Congratulations on returning to Wembley for the curtain-raiser, it must feel like something of a second home after last season...
“We have a great record of coming to Wembley in recent years, but it’s always fantastic to come back! It means we’re doing the right things and getting the rewards for our hard work. For the players, it’s a special stadium to play at, one of the grounds you dream of playing at as a youngster. And for the club, trips to Wembley weren’t always so regular, so to be here, playing for more silverware, off the back of what was a great season last year, that’s something we never take for granted.”
You won this match this time last year, then the EFL Cup and Emirates FA Cup. What are your favourite memories here with City?
“To complete the clean sweep of domestic trophies here last season was very special. We’d worked hard all year, playing every three days and it was so competitive for everyone involved. I obviously didn’t play as much as I’d have liked because of injuries, so to come back for the FA Cup Final and feel like I made my contribution to what was an incredible season for everyone here was a great moment.”
It's is a mouthwatering game for the neutral, are you looking forward to it and do you expect Liverpool to compete again this season?
“Of course, I understand, but for us it is just another game. It’s important for us to start in the right way, but our season won’t be defined by this one game. Liverpool had a great season last year and I’m sure they will be competitive again. But we prepare for this game in the same way as we do for West Ham on the opening day of the Premier League and any game after that. We have to be ready, and we have to try and replicate our performances from the last two years. We don’t worry too much about what other teams are doing. We know ourselves, we know what we’re capable of, and if we perform to our levels then success will come.
“We play in the most competitive league in the world; one where a number of teams can win the title. Three years ago Chelsea won it, two years ago we competed with United, and last year Liverpool were our closest rivals. That’s without mentioning Arsenal and Tottenham who are always thereabouts. It would be a mistake to say this season will only be City v Liverpool; there are many competitors you have to beat to win trophies here.”
How has pre-season been?
“We’ve prepared well. This time of season is important to get your fitness to the right level and make sure you’re ready to go when the first whistle gets blown and I feel like we’ve done that. It’s also a chance to go and visit fans who wouldn’t otherwise get to watch us live and we got to do that across Asia this summer. It was a great experience; everyone was so welcoming and we’re all now focused on getting started.”
You can read the full interview with Kevin in the Community Shield programme, which you can order online.
