Pearson: Concentration Is Key

That is the view of City boss Nigel Pearson, who has praised his side during the opening weeks of the season for their superb defiance against some of the best players in world football.
With his defence facing up to the likes of Diego Costa, Angel Di Maria and Alexis Sanchez, they have shown the mental strength to match their ability and fitness.
And reflecting on the transition from Championship level to England’s top flight, Pearson believes that concentration is key to managing different situations in games.
“There are a lot more high intensity movements so you’ve got to factor in the mental side of the game,” said Pearson. “It’s even more important.
“A number of the games we’ve played so far, we’ve not had a lot of the ball compared to last year.
“That means you’re having to work exceptionally hard when you don’t have it.
“We do like to press from time to time but also the concentration levels have to be maintained for longer periods because you come up against a lot of sides who keep the ball very well.
“In a Championship game I would say that probably out of the 90 minutes the ball would probably be in play for about 55 minutes.
“I would think in the Premier League you could add another 10 minutes on to that.
“That in itself would suggest that there’s a lot more concentrating to be done through passages of play rather than when the ball goes out of play.
“You get a lot more of that in the Football League.”
Adapting to those differences comes as part and parcel of gaining promotion to what is regarded as one of the most competitive leagues in the world.
Pearson admits it is important not to dwell on last season’s triumphs as his players must turn their emotional and physical efforts to survival in the Premier League.
City’s Blue Army may be enjoying the different highs and lows week in, week out, but Pearson feels his side can adapt well given the game has varied effects on each player.
He added: “It’s acclimatising – I think it’s the different types of expectation, the emotional side of us being out of the top flight for a long time.
“I’m sure the fans are enjoying the experience but I think the players have to appreciate that there are a number of factors that are going to add to fatigue.
“I don’t have to tell anybody else how the emotional side of things can be very tiring as well.
“All those things together really do add to the mix of how this division can have different effects on players.
“We’ve done very well in some respects. You’ve always got to balance off the disappointment from a game like we experienced at the weekend.”