The City motto is ‘Superbia in Proelio’, you have ‘Superbia en Praelio’,” said one fan. “Sorry to break this to you but I reckon you have a spelling mistake in there. Proudly showing off the picture of his tattoo of the club mottoo on a City forum, it wasn’t long before fellow blues pointed out to “Chesney” that he had got it spelt wrong. Now we’ve got another daft blue to add to the pile. Ian's column will be published on, or close to, the 17th of each month.If they’re not getting tattoos of players they haven’t signed, they’re getting them of trophies they haven’t won. Take a bow, Mr Eriksson, and respect to you sir, for restoring the pride in the club’s motto, “Superbia In Proelia” – Pride in Battle. There will be some hiccups along the way – no team wins every week – but sit back and enjoy the ride. The next step is to win a trophy and start to qualify for European competitions regularly and I believe there’s a real possibility of that happening. Wenger has been at Arsenal for a generation and I’d love to think Sven’s 'project' is long-term and that he can build a dynasty that will get City back to the top.Ĭity have started the season with impressive results and a style of football I’ve not seen since the Mercer-Allison era, it’s a pleasure to go to every game. With Sven-Goran Eriksson in charge at Eastlands, I’d love to believe that Manchester City have the next Arsene Wenger, though I’m well aware that there’s a long way to go yet. His team plays attractive football and has been assembled without using the millions spent by the other three in the so-called big four. In my eyes Wenger is the best manager in the Premier League. The great thing about the two managers I’ve mentioned are that they are winners. Polite and courteous to strangers, he always says hello when I pass him in a corridor after a City v Arsenal match, even though he hasn’t a clue who I am. The Frenchman is another from the old school. It’s no surprise to me, either, that the fellow manager Sven most respects in the Premier League is Arsene Wenger. I don't know what has been said behind closed doors but Ireland's response on the pitch has been first class. When asked to give his views, he did - but without disrespecting the player (the man) or his girlfriend. The way he handled Stephen Ireland's early return from International duty didn't surprise me. A phone call to his pal, the Brazil manager Dunga, helped persuade Elano to move to Eastlands. The creative genius could have gone anywhere, but now Manchester City are reaping the rewards with some outstanding displays. The benefits of having a network of friends in football, are there for everyone to see. Class.Įriksson's respectful attitude has made him more friends than enemies, both inside and outside the game. Sven simply replied, 'if that's the case, then thank you'. The reporter was clearly looking for a quote that would make the sporting headlines. At a recent press conference, a journalist asked him what he thought of Joey Barton's comment that suggested he only got his job because the Newcastle midfielder had kept City in the Premier League last season. Sven, by contrast, deals with people respectfully - even under pressure.

The first time I met another of the big-name Premier League manager, who shall remain nameless, I was shocked to be welcomed with, 'who the **** are you' followed by 'no ******* stupid questions' - charmed I'm sure. More often than not he introduces himself with a handshake and a warm smile followed by a simple 'hello'. He is a gentleman in the truest sense of the word, a charming and polite man, with everyone he meets. Right from my first encounter with the former England boss, I was impressed. I meet Svennis on a regular basis, usually at the club's pre- and post-match press conferences but also occasionally in less formal settings. There are still a few examples, but they're few and far between, but I'm proud to say that the current manager of Manchester City, Sven Goran Eriksson, definitely falls into that category. Though I believe they'd have demonstrated good manners and sportsmanship, and all three were winners. Some might argue they played football at a time when there weren't 16 cameras recording every facial expression and gesture, as well as every kick of the ball. I've never heard them swear, and they have treated everyone around them with courtesy and respect.

Meaning of superbia in proelia