A myth that has become a popular opinion amongst many opposition fans is centred around the idea that Manchester City struggle to fill the Etihad Stadium.
Despite the numbers suggesting the polar opposite, supporters from other clubs have always used said unfounded take as a stick to beat the Sky Blues with.
As a result, there are many that believe that the Premier League champions’ fanbase are unable to generate a cracking atmosphere during home games.
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While a number of English clubs are renowned for doing so, such as Liverpool and Crystal Palace most notably, a whole host of detractors tend to exclude Manchester City out of this particular conversation.
Speaking recently, Pep Guardiola has revealed the contrary, honing in on how the Etihad Stadium atmosphere is especially livelier at present, in comparison to perhaps his early days at the club.
“Compared to previous seasons and my first season, completely," he said, when asked whether the recent atmospheres at Manchester City home games have improved.
Pep Guardiola continued, “The noise is louder and they are close and it is always full.
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"It is a joy to play at the Etihad right now.
"When they were incredibly pleased about these players and when that happened, they know we will never give up and that we will try to do our best to make a good 90 minutes and be comfortable."
He continued, "And after, when they know that is going to happen, they support us.
"Hopefully, it can continue.”
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The Catalan coach briefly touched on the importance of the connection between fans and players during games, saying, “We have to give to them, of course.
"We have to give to them but the way we want to try and play is to encourage them to be close to us.
"In the bad moments in the games, they are always there and after we score the first goal it is quite similar.”
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The 51-year-old also discussed how the fans at home impacted Manchester City’s inspiring comeback against Aston Villa on the final day of last season, as they became champions of England in style.
"(The) Aston Villa (game) was quite different because we were playing for the Premier League but when we scored the first goal, we saw they were there.
"The noise and everything, that is so important, for the opponent and for ourselves.”
With Erling Haaland’s dream start to life in sky blue giving the supporters so much to scream and shout about, the atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium will only get better and better.
Topics: Pep Guardiola, Manchester City, Premier League, Football
Srinivas Sadhanand