James Milner: Manchester derby about much more than bragging rights

James Milner will never tire of beating Manchester United.

Having grown up in Leeds and now playing for Manchester City, it couldn’t be any other way!

He has a winning record in the Manchester derby from his four years at City, and he wants to keep that going today. But it’s more than bragging rights at stake at the Etihad.

The Premier League champions are in a bit of turmoil after two defeats and a draw in their last three games.

Victory is needed to re-establish their title challenge and not allow Chelsea to go even further ahead.

And Milner is banking on City’s champion mentality to get them back on form.

“If you can’t get up for a Manchester derby, then you’re in trouble,” he says.

“We know we’ve let our standards slip in the last couple of weeks, but it hasn’t been because of a lack of effort.

“Every team goes through peaks and troughs throughout a season. We’ve had two or three poor results, while Chelsea look like they are flying.

“But we have a dressing-room full of players who know how to win a title.

“There is such a long way to go, and we don’t feel anything has been won or lost yet in terms of the Premier League. We’re quite harsh in the way we criticise ourselves.

“We don’t hide behind excuses and we know that we’ve let our standards slip not with results but with performances.

“We know we haven’t performed well as a team, but there is also a strong belief that we will bounce back sooner rather than later.

“Winning the derby would give everyone a lift. But the key to winning the League and winning trophies is to perform at a consistently high level. We need to find that consistency.”

Milner has been one of City’s stand-out performers this season, and he is forcing his way into Manuel Pellegrini’s first choice line-up.

It’s coming at the right time because the midfielder’s contract expires next summer and he does not want to leave. But as yet, there is no offer of a new one.

He adds: “I think I’m showing my best form since I came to the club, in terms of being consistent over a run of games.

“Every player will tell you it’s difficult to be at your best when you are in and out of the team.

“At the start of the season, I wanted to play and I’ve been happy with the games I am getting. I just hope it continues.

“I’d love to stay at City. That is the bottom line. This is a club that is winning things, has great players and the fans have always been good to me.”

One of Milner’s finest City displays was in the 6-1 win over United at Old Trafford three years ago. Mario Balotelli scored twice but Milner was named Man of the Match.

“The 6-1 is one of my best memories,” he smiles. “I supported Leeds as a kid, so beating Manchester United is something I get a lot of satisfaction from.

“I’ve taken some right pastings at Old Trafford, so to go there and win like that is something I will never forget or tire of talking about.

“My dad is a Leeds fan and he comes to watch me. He was sat with the City fans that day. Let’s just say he had a great day!”