guess next season's squad

If we go by the rumours, he's going to replace the entire team. I don't see why he'd replace Fernandinho. He might play him more defensively though. He's getting on a bit, but let's not forget that Pep brought in Xabi Alonso to Bayern aged 32 and he's still playing now.

At the start of the season, I thought we would be in pretty good shape for Pep's arrival, but I think there's quite a bit of work to do. In central defence, we're now at a situation where we've seriously got to decide whether we want to rebuild around a new CB, because Kompany's constant injuries are affecting the team. TBH, the central defence depends entirely on how Pep views the existing CBs. It might be that with his organisation, the existing players will look like world beaters. Obviously with the homegrown issue, there's a big incentive to try and give Denayer a chance next season too.

I thought that the full backs would be good for another season, but Zabaleta and Kolarov are both looking to be struggling to keep up with the demands of the Premier League this season. Clichy and Sagna look like they've got at least another season left yet though, but now would be the time to bring in younger challengers.

Central midfield has looked weak all season. Fernandinho has been the only player that's shone, and while Fernando has done a decent job, he still doesn't look up to the level required for a world class team, especially given the sort of football Pep likes to play. Toure's decent performances have been pretty rare this season and it's probably time to move him on. Delph hasn't looked up to standard so far, but I'd give him a chance with the new manager. And let's face it, he's English, so unless we're buying Barkley or Alli, we're probably not getting rid. Gundogan is the obvious signing, and seems to be a bit of a bargain due to being in the last year of his contract. Pogba too would be incredible, but it's a big ask.

I think we're set for attacking midfielders and wingers, tbh. I think the players we have are good enough, but obviously youngsters like Sane would always be a welcome addition. Pep also used to play Henry and Villa out wide for Barcelona, so I'd expect to see Nacho out there on occasion.

Up front, the emergence of Nacho has been a huge bonus this season and we now have a very good backup to Aguero who's young enough that he doesn't mind being backup. But let's not pretend he's the finished article. Bony seems to have regressed even from his slow start. He never scored many goals for us, but when he first came, I at least thought his build up play was decent. But he looks to be on his way out. The eternal dilemma, of course, is how do you get a striker that's willing to be behind Kun in the pecking order, but good enough to come in when he's injured (which is a lot). I think the answer is that you get someone who can play across a front 3, like Aubemeyang.

Hart

Sagna------Otamendi------Mangala------Clichy

Fernadinho---Gundogan

Aubemeyang------De Bruyne------Sterling

Aguero​



New GK

New RB------Kompany------Denayer------New LB

Fernando---Delph

Navas------Silva------Nasri

Ihenacho​

To go: Bony, Toure, Zabaleta, Kolarov, Caballero.

Although this depends on the reasons for Zabaleta's lack of form. If it's just rustiness because of injury, then he might be worth keeping around. After all, it was only a couple of seasons ago that he was being suggested as the best RB in the world. TBH, I have a hard time judging any of our defenders individually, when the overall organisation has been so shocking.
 
Gundagon rumours have all dried up ... I hope that deal is on ..also hummels stated he has not decided on Bayern yet .. Getting both of them would be magnificent ..I love may to Aug part of the year ..not much football to watch but it takes me to football manager mode B-) .. Evaluating and wishing to buy all good players and wonderkids ..media agents like sun and goal add to the drama ..but it's fun :)

Blue moon Rising
 
City Watch ‎@City_Watch
Toure, Zabaleta, Kolarov, Demichelis and Caballero will all be shown the door as soon as Pep steps in the door on July 1st. [@SunMartinB]

City Watch ‎@City_Watch
The futures of Kompany, Mangala, Bony, Delph, Navas + Nasri are all very much in the balance, with a number likely to be axed. [@SunMartinB]

City Watch ‎@City_Watch
Top of City's wish list is the trio of Ilkay Gundogan, Aymeric Laporte + John Stones. Toni Kroos + Paul Pogba are also admired.[@SunMartinB]
 
City Watch ‎@City_Watch
Toure, Zabaleta, Kolarov, Demichelis and Caballero will all be shown the door as soon as Pep steps in the door on July 1st. [@SunMartinB]

City Watch ‎@City_Watch
The futures of Kompany, Mangala, Bony, Delph, Navas + Nasri are all very much in the balance, with a number likely to be axed. [@SunMartinB]

City Watch ‎@City_Watch
Top of City's wish list is the trio of Ilkay Gundogan, Aymeric Laporte + John Stones. Toni Kroos + Paul Pogba are also admired.[@SunMartinB]

Gonna be busy this summer!
 
City Watch ‎@City_Watch
Toure, Zabaleta, Kolarov, Demichelis and Caballero will all be shown the door as soon as Pep steps in the door on July 1st. [@SunMartinB]

City Watch ‎@City_Watch
The futures of Kompany, Mangala, Bony, Delph, Navas + Nasri are all very much in the balance, with a number likely to be axed. [@SunMartinB]

City Watch ‎@City_Watch
Top of City's wish list is the trio of Ilkay Gundogan, Aymeric Laporte + John Stones. Toni Kroos + Paul Pogba are also admired.[@SunMartinB]
Everything here is in line with my views.

Otamendi most safe defender
Zaba and Kola most likely fullbacks to leave
Yaya probably gone.
One of Silva/Nasri/Dihno out- looking like Nasri from the above.
Gundogan, Stones, Laporte, and a 2nd midfielder in. My preference is Isco. But it seems Pogba and Kroos are Pep's. Fair enough.
Fernando not likely to be sold. Backup to Gundogan
Need a new Winger (Navas likely leaving suggests it)
It seems he is not as fussed about fullbacks. Neither am I. Reason why? Fullback upgrade will have the least impact on his philosophies. Getting rid of Kolarov will have more of a positive impact than who his actual replacement ends up being.

Only thing out of line is Bony not being on the definitely to go list.
 
So if rumours are to be believed and we go for Laporte and stones for a combined 80 odd million. What do people expect us to do with otamendi, kompany, mangala and denayer?
One of the current three is sold. My sense is Mangala, possibly Kompany. Least likely Otamendi.

Denayer competes at RB
 
Mangala was going last summer but said no. Surely Pep was involved in discussion to say Mangala could go.

I suspect Laporte & Stones to come in.

Bad news that Gundogan picked up serious knee injury. Great player, not if not playing though.

Important we improve our "treatment table" record.
 
Mangala was going last summer but said no. Surely Pep was involved in discussion to say Mangala could go.

I suspect Laporte & Stones to come in.

Bad news that Gundogan picked up serious knee injury. Great player, not if not playing though.

Important we improve our "treatment table" record.
Not Pep's strongest attribute.
 
Worrying but then it's not Pep's job. It's the medical team, whoever is in charge of that.

We certainly cannot rely on Kompany's fitness. A great player, leader & spokesman. I hope his playing career ends when he wants it too & is well managed. Maybe Pep & Kompany will sit down & chat before the new season & bring him into the coaching setup? We don't want to lose him from the club. Far too valuable.

Not Pep's strongest attribute.
 
OUT: Zabaleta, Kolarov, Kompany, Mangala, Yaya, Delph, Navas, Silva.

IN: Vrsaljko, Cresswell, Stones, Laporte, Xakha, Gundogan, Sane, Griezmann and promote one between Manu, Alex Garcia and Jack Bryne.

We need a total rebuilding.
 
next%20season_zpsw8aozdme.png


just updated my list
 
Last edited:
OUT: Zabaleta, Kolarov, Kompany, Mangala, Yaya, Delph, Navas, Silva.

IN: Vrsaljko, Cresswell, Stones, Laporte, Xakha, Gundogan, Sane, Griezmann and promote one between Manu, Alex Garcia and Jack Bryne.

We need a total rebuilding.

I'd keep Delph and ship out Fernando if I am honest.
 
I'd keep Delph and ship out Fernando if I am honest.
I think Fernando might be the best of all the current CMs left come next season. Better than Yaya and Delph already. And might be better than Dihno by next season.

He is the only definite keeper for me, with Dihno as the maybe. The rest can go.
 
Best I can see happening is:
In - Stones, Laporte, Gundogan and Vrsaljko
Out- Zabaleta, Demichelis, Caballero, Mangala

Not saying that is what I want but it is what I can see happening.

As usual, we are going to struggle to offload players we don't need anymore.

Missing out on CL will see what small chance we have of getting Pogba vanish.
 
Best I can see happening is:
In - Stones, Laporte, Gundogan and Vrsaljko
Out- Zabaleta, Demichelis, Caballero, Mangala

Not saying that is what I want but it is what I can see happening.

As usual, we are going to struggle to offload players we don't need anymore.

Missing out on CL will see what small chance we have of getting Pogba vanish.
1. It is not a guarantee we are missing out on CL.

2. Even if we do, we can still get good players in.

That said, my adjusted 7 man in

Gundogan, Isco, Vrsaljko (to be referred to as Sime from now on), Laporte, Gaya, Zicjenho and another Winger.

Leaving: Nasri, Yaya, Kolarov, Zaba, Kompany, Demichelis, Delph.

Squad
GK: Joe Hart, Gunn, ?
LB: Gaya, Clichy
RB: Sime, Sagna
RCB: Otamendi, Denayer
LCB: Laporte, Mangala
DM: Gundogan, Fernando
CM: DeBryune, Isco, Silva, Fernandihno
WF: New, Navas or Sterling, Zichencho
FW: Aguero, Kelechi

It's a lot. But I think we need to do it.
 
1. It is not a guarantee we are missing out on CL.

2. Even if we do, we can still get good players in.

That said, my adjusted 7 man in

Gundogan, Isco, Vrsaljko (to be referred to as Sime from now on), Laporte, Gaya, Zicjenho and another Winger.

Leaving: Nasri, Yaya, Kolarov, Zaba, Kompany, Demichelis, Delph.

Squad
GK: Joe Hart, Gunn, ?
LB: Gaya, Clichy
RB: Sime, Sagna
RCB: Otamendi, Denayer
LCB: Laporte, Mangala
DM: Gundogan, Fernando
CM: DeBryune, Isco, Silva, Fernandihno
WF: New, Navas or Sterling, Zichencho
FW: Aguero, Kelechi

It's a lot. But I think we need to do it.

I don't doubt we need to do it. Just shifting players is always going to be difficult because of the contracts we have them on.

I expect something along the lines of 4 in 4 out and then loan returns.
 

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