Sebastien Bassong talks about the Hughton effect ahead of the match at West Brom…
City defender Sebastien Bassong has highlighted how important City`s trip to West Brom is ahead of the big home games against Chelsea and Manchester City.
Talking on the radio Bassong said, “We have two massive games coming up (Chelsea and Man C), so the game against West Brom is even more important – we don`t know what will happen in these two games so if we get a chance to get a point or a win (tomorrow), we`ll be delighted. It`s going to be a tough game (against West Brom), they are really lively at the front.”
Bassong, who has scored 3 goals in his last 5 league games for the club also praised the turnaround that Chris Hughton has overseen.
“We`re on a great run at the moment and we`re delighted about it. If I knew what Chris Hughton had done I would tell you! He has given us belief and told us to keep working hard in training, and the results have come.”
It`s difficult to remember a defender that fans have taken to their hearts as much as Bassong – some would argue that it is his impact as much as anything else that has stabilised the team.
The Cameroon international missed the opening day 5-0 defeat to Fulham (having not yet signed) and also the 5-2 defeat to Liverpool, after suffering an injury in the defeat at Newcastle with the score at 0-0. Arguably, the presence that is the Rock of Bassong would have given those score lines a different look, and without those three defeats (three of only four all season), City would be pushing even higher up the table. Bassong played only some of the defeat against Chelsea, and was not fully fit.
Arguable one of the early candidates for Player of the Season, the sheer presence of a leader such as Bassong at the back gives City the stability and belief that they can mix it with anyone, including Chelsea and Manchester City.