Linfield’s in-form striker Christy Manzinga (in conversation with Jamie Megarry of official Linfield media) says he’s looking forward to Tuesday night’s trip to face Cliftonville at Solitude, a ground he has good memories of.
“Yes, It’s a ground where I have good memories, having scored there at the end of last season before lifting the Gibson Cup that day after the game. However, that counts for nothing when we cross the while line on Tuesday evening. If we want to have another day like that, we need to win as many games as possible. It’s tight at the top and every game is massive. I’m really excited for the game.”
It’s a big game in the context of the Irish League title race, with league leaders Linfield coming into the game just five points ahead of Cliftonville who are third.
“It will be a hard game for sure, but there are no easy games in this league anyway. Games are even more challenging away from home. Of course, we’ll have our own supporters there but it won’t be the usual numbers we get at Windsor Park. Cliftonville will be looking to make home advantage count, so it’s a good challenge. Cliftonville have not lost many games at home this season and had a good win against Larne on Friday.”
Manzinga’s opener in yesterday’s 2-0 win over Glenavon at Windsor Park was his 19th goal of the season but whilst he’s enjoying his hot form in front of goal, the striker says his mood is influenced by results.
“We are going to prepare well. Yes, I’ve been scoring some goals but the result is what matters. If I score goals it’s nice, but if I score goals and we don’t get a good result then it means nothing. The only thing that matters in my head is that we are winning and picking up three points every week. We all need to perform, if we are to do that against a good Cliftonville team.”
The French forward believes the Linfield supporters in attendance at Solitude have a big part to play on Tuesday evening.
“It is unbelievable the way our supporters support us away from home, especially away at the likes of Coleraine. We can feel that they are right there with us when we go away from home and that makes a huge difference. I know from last season that there is a big difference between having away support and not having it. We missed that last season. Hopefully, our fans can help us as they have done all season and I hope then we can give them something to cheer on Tuesday night.”
Best of luck to Christy and the team for Tuesday’s big game which will be live streamed on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website
