The lack of fight and the lack of energy is a massive problem. When Manuel plays with the 4-4-2 with the midfield of Toure, Fern, Nasri, Silva three of the four don't have much energy at all, they don't press and close the space that the 4-4-2 leaves. Fern is the only player who plays with energy and moves around the pitch closing down space, however he can't close all the space left by the other three. Do the club do enough fitness training, I'm not so sure. I think the energy levels is one of the vital things that's wrong here.
Even last year, when City played the 4-4-2 it always worked best with Negredo and Aguero, the reason for that is both Negredo and Aguero had a fighting spirit and very high energy levels, Negredo worked his socks of and he was a fighter. Even that year when Dzeko and Aguero played it didn't quite seem the same. Dzeko walks around and for a big man he's a big girl who doesn't have much of a fight in him (most of the time) this also adds to the space problems and the lack of closing down.
Even last year, when City played the 4-4-2 it always worked best with Negredo and Aguero, the reason for that is both Negredo and Aguero had a fighting spirit and very high energy levels, Negredo worked his socks of and he was a fighter. Even that year when Dzeko and Aguero played it didn't quite seem the same. Dzeko walks around and for a big man he's a big girl who doesn't have much of a fight in him (most of the time) this also adds to the space problems and the lack of closing down.