Two days removed from the exhibition against England’s Manchester City, several players reflected on their experience against the EPL side as they returned to the training field Monday to prepare for their next league match against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Midfielder Tony McManus
On getting stuck in against Manchester City players:
“It was definitely an honor to be on the same field as those guys. There were guys who played in the World Cup, there were guys who had played in the Champions League and there were guys who have won the biggest things that any soccer player could ever want; they play on the biggest stages. As far as getting stuck in to those guys, there’s no question to it. It didn’t matter who they were.”
Midfielder Derek Gaudet
On leading the Timbers' offense against Manchester City:
“It was a surreal experience. They are all world-class players, great players. You can take a lot from that. I thought we had some good spells offensively, especially in the first half.
On his first shot of the night, which nearly snuck inside the post:
“It was a good build up play. It was a great ball in by (Alex) Nimo from the right side, and I tried to redirect it to the bottom corner. I looked and I thought it was in, but at the last second he got his finger tips to it and it just wasn’t meant to be.”
Defender Ross Smith
On the athleticism of Manchester City’s attacking players:
“We were chatting about it after. For me as a player, I always pride myself on winning my headers and having a spring in my legs. There were two or three goal kicks and I gave it every spring I had in my legs and (Emmanuel) Adebayor was still coming at it. Seeing that head come a head above me and flicking it on, it was bit of an eye opener. I have never come up against a striker with that sort of spring and everything as well too, it was definitely brilliant to see. Their pace as well, we knew we had to get in challenges and stick them right away before they could get going or otherwise those legs, when they open up, they’re gone.”
Forward George Josten
On going against goalkeeper Joe Hart:
“Joe Hart last year was one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League and getting a chance to play against him was awesome. We had a few chances early in the game; I got close. I knew if we got down it was going to be a rocky road back so I wanted to take a lead. Unfortunately, I just slid them by the post and I think on one of them he made a save; he made a few good saves. Just seeing the way those guys prepare, especially the keepers, it’s just top class. It was a great experience.”
