IT is with a grimace rather than a smile that Michael Tarnat recalls stepping on to the helter-skelter of English football.

On a bright summer afternoon at Mansfield's Field Mill Stadium, the German defender was given an early, confidence-boosting touch of the ball by his new Manchester City team-mate, Sylvain Distin.

But before he had chance to settle in possession, the next thing Tarnat knew he was picking himself up off the floor having been brazenly knocked over. An over-zealous challenge not only took away his legs, it removed his confidence.

Happily, though, Tarnat has dusted himself down from that less-than-subtle introduction to the joys of the English game to become a regular for the Blues.

And having endeared himself to colleagues and supporters alike with his ferocious shooting ability, coupled with his boundless energy on the left-flank, the former Bayern Munich star allows himself a smile and admits he has finally adjusted to his new life in Manchester.

"When I first came here it was very difficult for me but now I have learned about the game and more of the language, so it is easier," said Tarnat, who has scored two amazing free kicks against Blackburn and Aston Villa.

"I have learned all about English football now. When I made my debut against Mansfield, I couldn't believe the way things were! It was so fast and quick but I think I have got used to the pace now.

"I have had to make changes to my game. In Germany, you play football with more patience when you have gone one goal in front. But here you must always go looking for another goal and always keep going forward.

"But that is the difference between the two countries. It is also much more physical here. After I came home from my first couple of games, my wife saw that I was covered in bruises. She didn't know what to say!"

Attack

Settling in has also been made easier, given that Tarnat shares the same philosophies on how football should be played as Kevin Keegan. And the Blues' boss has encouraged him to continue his attack-minded approach.

"When I have the ball, I always look to play it to Trevor Sinclair and then overlap him to get forward as quick as I can. It has always been that way," he said.

"I like passing the ball, whether it is crossing it or playing long balls forward. Kevin's style of play suits me. He likes us to get forward quickly to the strikers and score goals. I just hope that I have been doing OK."

While Tarnat has generally impressed, the defence as a unit has not covered itself in glory on certain occasions during the season. In particular, they have been guilty of some shocking lapses of concentration.

Tarnat, though, argues that it will take time for Keegan's newly-formed rearguard to build up a rapport, given that they have only had a handful of matches to get used to one another. But he is aware of the need to eradicate needless slip-ups.

"Criticism like that is normal when you let goals in like we have done this season," said Tarnat. "The defence hasn't been so good in a few games. But the way we play going forward means there will be times when we leave ourselves open.

"The problem we have is getting the balance right. We will get better. We have to learn to concentrate more."

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