Brian Kidd: Manchester will overtake Milan as football's capital

Dream team: Kidd (right) with City boss ManciniBrian Kidd is adamant it will not be long before Manchester is overtaking Milan as the soccer capital of Europe. A proud Mancunian to his core, Kidd won the European Cup as a player with United before going on to become assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson during the early stages of his reign. Now he is providing the local knowledge to Roberto Mancini's coaching team at Manchester City. Kidd was an integral part of City's preparations for the FA Cup semi-final triumph over United at Wembley, which put them into their first major final since 1981. And the 61-year-old feels it is just the start of a new phase in the rivalry between the red and blue halves of Manchester that will transcend that of Milan. 'It is great for Manchester football,' said Kidd. 'I was looking round just before kick-off. I saw one half of the stadium red, the other blue. For me personally, it was a wonderful moment. 'You can have wonderful nights playing against the best teams in Europe. That is what we are striving for.' Kiddcan certainly see comparisons between where City are at present at whatUnited were when Ferguson started to turn them into the most efficient of trophy gatherers. 'ManchesterUnited won the FA Cup in 1990, then the Cup Winners' Cup the following season,' he said. 'Theylost the league to Leeds the following year, which proved to be the prelude to what they are now. 'Recovering from that setback showed how much spirit there was at Old Trafford. I feel there is a lot of that with City.' Derby delight: Yaya Toure scores the only goal as City beat United at WembleyIt will be one of Kidd's tasks to ensure City's players do not allow themselves to get carried away with what, after all, was just one victory, albeit a hugely significant one. He is acutely aware those twin pre-season aims of a place in next term's Champions League and the end of that 35-year trophy drought remain unfulfilled. 'We can only enjoy this win for a couple of hours, then we must prove our mettle,' he said. 'After 35 years, now we have a chance to win a trophy. 'It is all a learning process for our players but when you do win something, it is intoxicating. You should just become hungrier for even more.' Vieira eyes famous five as Manchester City midfielder targets FA Cup triumphBalotelli's wink sparks a riot: Clashes mar Man City's Wembley triumphMancini bullish after Wembley win: I'm not under pressure at Manchester City Man City 1 Man United 0: Yaya dashes Fergie's treble dreams at WembleyAll the latest Manchester City news, features and opinion  Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Brian Kidd, Roberto Mancini Places: Milan, Leeds, Manchester, Europe

Source: Daily_Mail