- Richard Dunne recalls Man City takeover
- Robinho pursuit changed mood overnight
- Former captain saw new ambition immediately
Richard Dunne has opened up on the moment Manchester City’s future changed, as the club’s 2008 takeover immediately transformed expectations around the Etihad.
Man City’s modern era is often discussed through the trophies that followed under Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini and Pep Guardiola.
However, before the Premier League titles and Champions League glory, there was a chaotic turning point that changed how the club was viewed.
The takeover was a major transition point for the Sky Blues. It brought immediate ambition and major transfer links changing the club overnight.
Likewise, for players already in the dressing room, the shift was hard to ignore. Despite being a proper old English club, Man City weren’t yet elite in 2008.
Richard Dunne Recalls Man City Takeover Chaos
Richard Dunne was the captain of Man City when the takeover happened. Likewise, the Irishman could feel that the club’s fortunes were about to change.
Speaking exclusively to Read Man City via BetGoodwin, the home of the best betting sites, Dunne shared his experience of the takeover with us.
Our question was, “When the takeover happened in 2008, could the squad immediately sense that the club was about to completely change?”
“Yes, we could. Overnight, we’re being linked with all these top players from around the world. We’re seeing bids go in for Robinho and progressing quickly for him to join. It was like a mad circus with so much going on and so much immediate ambition from the takeover,” Dunne said.
He added, “It was a crazy period, and we couldn’t believe what we were seeing, but it was all positive signs the club was going to move into a new direction and one which would mean the club would be able to compete with the top clubs in England.”
Dunne saw the start of City’s modern identity
Today, competing for elite players and major trophies is the standard for Man City. However, this wasn’t always the case.
In 2008, it was still surreal for a squad that hadn’t seen that ambition within the club. Robinho was clearly the first example of that change.
It was a chaotic transition, especially for players who’d been at the club for a long time. The takeover meant they’d have to keep up with the rapidly changing ambition and level.
Takeover changed how City were perceived
The takeover also didn’t just change the Sky Blues from within, but the perception of the club throughout the continent.
Despite having history, support and identity, City weren’t the destination for elite players. However, the transfer strategy post-takeover immediately changed that perception.
The Citizens were suddenly entering conversations with the likes of Man United, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Regardless, Sir Alex Ferguson dismissed the new project, calling it ‘all talk’. However, to the United legend’s dismay, things changed just as quickly as the tables had turned.
