City defender Cyrus Christie did a special Q&A ahead of the final home game...
Coventry City right-back Cyrus Christie believes making his debut at the same time as Gael Bigirimana helped him settle in the first team.
The Academy graduate made his first team debut on the first day of last season in the 1-0 defeat against Leicester City at the Ricoh Arena, along with the current Newcastle United midfielder Bigirimana.
In a special Q&A for www.ccfc.co.uk, the 20-year old spoke everything from playing for his home town club to what music he listens to on his drive home.
How has it been working under new manager Steven Pressley?
It’s been good. The way he wants us to play is good as well. He and Neil (McFarlane, assistant manager) have come in and been great so hopefully it can work out in the long-term.
There is not a great deal of change but he wants us to play more under pressure.
Have you always wanted to be a footballer?
Yes. Definitely. Since I was young I only ever wanted to play football and now I am one of the lucky ones to be doing it. I’ve never really thought about doing anything else.
How exciting was it to make your debut for your hometown club, after making your way through the ranks?
It was a great feeling. It helped having Gael (Bigirimana) making his debut at the same time so that was good for us because we had been playing together in the youth teams for quite a while.
I had been started all the games in pre-season so I had a rough idea that I would be starting two days before the game and I wasn’t too nervous.
What are the key attributes needed for a right back?
Especially the way full-backs play nowadays, you need strength, pace and good fitness levels. You need to be good on the ball as well as obviously being a good defender.
How important is it for full backs to get forward in the modern game?
It’s very important given the way teams play now. Teams want their full-backs to get forward and contribute, basically playing as wingers so it is important.
What area of your game are you looking to improve most?
Definitely my crossing, my end product. I have been working on it a lot lately so hopefully it improves and is much better next season.
How did it feel to be named in the League One Team of the Week last week?
It’s been good. I think I have been in there quite a few times this season, which is good and hopefully I can get in there a few more times before the season is out.
What music have you got in your car at the moment?
At the moment I’ve got a mix. I have the likes of Drake, J.Cole, a bit of house music and a bit of Earth, Wind & Fire – there’s a bit of variation!
Who do you get on with best in the team?
Obviously I grew up with the likes of Jordan Clarke, Callum Wilson, Conor Thomas and Nathan Cameron. I get on with everyone really because there is a good set of lads here but definitely that group of younger lads.
What other sports are you interested in?
I like boxing and basketball, they are the main two really with a bit of American football too.
I’ve got two uncles who were world and European boxing champions and my cousin, Louie Christie, is training with Floyd Mayweather’s camp. He’s not that well-known but is doing pretty well.
I have another cousin Daniel Friebe, who is a cycling writer and has written books with the likes of Mark Cavendish.
I’ve always been keen on, and watched, basketball with Michael Jordan in the past and now the likes of LeBron James and Kevin Durant and you can learn a lot from watching other sport.
I played basketball the other week with a few friends, Nathan Cameron was meant to come but didn’t turn up, so I was with the likes of Nathan Redmond and Jack Butland from Birmingham City because they are all big fans too.
What would be your message to the fans for the rest of the season?
Just get behind the team as much as you can. Obviously we know it is tough at the minute with what’s going on but as long as everyone stays positive we can have a good end to the season.