‘Arrogant’ Man City slammed by Chinese media following Premier League Asia trophy appearance | OneFootball

Manchester City have been slammed as being ‘arrogant’ by the Chinese media, following their appearance in the Premier League Asia trophy, while Wolves and Newcastle United were praised for their conduct.

The Premier League champions competed in the annual pre-season tournament in Asia, beating West Ham 4-1 in the semi-final before losing the decider to Wolves on penalties following a goalless draw.

Top flight English clubs have long used pre-season to increase their global appeal, with the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal currently on a charm offensive in Asia and the United States respectively.

However, City have not been well received by their Asian hosts, with the Chinese media critical of their conduct, accusing the club of arrogance and showing their hosts a lack of respect.

An article in Chinese state media reads, as per the Guardian:

“For the Premier League champions, their appearance in China was nothing more than a commercial obligation, and their lack of enthusiasm and the indifferent treatment of their hosts stands in stark contrast to representatives of other clubs.

“For Manchester City, they saw their recent success as a reason not to treat Chinese and foreigners with the same respect. Above all, it was an orientalist expectation on display by the Manchester City press relations staff that Chinese media would operate as an extension of their PR department, rather than as serious football journalists.

“An attitude of arrogance and the belief that they were the main attraction to the Premier League Asia Trophy was misplaced and stood in direct contrast to the other clubs. Wolves could not do more to engage with fans and even Newcastle, despite arriving under a cloud of off-field negativity, treated China with the utmost respect and dignity.

“Today those clubs leave China with a new-found respect and new fans; Manchester City leave China with neither.”

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