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Pearce defends Samaras - Manchester City MAD

 

Pearce defends Samaras

Last updated : 30 April 2007 By Ben Collins
Samaras cost big money when signed from Heerenveen in January 2006 and despite a promising start to his City career, he has struggled this season, scoring just 4 goals in 35 league appearances (including 19 as sub).

The young Greek forward has come under fire from City fans having gone 17 games without a goal but Pearce feels that if Samaras deserves criticism, then so does the team as a whole.

"My assessment of George is whenever there are any misgivings here, George's name is thrown into the mix," he said. "At 22 years old, I think that's drastically unfair to keep naming him, after any defeat.

"I think it is very, very unfair to pick one individual out and blame everything on him. If you want to say that others have not done so well, or the manager's done badly, that's fine.

Samaras' last league goal against Everton on New Year's Day was, in fact, the last goal City have scored at home in the Premiership - a run of 6 games and just 1 point.

"We've been on a bad run at home but if you want to pick on one person as a scapegoat then you are missing the whole picture," Pearce said.

"He's one player in a squad of players - the fact that he cost £5m, well, that's not his fault. If you are going to point the finger, point the finger elsewhere as well.

"Whichever way you look at it, the results have not been good enough at home, and it is my responsibility to do something about it," added the City boss.