First Ferran Soriano interview

[chesterguy]

A very good read tarnished only by Soriano apparently buying into the myth of United having "a core of players that are home grown" as the key to their success. Not since the class of '92 they haven't Ferrian.

I think what he is referring to is a group of players that understand what it means to belong at the club so he is meaning Giggs Scholes Ferdinand in our case Hart Kompany Zabba players who can pass on an ethos at being at a club and who can pass this on to new players

 

[cleavers]

The great thing is that whereas 5 years ago when similar comments were expressed about matching Utd etc. the media laughed at City, now they listen and believe.

Getting to this position has taken a lot. It's clear that both Cook & Mancini were vital to get us to the next level, but now the new guys are clearly right to kick us on to where we ultimately want to be. All part of the Sheikh's long term plans which in 2008-09 the football world laughed at, but now it's happening.

Utd had decades to ensure they contributed around the world in terms of community and to build strategic links with major sports organisations and cities around the world but didn't. They focused on selling merchandise in the far east etc. City are working to a robust plan that will ensure longevity and an increase in support for City partly because we contribute around the world, we don't just take. The future is Blue.

I especially like the idea that we will give back, not just take.

Far too many blues are too worried about the short term (ie get a manager now), not the long term, which will sustain the club at the top, as one of the biggest in the world, a stated aim when Sheik Mansour took over.

 

[Dave Ewing's Back 'eader]

Why all the references to United though? Every piece I read about City contains a comparison to the Rags. We are City. Why don`t they compare it to City of 2008 and show how far we`ve progressed? Or would that be something positive?
Pisses me right off.

I thought it was just me, ndjsleftnipple! Article and interview with OUR man, and the article finishes with a photo of DIck v Miffy holding the PL pot!! Don't care what people call it, the Daily Mail never fail - with their inbuilt Raggery!

 

[pride in battle]

The great thing is that whereas 5 years ago when similar comments were expressed about matching Utd etc. the media laughed at City, now they listen and believe.

Getting to this position has taken a lot. It's clear that both Cook & Mancini were vital to get us to the next level, but now the new guys are clearly right to kick us on to where we ultimately want to be. All part of the Sheikh's long term plans which in 2008-09 the football world laughed at, but now it's happening.

Utd had decades to ensure they contributed around the world in terms of community and to build strategic links with major sports organisations and cities around the world but didn't. They focused on selling merchandise in the far east etc. City are working to a robust plan that will ensure longevity and an increase in support for City partly because we contribute around the world, we don't just take. The future is Blue.

Bang on that Gary, United couldn't see as far as their nose where City are looking long term with everything.

 

[BoyBlue_1985]

Dem words!

 

[Gary James]

Utd had decades to ensure they contributed around the world in terms of community and to build strategic links with major sports organisations and cities around the world but didn't. They focused on selling merchandise in the far east etc. City are working to a robust plan that will ensure longevity and an increase in support for City partly because we contribute around the world, we don't just take. The future is Blue.

Bang on that Gary, United couldn't see as far as their nose where City are looking long term with everything.

Thanks. It used to be City that focused on short term, but all that's changed. I find it amazing that Utd have US owners with sports franchises who still for whatever reason did not see the soccer opportunities and growth in their own country.

It's interesting to speculate on how the NYCity stuff will develop but the CITY name has great possibilities around the world - maybe a CITY in each of the continental FAs - Tokyo City, Rio City etc. Also NYCITY will be outside of UEFA FFP rules so that gives an interesting angle.

As a historian I look forward to the future enormously - City are making history every day and this will be a great period to experience and to chronicle.

 

[richball_PF55]

Brilliant interview and very exciting to read,
I must say I am excited at the Barcelona philosophy and approach at our club,
But is it realistic in the short term?

I mean are they expecting Pellegrini to come and immediately change the style of play? Sounds to me that winning the league is certainly the objective this season but with such drastic changes going on in the background it makes me wonder.

Need to be realistic approaching a project like this,
It's going to take time and I'd be interested in knowing what he means by "homegrown" players, is he referring to bringing young english players through the ranks or investing worldwide where needs be?

It also makes me second guess whether Pellegrini is the man for the job or not?
The fact he wants the players and club to have this whole "family" like relationship,
is that possible with a manager who can't speak English? Considering most of squad do so?

Exciting all the same, I just hope they are realistic about and give it time,
This could bite us in the ass if they don't.

 

[SWP's back]

Brilliant interview and very exciting to read,
I must say I am excited at the Barcelona philosophy and approach at our club,
But is it realistic in the short term?

I mean are they expecting Pellegrini to come and immediately change the style of play? Sounds to me that winning the league is certainly the objective this season but with such drastic changes going on in the background it makes me wonder.

Need to be realistic approaching a project like this,
It's going to take time and I'd be interested in knowing what he means by "homegrown" players, is he referring to bringing young english players through the ranks or investing worldwide where needs be?

It also makes me second guess whether Pellegrini is the man for the job or not?
The fact he wants the players and club to have this whole "family" like relationship,
is that possible with a manager who can't speak English? Considering most of squad do so?

Exciting all the same, I just hope they are realistic about and give it time,
This could bite us in the ass if they don't.

Are you fucking kidding?

 

[Prestwich_Blue]

Utd had decades to ensure they contributed around the world in terms of community and to build strategic links with major sports organisations and cities around the world but didn't. They focused on selling merchandise in the far east etc. City are working to a robust plan that will ensure longevity and an increase in support for City partly because we contribute around the world, we don't just take. The future is Blue.

Bang on that Gary, United couldn't see as far as their nose where City are looking long term with everything.

Thanks. It used to be City that focused on short term, but all that's changed. I find it amazing that Utd have US owners with sports franchises who still for whatever reason did not see the soccer opportunities and growth in their own country.

You shouldn't be amazed Gary. Quite simply the Glazers are looking to take out as much as they can, not invest for the long term like our owners.

 

[uptheblues]

Excellent interview,just what was needed and called for by many on this forum.Long term planning is reassuring,I have no doubt these guys mean business and will oversee a very successful future for the club.We are so very lucky as fans to live to see this era.