Discussion: Manuel Pellegrini (2014/15)

[Deleted member 58678]

I'm not going to comment on the game last night.

Our form in all competitions since Burnley at Home on the 28th December.

W6
D4
L6

That really speaks for itself. The performance from the manager hasn't been acceptable. The performance from the players hasn't been acceptable. The signings haven't been acceptable. Somehow we have managed to lose a 10 point gap over some pretty average teams like United and Liverpool. It is worrying and drastic action needs to be taken by Khaldoon.

Everyone will hate the comparison but Fergiscum used to know when to get rid of big players and restart the cycle. We have failed at this. A lot of fans thought we should have got rid of Yaya in the summer and bought Pogba. Instead we have spent £30m on another striker when we have only just spent £40m on two strikers last year. Silva, Aguero, Hart and Zaba. Apart from that I wouldn't care who leaves but I would start with showing the manager the door as our form is unacceptable. Imagine the uproar at any top European team if they had 6 wins in 16.

Huge point in blue. Some people are saying it's the manager, some people are saying it's the players and some are blaming the DoF...yet in reality, the people working at Manchester City Football Club within the playing and management staff are not doing a good enough job from the DoF to the management team to the players. Not just individuals, as a collective.

We are playing like and have the form of a mid table side like Stoke or West Ham. We are not good to watch, we have slow monotonous passing that is just simply boring! The players are poor at the moment and have no confidence, they are not being motivated properly and not being made to play in good enough tactics, we are too open we have absolutely no defensive systems or structures in place and our set pieces are a joke. Plus the signings we've made since we signed Kun [coming up] four years ago (spending something like £250m on the way) have been NOWHERE NEAR the required standard to push us on to the level of the likes of the top sides in Europe, none of them have been at the standard of Silva and Kun and there've been loads come through the door. Obviously they aren't all going to be at that level but for NONE of them to be is alarmingly bad!

But the impression i get from our football club is that we are very soft and i'm not sure how much accountability individuals are put through as i think everyone is too nice for all that.

 

[Deleted member 58678]

The entire point of a DoF is so you can do exactly that IMO.

I also don't think going into the final year of his contract is a huge issue. It's not like a new contract guarantees he'll be around beyond next season or that the players will believe that.

If the manager doesnt have some input into signings then for me mate its doomed to failure, surely the two have to work in tandem? No problems with the DoF model but i have grave doubts TB is the man for the job.

I just hope Pep was there to talk to FS and TB last night, we would have been obliterated last night if it wasnt for Joe, they appear to have downed tools and only riased themselves last night because they were on stage at Barcelona.

Dooooomed! Haha. Sorry I couldn't resist. ;)

I'll be honest I said to the missus last night that it was the end of an era for that group of players n. She asked how the era ending had gone. I thought about it. 2 titles and two cups in five years finishing no lower than 3rd. It went very well even if we didn't crack Europe.

I have ultimate faith in Khaldoon therefore I have ultimate faith the next five years will be just as successful and who knows maybe we'll crack Europe too.

I'm excited about the rebuilding whoever does it.

It shouldn't have to be a rebuilding exercise. Whoever has let it get to this should be grilled as to why. Why are all of our top players all in the same age bracket (bar Kun)? Why has the majority of the last £250m we've spent been on squad players while that core group we have just all got older together...that is really poor Direction from the club? Why haven't we got any exciting, potential world class 18-22 year olds in the squad whatsoever?

 

[BillyShears]

If the manager doesnt have some input into signings then for me mate its doomed to failure, surely the two have to work in tandem? No problems with the DoF model but i have grave doubts TB is the man for the job.

I just hope Pep was there to talk to FS and TB last night, we would have been obliterated last night if it wasnt for Joe, they appear to have downed tools and only riased themselves last night because they were on stage at Barcelona.

Dooooomed! Haha. Sorry I couldn't resist. ;)

I'll be honest I said to the missus last night that it was the end of an era for that group of players n. She asked how the era ending had gone. I thought about it. 2 titles and two cups in five years finishing no lower than 3rd. It went very well even if we didn't crack Europe.

I have ultimate faith in Khaldoon therefore I have ultimate faith the next five years will be just as successful and who knows maybe we'll crack Europe too.

I'm excited about the rebuilding whoever does it.

It shouldn't have to be a rebuilding exercise. Whoever has let it get to this should be grilled as to why. Why are all of our top players all in the same age bracket (bar Kun)? Why has the majority of the last £250m we've spent been on squad players while that core group we have just all got older together...that is really poor Direction from the club? Why haven't we got any exciting, potential world class 18-22 year olds in the squad whatsoever?

It seems the difference between me and a few posters on here is that I'm not interested in over analysing the last four years spending because I believe that there have been mitigating circumstances as to why we haven't seemingly added to the first teamers from the summer of 2011.

Looking forward though is exciting and I do think this summer needs to be spot on so I'll be happy to judge/analyse the job Txiki and co do after the summer.

 

[Danamy]

I stayed off last night bar one post in the post match and slept on it.

As fantastic as Barca are, we were poor i thought for a side that's won arguably the most difficult domestic competition twice in the last 3 years. Yes we put the effort in 2nd half but it was still men against boys and it felt like they were the cat toying the the mouse (us).

Getting beat off Barca again is no big surprise and yes we have been both hamstrung squad wise and unlucky with the draw but it still didn't excuse what was generally a poor performance on the very biggest stage.

Players out of form and players on the way out account for it but the buck stops with the manager and he is staring down the barrel right now.

Worse of all was the body language, yes, that old chestnut of Kun who looked disinterested for most of the game and constantly throwing his arms up in the air and looking fucked off with his team mates whilst not doing much himself if im honest.

I like the gaffer but he has got to show us in the remaining league games he can fix what is evidently broken right now.

We need to open our eyes to the quality of Real, Bayern and Barca and look to emulate their squads. Domestically we are good but all English sides are out of Europe now aside from Everton in the Europa league - where are they in the league now?! Whilst Chelsea and Arsenal probably should have gone through, they have players who will improve as they get towards their peak. We have players generally past that which is even more problematic.

Time to press re-fresh I think. Time to build for the future by getting some pace and hunger into the side with younger players. It might cost a lot and people say it's not fantasy football. Do those same people see Real Madrid and Bayern Munich's squads... tell me that's not fantasy football!

You've read the script then?

 

[crystal_mais]

Dooooomed! Haha. Sorry I couldn't resist. ;)

I'll be honest I said to the missus last night that it was the end of an era for that group of players n. She asked how the era ending had gone. I thought about it. 2 titles and two cups in five years finishing no lower than 3rd. It went very well even if we didn't crack Europe.

I have ultimate faith in Khaldoon therefore I have ultimate faith the next five years will be just as successful and who knows maybe we'll crack Europe too.

I'm excited about the rebuilding whoever does it.

It shouldn't have to be a rebuilding exercise. Whoever has let it get to this should be grilled as to why. Why are all of our top players all in the same age bracket (bar Kun)? Why has the majority of the last £250m we've spent been on squad players while that core group we have just all got older together...that is really poor Direction from the club? Why haven't we got any exciting, potential world class 18-22 year olds in the squad whatsoever?

It seems the difference between me and a few posters on here is that I'm not interested in over analysing the last four years spending because I believe that there have been mitigating circumstances as to why we haven't seemingly added to the first teamers from the summer of 2011.

Looking forward though is exciting and I do think this summer needs to be spot on so I'll be happy to judge/analyse the job Txiki and co do after the summer.

And Tkixi has only had 2 summer windows and basically had to balance the books -

 

[BillyShears]

It shouldn't have to be a rebuilding exercise. Whoever has let it get to this should be grilled as to why. Why are all of our top players all in the same age bracket (bar Kun)? Why has the majority of the last £250m we've spent been on squad players while that core group we have just all got older together...that is really poor Direction from the club? Why haven't we got any exciting, potential world class 18-22 year olds in the squad whatsoever?

It seems the difference between me and a few posters on here is that I'm not interested in over analysing the last four years spending because I believe that there have been mitigating circumstances as to why we haven't seemingly added to the first teamers from the summer of 2011.

Looking forward though is exciting and I do think this summer needs to be spot on so I'll be happy to judge/analyse the job Txiki and co do after the summer.

And Tkixi has only had 2 summer windows and basically had to balance the books -

Careful mate that sounds an awful lot like giving the powers that be the benefit of the doubt. We don't do that in this new era of I want it all or I'm sacking everyone. ;)

 

[Lancet Fluke]

Dooooomed! Haha. Sorry I couldn't resist. ;)

I'll be honest I said to the missus last night that it was the end of an era for that group of players n. She asked how the era ending had gone. I thought about it. 2 titles and two cups in five years finishing no lower than 3rd. It went very well even if we didn't crack Europe.

I have ultimate faith in Khaldoon therefore I have ultimate faith the next five years will be just as successful and who knows maybe we'll crack Europe too.

I'm excited about the rebuilding whoever does it.

It shouldn't have to be a rebuilding exercise. Whoever has let it get to this should be grilled as to why. Why are all of our top players all in the same age bracket (bar Kun)? Why has the majority of the last £250m we've spent been on squad players while that core group we have just all got older together...that is really poor Direction from the club? Why haven't we got any exciting, potential world class 18-22 year olds in the squad whatsoever?

It seems the difference between me and a few posters on here is that I'm not interested in over analysing the last four years spending because I believe that there have been mitigating circumstances as to why we haven't seemingly added to the first teamers from the summer of 2011.

Looking forward though is exciting and I do think this summer needs to be spot on so I'll be happy to judge/analyse the job Txiki and co do after the summer.

There have been mitigating factors and on that basis I fully I agree that Txiki needs to be judged over the next 2 or 3 windows rather than the last 2 or 3. What does worry me though is that while I can accept the inevitable hit and miss nature of having to hunt around for relative bargains, when he has splashed bigger cash with us, those buys in particular have looked poor value IMO. He's going to have a lot more money to spend soon so he needs to start getting the more expensive deals right from now on.

 

[chris85mcfc]

It shouldn't have to be a rebuilding exercise. Whoever has let it get to this should be grilled as to why. Why are all of our top players all in the same age bracket (bar Kun)? Why has the majority of the last £250m we've spent been on squad players while that core group we have just all got older together...that is really poor Direction from the club? Why haven't we got any exciting, potential world class 18-22 year olds in the squad whatsoever?

It seems the difference between me and a few posters on here is that I'm not interested in over analysing the last four years spending because I believe that there have been mitigating circumstances as to why we haven't seemingly added to the first teamers from the summer of 2011.

Looking forward though is exciting and I do think this summer needs to be spot on so I'll be happy to judge/analyse the job Txiki and co do after the summer.

And Tkixi has only had 2 summer windows and basically had to balance the books -

Balance the books?

Are you aware that we have spent about £200million on players since he has come in, and yet only 3 of them started last night, with Sagna and Demichelis costing next to nothing.

The fact is he has done a bang average job in bringing players in, and tbh I'm actually starting to point the finger at him and his scouting team as opposed to Pellegrini.

 

[BillyShears]

It shouldn't have to be a rebuilding exercise. Whoever has let it get to this should be grilled as to why. Why are all of our top players all in the same age bracket (bar Kun)? Why has the majority of the last £250m we've spent been on squad players while that core group we have just all got older together...that is really poor Direction from the club? Why haven't we got any exciting, potential world class 18-22 year olds in the squad whatsoever?

It seems the difference between me and a few posters on here is that I'm not interested in over analysing the last four years spending because I believe that there have been mitigating circumstances as to why we haven't seemingly added to the first teamers from the summer of 2011.

Looking forward though is exciting and I do think this summer needs to be spot on so I'll be happy to judge/analyse the job Txiki and co do after the summer.

There have been mitigating factors and on that basis I fully I agree that Txiki needs to be judged over the next 2 or 3 windows rather than the last 2 or 3. What does worry me though is that while I can accept the inevitable hit and miss nature of having to hunt around for relative bargains, when he has splashed bigger cash with us, those buys in particular have looked poor value IMO. He's going to have a lot more money to spend soon so he needs to start getting the more expensive deals right from now on.

He just needs to nail this summer. In terms of big money I'd say his record at City is ok. Over 20 million players have all with the exception of Jovetic been worth it. I really rate Mangala even if he's played a lot less than I thought he would.

I do take your point though. As I say this summer needs to be nailed.

 

[Lancet Fluke]

It seems the difference between me and a few posters on here is that I'm not interested in over analysing the last four years spending because I believe that there have been mitigating circumstances as to why we haven't seemingly added to the first teamers from the summer of 2011.

Looking forward though is exciting and I do think this summer needs to be spot on so I'll be happy to judge/analyse the job Txiki and co do after the summer.

And Tkixi has only had 2 summer windows and basically had to balance the books -

Balance the books?

Are you aware that we have spent about £200million on players since he has come in, and yet only 3 of them started last night, with Sagna and Demichelis costing next to nothing.

The fact is he has done a bang average job in bringing players in, and tbh I'm actually starting to point the finger at him and his scouting team as opposed to Pellegrini.

It isn't worth pointing the finger at any one aspect of things IMO. It seems pretty clear to me that it is a mixture of things that has led us to this relatively poor situation we find oursevles in. The transfer business hasn't been great, UEFA have made things difficult for us, the manager has definitely made some errors and hasn't learnt from mistakes, the players seem to have become complacent and aren't playing to anywhere near their potential. It isn't one thing and no doubt it is going to take a bit of sorting out. But on the more positive side of things, we are coming out of the other side in terms of FFP, a couple of genuinely top signings should be possible and if we get them right it should freshen things up and galvanise the other players. The issue of the manager is the big one though, do we trust him to take us forward after this season? I don't, just because I don't think we have consistently defended properly since he came in and I don't think we ever will under him.

 

[dancity19]

I stayed off last night bar one post in the post match and slept on it.

As fantastic as Barca are, we were poor i thought for a side that's won arguably the most difficult domestic competition twice in the last 3 years. Yes we put the effort in 2nd half but it was still men against boys and it felt like they were the cat toying the the mouse (us).

Getting beat off Barca again is no big surprise and yes we have been both hamstrung squad wise and unlucky with the draw but it still didn't excuse what was generally a poor performance on the very biggest stage.

Players out of form and players on the way out account for it but the buck stops with the manager and he is staring down the barrel right now.

Worse of all was the body language, yes, that old chestnut of Kun who looked disinterested for most of the game and constantly throwing his arms up in the air and looking fucked off with his team mates whilst not doing much himself if im honest.

I like the gaffer but he has got to show us in the remaining league games he can fix what is evidently broken right now.

I think you are giving us too much credit. We've won the league yes and that's not to be debated... but with the squad we have and in comparison to others we should have been winning it. We should have won it for the past three years really. Barcelona are a million miles ahead of us. There's not a side in the country who could have dealt with that last night. Even the organisation of Chelsea would have struggled with Messi's constant mix of direct running, quick pass and move football and his ability to pass it behind our defence onto a sixpence. He was incredible.

We lacked the fight required from the whole squad. Yaya was jogging around the middle then gesticulating when Barca carved us open. I've not seen a single game in Europe where all of our team has been on the money. That's why we are out of the competition again. Barca make us look like amateurs, we struggle to keep the ball and that's because we just aren't good enough. The toughest domestic competition? I'm not so sure. I think we get a lot of time on the ball and I think generally we are our own worse enemy on the pitch. The reason we drop points tends to be over commiting players forward and conceding on the break, or failing to break teams down. I'd say it's more competitive because the top sides have dramatically declined.

When we won the league in 2012 we were developing as a side. The likes of Barry, Lescott etc were good at domestic level but no where near what is required in Europe. Look at some of the other sides to have won the prem - Vidic and Wio - a class act across Europe, Chelsea had Claude Makelele in their title winning sides with Mourinho's first stint and John Terry another consistent and renowned defender. I think the level is starting to improve but Fabregas has been one of the best players here, he wasn't in Barca's first team plans... we've had to re-assess because of FFP but I hope we can now lure some of the top class players from across the World to the club to take us to that next level.

We need to open our eyes to the quality of Real, Bayern and Barca and look to emulate their squads. Domestically we are good but all English sides are out of Europe now aside from Everton in the Europa league - where are they in the league now?! Whilst Chelsea and Arsenal probably should have gone through, they have players who will improve as they get towards their peak. We have players generally past that which is even more problematic.

Time to press re-fresh I think. Time to build for the future by getting some pace and hunger into the side with younger players. It might cost a lot and people say it's not fantasy football. Do those same people see Real Madrid and Bayern Munich's squads... tell me that's not fantasy football!

Completely agree mate. A huge summer for us. We need to buy a couple of ready made, top quality players to propel us forward. We haven't bought a 'star' since Aguero. We need a reinvigoration of the team with energy and enthusiasm. A couple of young prospects too. We can't but just 'good' players again. We need to buy a couple of genuine top quality players who will immediately improve our XI; it needs it.

 

[crystal_mais]

It seems the difference between me and a few posters on here is that I'm not interested in over analysing the last four years spending because I believe that there have been mitigating circumstances as to why we haven't seemingly added to the first teamers from the summer of 2011.

Looking forward though is exciting and I do think this summer needs to be spot on so I'll be happy to judge/analyse the job Txiki and co do after the summer.

And Tkixi has only had 2 summer windows and basically had to balance the books -

Balance the books?

Are you aware that we have spent about £200million on players since he has come in, and yet only 3 of them started last night, with Sagna and Demichelis costing next to nothing.

The fact is he has done a bang average job in bringing players in, and tbh I'm actually starting to point the finger at him and his scouting team as opposed to Pellegrini.

go and do some maths - you seem to be on a single man crusade to vilify Tkixi and his work - outgoings vs incoming = net spend; couple that with restrictions and number 1 targets choosing elsewhere on some occasions.

like I said hands tied behind their backs

 

[BillyShears]

And Tkixi has only had 2 summer windows and basically had to balance the books -

Balance the books?

Are you aware that we have spent about £200million on players since he has come in, and yet only 3 of them started last night, with Sagna and Demichelis costing next to nothing.

The fact is he has done a bang average job in bringing players in, and tbh I'm actually starting to point the finger at him and his scouting team as opposed to Pellegrini.

go and do some maths - you seem to be on a single man crusade to vilify Tkixi and his work - outgoings vs incoming = net spend; couple that with restrictions and number 1 targets choosing elsewhere on some occasions.

like I said hands tied behind their backs

What's the word amongst your AD connections re: Pellegrini mate?

 

[chris85mcfc]

And Tkixi has only had 2 summer windows and basically had to balance the books -

Balance the books?

Are you aware that we have spent about £200million on players since he has come in, and yet only 3 of them started last night, with Sagna and Demichelis costing next to nothing.

The fact is he has done a bang average job in bringing players in, and tbh I'm actually starting to point the finger at him and his scouting team as opposed to Pellegrini.

go and do some maths - you seem to be on a single man crusade to vilify Tkixi and his work - outgoings vs incoming = net spend; couple that with restrictions and number 1 targets choosing elsewhere on some occasions.

like I said hands tied behind their backs

The fact still remains, we have spent a lot of money, you can look at net or gross spend its up to you.

It all points to the fact that the players we have brought in simply aren't good enough to improve us as a team, hence why none of the big signings can get a game.

 

[BobKowalski]

It shouldn't have to be a rebuilding exercise. Whoever has let it get to this should be grilled as to why. Why are all of our top players all in the same age bracket (bar Kun)? Why has the majority of the last £250m we've spent been on squad players while that core group we have just all got older together...that is really poor Direction from the club? Why haven't we got any exciting, potential world class 18-22 year olds in the squad whatsoever?

It seems the difference between me and a few posters on here is that I'm not interested in over analysing the last four years spending because I believe that there have been mitigating circumstances as to why we haven't seemingly added to the first teamers from the summer of 2011.

Looking forward though is exciting and I do think this summer needs to be spot on so I'll be happy to judge/analyse the job Txiki and co do after the summer.

And Tkixi has only had 2 summer windows and basically had to balance the books -

Balancing the books is part of his job not an excuse for any shortcomings. Chelsea have to balance the books. PSG operate under the same FFP restrictions. Our transfer business was targeted and deliberate but has not worked as we no doubt hoped.

The season as a whole has not worked as we no doubt hoped and has been littered with unacceptable performances. Since the turn of the year our form has fallen off a cliff and there has been a bad vibe from the camp that is getting worse not better.

Responsibility for this falls within Txiki's remit and having to 'balance the books' isn't going to cut it. I do not expect Txiki to get canned for this season (that will be Pellers) but he should get caned.

 

[Lancet Fluke]

And Tkixi has only had 2 summer windows and basically had to balance the books -

Balance the books?

Are you aware that we have spent about £200million on players since he has come in, and yet only 3 of them started last night, with Sagna and Demichelis costing next to nothing.

The fact is he has done a bang average job in bringing players in, and tbh I'm actually starting to point the finger at him and his scouting team as opposed to Pellegrini.

go and do some maths - you seem to be on a single man crusade to vilify Tkixi and his work - outgoings vs incoming = net spend; couple that with restrictions and number 1 targets choosing elsewhere on some occasions.

like I said hands tied behind their backs

This morning I was listening to Talksport (I know I know) and they were criticising our transfer business over the last couple of years. The usual 200 million in three years and nothing to show for it angle. They actually cited Negredo and mentioned how much he cost. No mention that we have sold him already at a healthy profit. I don't think our business has been particularly good but the media are trying to make it sound like we have wasted 200m (gross). By the same token people laud Chelsea's transfer dealings (and tbf they have been good) but they have bought and then sold on quite quickly a few players recently too. people don't bang on about them buying failures they applaud them for making a profit on them.

 

[BlueRockape]

Another reason for a big change.




<a class="postlink" href="http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/431454/Manchester-City-eyes-exit-Marcos-Lopes" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/footba ... rcos-Lopes</a>

 

[crystal_mais]

It seems the difference between me and a few posters on here is that I'm not interested in over analysing the last four years spending because I believe that there have been mitigating circumstances as to why we haven't seemingly added to the first teamers from the summer of 2011.

Looking forward though is exciting and I do think this summer needs to be spot on so I'll be happy to judge/analyse the job Txiki and co do after the summer.

And Tkixi has only had 2 summer windows and basically had to balance the books -

Balancing the books is part of his job not an excuse for any shortcomings. Chelsea have to balance the books. PSG operate under the same FFP restrictions. Our transfer business was targeted and deliberate but has not worked as we no doubt hoped.

The season as a whole has not worked as we no doubt hoped and has been littered with unacceptable performances. Since the turn of the year our form has fallen off a cliff and there has been a bad vibe from the camp that is getting worse not better.

Responsibility for this falls within Txiki's remit and having to 'balance the books' isn't going to cut it. I do not expect Txiki to get canned for this season (that will be Pellers) but he should get caned.

Again put a pragmatic hat on and look at it - PSG yes had to work within limitations, Chelsea have not - PSG have more than 1 star - as they already had that in place so they just needed to tweak - this side has needed a good tweak for a few years - but big boss man wants to comply to restrictions and as Khaldoon has said - they will take the pinch

Bigger picture - can't have everything every year - Chelsea went 4 years getting their shit together for this new push - they won a few trophies to tick over - surely that's how these cycles work. I agree maybe some of Tkixi Plan B signings are questionable - but 2 trophies last year and still 2nd - I'll take that now. That's all people are moaning about are the signings (assuming Mangala & Fernando) - I believe Mangala will come good


Onwards and upwards with Pelle and the bosses

 

[BobKowalski]

Balance the books?

Are you aware that we have spent about £200million on players since he has come in, and yet only 3 of them started last night, with Sagna and Demichelis costing next to nothing.

The fact is he has done a bang average job in bringing players in, and tbh I'm actually starting to point the finger at him and his scouting team as opposed to Pellegrini.

go and do some maths - you seem to be on a single man crusade to vilify Tkixi and his work - outgoings vs incoming = net spend; couple that with restrictions and number 1 targets choosing elsewhere on some occasions.

like I said hands tied behind their backs

This morning I was listening to Talksport (I know I know) and they were criticising our transfer business over the last couple of years. The usual 200 million in three years and nothing to show for it angle. They actually cited Negredo and mentioned how much he cost. No mention that we have sold him already at a healthy profit. I don't think our business has been particularly good but the media are trying to make it sound like we have wasted 200m (gross).

That is nonsense. Firstly we have a PL title and a cup win in that 3 years. Txiki has got some good prices for players Negrado being a case in point and we have established two overseas franchises and opened the CFA. And yes these last two points are not transfer related but overall we have progressed. This season is disappointing but we will have disappointing seasons. Every club does.

 

[supercity88]

Balance the books?

Are you aware that we have spent about £200million on players since he has come in, and yet only 3 of them started last night, with Sagna and Demichelis costing next to nothing.

The fact is he has done a bang average job in bringing players in, and tbh I'm actually starting to point the finger at him and his scouting team as opposed to Pellegrini.

go and do some maths - you seem to be on a single man crusade to vilify Tkixi and his work - outgoings vs incoming = net spend; couple that with restrictions and number 1 targets choosing elsewhere on some occasions.

like I said hands tied behind their backs

The fact still remains, we have spent a lot of money, you can look at net or gross spend its up to you.

It all points to the fact that the players we have brought in simply aren't good enough to improve us as a team, hence why none of the big signings can get a game.

I know the point you are trying to make but you are making it sound a bit too black and white. Yes we have spent money and yes the players haven't been good enough but our position has been that we have needed to sign players to fill certain positions and therefore have had to balance our budgets. If we can get to a stage where our spending doesn't have to be so regulated we can spend big money on one or two positions. Over the past couple of years we've had to sell 3 or 4 players to fund the signing of one new player. Chelsea have been able to do much more in the transfer market because they've been able to sell their own players for decent money.

We've done okay considering we've needed to fill positions. Moving forward we can now look to sign real quality and not make stop gap signings. At the end of the day Negredo has been good for us, his goals last season and the money we'll recoup from his sale makes it a good signing. Jovetic could've been a quality signing...it's not worked out. Fernando is far and away the worst signing we've made and I think Caballero was a pointless signing too.