Eliaquim Mangala - 2017/18 performances

[domalino]

Pretty self explanatory.

This "reprieve" for Mangala would be nothing more than being unable to move him on.

We could get rid of him if we wanted. Latest reports said we wanted £18m and weren't budging, not to mention we could definitely find a loan for him off the back of his Valencia season.

Nasri and Denayer are players we can't get rid of, and they are training away from the rest of the team according to these reports saying Mangala is staying.

So, no, I don't see how we're keeping him as a first team player because we can't get rid of him, it's because we haven't found someone else to come in.

 

[The Colonel]

He doesn't fit into Pep's system. Fuck. I guess this mean there is no chance for Tosin to stay. Guess a loan would be best anyway.

True, but he didn't fit in with Pellegrini's, or any footballing team's system either for that matter. Makes you wonder what our scouts were seeing when he's so poor with the ball.

 

[bobom]

True, but he didn't fit in with Pellegrini's, or any footballing team's system either for that matter. Makes you wonder what our scouts were seeing when he's so poor with the ball.

I find that a bit of a myth tbh. He's not half as bad as some make out. I think it'd be good if he stayed: he might not be first choice, but he'll definitely improve under Pep, whether we keep him or sell him.
The only issue I have at CB is that you'd ideally want someone offering competition to Kompany, Stones and Otamendi

 

[OB1]

I find that a bit of a myth tbh. He's not half as bad as some make out. I think it'd be good if he stayed: he might not be first choice, but he'll definitely improve under Pep, whether we keep him or sell him.
The only issue I have at CB is that you'd ideally want someone offering competition to Kompany, Stones and Otamendi

Apologies but going to repeat something I just posted elsewhere on forum.

I think keeping Mangala, in whom we have invested a lot of money, might not be the worst option. He's a walking muscle but with pace to burn and I think he is better on the ball than many wish to credit him; I think he is a bit deceptive in that regard because he often looks ungainly (best description I can think of) when passing. His pass completion percentage is consistently in the high eighties so there's surely something there that Pep can work on. It's what's going on in his head that Pep most needs to tackle and the boy is not stupid so I have hope that Pep can coach Manga into a very useful squad member. The issue that won't go away is that he is another player who will look better alongside Vinnie but can't substitute for Vinnie.

 

[OB1]

Him and Otamendi together or him and Stones would give me nightmares. We'd certainly be relying on the front six on those occasions.

He is one of those guys that seems to need Vinnie next to him. Didn't that pair keep five consecutive clean sheets in the league at one point?

 

[kimbanor]

If he can do 180 as Toure did last season, he will be strong in the back. Question is doss what it takes as Vinny?hmmm

 

[Tugay One Cup]

If he can do 180 as Toure did last season, he will be strong in the back. Question is doss what it takes as Vinny?hmmm

Difference is that Yaya has a mountain of talent and even those like myself who wanted him gone would admit as much. Managala is dogshit and I'd guess that the only reason we'd keep him around would be because we're unable to get anyone of any quality in.

 

[abu13]

I would be delighted for him to stay, he is capable of saving us a fortune. There is a good defender in their and if he can learn from Pep then he will have a key part to play this year. As Kimbanor says, you only have to look at Yaya last year. If he can turn it around and convince Pep in training he will get his chance.

 

[TFC]

Theres a player in there, I dont give a fuck what people think, the way he tucked Costa in his back pocket on his debut was superb. He 's obviously a confidence player tho, better suited as the follower in any centre back pairing. Should prove decent back up against the 'weaker' teams and allow some rest for the main 3 CB's.

 

[abu13]

I think a lot depends on how Pep want to set up, if he goes 3 at the back with Walker and Mendy pushed forward then Mangala and Tosin will both get game time, If he plays with 4 at the back they will be more limited.