And yet Klarov and Fernandinho didn't play week in week out there. They could cover if they have to, but they wouldn't be ideal first choices would they?But we don't have 3 central defenders. We have 4, because Guardiola obviously rates Kolarov, and we could even see someone like Fernandinho dropping in there.
Right.
It was vintage Kompany against Palace - even getting on the score sheet for the second time in four appearances.
But Guardiola admits there remain serious doubts about his ability to last an entire campaign.
“I think when he is in that form there is no doubt,” said the City manager. “But we have to cover our backs.
“We cannot give all our confidence he will be fit because of what we have experienced the last few years. We have to have back ups if something happens.”
I guess someone will now tell me he didn't mean it & it's actually in code, like when Aguero says he isn't leaving.
Thanks I try my best ;)That's an awful argument. You could just as easily reverse it and say "surely it's his job to coach our £40m+ centre backs to improve their defending"?
And yet Klarov and Fernandinho didn't play week in week out there. They could cover if they have to, but they wouldn't be ideal first choices would they?
It's obvious City need another authoratative central defender. Stones could develop, but at the moment when Kompany's not playing he looks weak. Perhaps Guardiola thinks he can develop.
Thanks I try my best ;)
The thing is the back line struggle with his high defensive line, he seems too stubborn to adapt that and Ota, Stones & Kolarov will unfortunately never fit like a hand in a glove.
I'm assuming Iheanacho will be away and probably Roberts too, I'm also assuming that 2 of The 3 of Silva, Bernardo and Kdb will be playing in midfield in any one game.We also have Bernardo Silva & DeBruyne, Iheanacho, Pat Roberts & in fact D Silva who can play in a front 3.
I'm not seeing the part where he says buying a new CB is a priority?
Is he not actually just saying that we can't rely on Kompany to be fit?
How do you explain the fact that every reliable journalist, and @tolmie's hairdoo all say that CB is not a priority? Do you think he's asked Begirisatain to buy him one and he's been told no?
It is only June but the only central defender we have been reliably linked to is VVD. I would pay whatever it takes to get him. Scrap the Sanchez bid if necessary because if we had him and Kompany, then I think we would be the team to beat. As it is, we'd be an injury to Kompany away from troubleJust in case:
“I’m pretty sure Manuel Pellegrini missed him a lot the last two seasons - and of course we missed him.
“He is a real central defender.
“I said many times - central defenders, ‘How many duels do you win with the striker?’
“‘More than the other one? You are a central defender.’
“And he wins.
“You to feel it. When the opponent crosses the ball ‘Wow, it’s Vinny there.’
“Maybe you know they are going to score a goal. With Vinny against Arsenal they scored a goal in the six-yard box. Okay that can happen.
“But you have the feeling when they cross or you cross with a corner or a free kick you are there.
“That feeling - especially in this league when there are a lot of long balls - it is a really important thing.
“In other leagues it does not happen. It’s important to have people to win duels in the air.”
I'm assuming Iheanacho will be away and probably Roberts too, I'm also assuming that 2 of The 3 of Silva, Bernardo and Kdb will be playing in midfield in any one game.
That would leave us one injuries from only having lets say Sane Sterling Aguero with only Bernardo to fill in .