I think we agree overall. I'm not saying Palmer and Mcatee make up for the 2 we would be down. If we are 2 down, I don't think we will be, i9f we are I'm saying 2 of last years squad were Torres and Mendy who even before January hardly contributed, and after January not at all so last year we never really had 21 either..C'mon, it is obviously not the same, is it. McAtee and Palmer were there last year, oh look we have 2 players less but we don't because those 2 are still here. Before you even consider what positons they play in.
Just like you, I am not at all concerned about squad size, because there is some 50 days left ofntransfer business. It is simply a comment on the state of it at this point in time. And how many new players would need to come in if Zinchenko is another that leaves.
I can't imagine bringing in 7 new players in one window full stop, never mind bringing in 7 new players and ending up with a smaller squad and free spaces for senior players.
I'm sure it won't happen.
Cucu in, Ake swap, and done. 4FBs, 4CBs, 2MF, the rest is up to Pep spread as he sees fit. Leaves a space to play with for replacing Raz at some point, or strengthening elsewhere.
Well said. And we can acknowledge that and the fact that he's done well in his position, but the club can do better. Don't understand what some posters don't get about that.His career with us is more to do with deficiencies of other players, both in terms of fitness and apparent moral fibre.
Try reading my post again. I made no insinuation of the outcome of the issue. But even if he's cleared of all charges; on pure footballing ability alone, would he get in the side now?Don’t think you get day release from HMP if found guilty regardless of your profession
I also feel that many players in this sport don’t deserve the fans they have as they see their career as being purely transactional. Very very few professionals care as much about the team as the average fan does.
Zinchenko appears to be one of those but if he decides to leave then it won’t weaken us, in my opinion.
It was sarcasmTry reading my post again. I made no insinuation of the outcome of the issue. But even if he's cleared of all charges; on pure footballing ability alone, would he get in the side now?
I think I have a fair idea. I don’t think you understand what elite athletes say when they’re not on show.I don't think you understand the qualities both physical and psychological that combine to make elite professionals.
At least the post I am replying to would indicate that.
Zinchenko appears to be one of those but if he decides to leave then it won’t weaken us, in my opinion.
Fair enough. But my general point re him getting back in the side remains. I can't see him playing for us again.It was sarcasm
They were in terms of chances created and tackles.
For every good half like against Villa there is a shocking half like at West Ham. A good servant but he is massively inconsistent.The lad deserves a pay rise not selling on.
I'm at a lose end at the minute, so if City need me to answer the phones and tell people to fuck off, I'm there, no charge.
He won’tFair enough. But my general point re him getting back in the side remains. I can't see him playing for us again.
I think I have a fair idea. I don’t think you understand what elite athletes say when they’re not on show.
Zinny can flourish at Arsenal in the midfield...if you're waiting for him to "flourish" as a left back you'll have some wait...let's not get it twisted...Zinny is a great guy, excellent footballer, but not a LB...he does what he can and handles himself OK, but he's a midfielder...when he plays for Ukraine its in an attacking midfield role...City have top 10, and in most cases, top 5 in the world players at every position...Zinny nowhere near that level at LB...Pep played him in the midfield once all last season, so although he is versatile he has been used exclusively as a LB here and as such we could stand to add a true LB or 2 going forward...I'm going to make a prediction.
- We sell Zinchenko and buy Cucurella.
- Cucurella and Walker establish themselves as the overwhelming first choice fullback pair.
- Cancelo starts sulking again and asks to leave for Real Madrid (who desperately need a new RB) in 2023.
- We're left with a hole in the squad that'll cost £40m to fill watching Zinchenko flourish at Arsenal and wondering why we let go of a player who is so dedicated and loves the club.
And if Zinchenko leaves another LB...unless Kabore makes the squad and Cancelo provides cover on the left...Cucurella and Gvardiol are coming!
What about him asking to leaveIt may be based on sentiment but losing Zinchenko would really irritate. A third player ( and a man who appears to love the club) going and possibly to the entitled overgrown babies at the Emirates.
Not every player can be a superstar in his position. Often it’s the squad that brings success. Zinchenko may have the occasional bad game. Who in our squad doesn’t. He’s a talented player who rarely lets us down. He suits our style of play and as far as I am aware rarely complains.
So Unless he’s demanding that he’s first choice in the team him leaving will grate on me.
Zinny played all of one game in midfield last season...if Pep thought he was good enough to play in the midfield for us he's had ample opportunity to play him there...not even as a 6 with Fernandinho slowing way down...to be clear, I'm not saying he's not good enough...I'm saying we haven't seen one stitch of evidence in his entire time here that Pep thinks of him as a midfield option...Really surpised at this, I thought Pep may move Zinch to midfield in some games.