’s sometimes you take your hat off to goals like that.’
“I think Marcus has hit a goal, it’s come off the crossbar and went into the back of the net.
“I think it was the same as Luton when they went and scored just before half-time. Sometimes you have to take your hat off to these goals.
“Do I like conceding goals, no I don’t. Do I think we could have stopped the ball further up the pitch or put our bodies in front of the ball to not let him shoot but sometimes things happen in football.
“Now it’s about the reaction from the lads, us as leaders have to make sure we pick people up, don’t get too down.
“We know, as we’ve done many a game – especially here – that it’s not over until it’s over. We’ll keep going to the end.”
A vital three points
City controlled the game from the first minute until the last, they were just caught out by one sensational strike.
If you’re limiting a team to one shot on target all game and it just so happens to fly in from 25 yards, there’s not much more you can do.
But City did really well to maintain their composure and not panic after struggling to find the goal for a short spell.
It easily could have descended into one of them games, especially with the pressure on in a derby, but the Blues didn’t falter and got the win.
With Liverpool earning a last-minute win on Saturday, it was crucial City picked up the three points to stay within touching distance of the league leaders ahead of the meeting next Sunday.
