CAMEROON star Geremi epitomises the energy and enthusiasm of Boro’s improving young team, according to his delighted boss Steve McClaren.
The Riverside resounded to chants of « Whatever will be will be, there’s only one Geremi » as he contributed a goal and two assists to a superb team performance.
« They have great enthusiasm and legs and Geremi epitomises that, » says McClaren.
« He has great quality and great energy. He says he can play anywhere – as a striker or even in the hole, every player’s favourite position!
« I’ve seen him play full-back for Real Madrid, but he’s a great right-sided player. »
The 23-year-old is here on 12-month loan from the Spanish giants, but McClaren says there is no pressure on anyone to tie up a permanent deal.
« We’ve only played 15 games and there’s a long way to go. We’ve got to make sure he enjoys it here and enjoys playing in the team.
« We’ve got to make him fall in love with the place. He’s got to contribute to that and play well. At present we’re succeeding with both. »
Boro were cruising after two great Geremi crosses converted by Ugo Ehiogu and Alen Boksic, but City briefly threatened a revival.
« At 2-0 we were a little gung-ho and naïve but we will learn from that, » says McClaren.
« It was an excellent game of football from a neutral’s point of view, it was end to end.
Manchester City came here and contributed to a great game and a great advert for the Premiership.
« There was some good attacking and some good defending. We performed very well and kept going until we got a breakthrough.
« I was a little bit surprised to be going in 0-0 at half-time. I just said, ‘Patience, patience.’
« We would like to score more goals but we’ve got three so you can’t complain – one from a defender, one from a midfielder and one from a striker. »
