It's Quiet 18 - Wanna ring the bell?

[r.soleofsalford]

I always thought Jack isn't going to get games on the wing as he'd be phased out by Doku, Bobb, Savinho, Foden, Bernardo, McAtee.. all are ahead of him in Pep's trust but he's good at keeping the ball and dribbling past people or drawing fouls.

That may be his future in the center.. Kovacic and Grealish double pivot when we need to rest Rodri.

Not the craziest thing I've heard.. certainly not as crazy as WE ARE DOOMED!

I’ve always thought Jack would be more productive as in scoring and assisting more if he played in the middle rather than out wide.

 

[burning blue soul]

Locatelli, sounds like a super glue! But on the bright side he’d probably bond with the squad straight away.

The DJC (Dad Joke Confederation) fully endorses this joke.

 

[TonyM]

Locatelli, sounds like a super glue! But on the bright side he’d probably bond with the squad straight away.

Sounds like pasta to me which we like to do a lot.

 

[JWCH-99]

This is seriously fucking stupid from the club. Like do they not remember having Ilkay Gundogan and using him as a perfect Rodri understudy, whilst also using him as a starter most games ahead of Rodri? They just have to do the same again, not find a DM that’s happy to be on the bench most of the season. What the fuck are they on about? It’s beyond a joke at this point.

Did you actually read the article. It never said we wouldn’t buy someone who can play dm but also somewhere else, pep has said that as well. This just says we won’t buy a specialist dm who can only really play that position as cover for Rodri

 

[waspish]

Tbh, that’s kind of how I read the article - they aren’t looking for a specialist 6 to replace Rodri. More someone who can play either as a 6 or 8, like Guimaraes (although I think that boat has probably sailed). Probably wishful thinking though.

For me Kovacic is that man who can do that Gundogan role when Rodri not in the team

 

[Coatigan]

I thinks it's a possibility that we might.

How likely is it we get a starter or a very decent player this late in the window? Who would want their team to be weakened so late in the window and/or after the season has started?

Last year we got Nunes so my confidence isn't as high after that.

Nunes - 31st August
Doku - 25th August
Gomes - 17th August
Akanji - 31st August
Ruben Dias - September

Cancelo and Danilo were both late in the window too.

Players get signed late, lots of clubs do it. Some on deadline day. It's a whole thing, even has tv coverage and stuff.

 

[doobyedoobye]

For me Kovacic is that man who can do that Gundogan role when Rodri not in the team

Exactly, and he has spoken about the opportunity to play 6 & 8 in an interview this summer I believe

 

[Ajm1985]

Brace yourself…

Man City are forced to accept absent Rodri really is irreplaceable

JACK GAUGHAN: To find somebody good enough to deputise for Rodri(left) but also happy to act as deputy to the world's best in that area of the pitch appears nigh-on impossible.

www.dailymail.co.uk

That's just a PR piece making excuses, while also being inaccurate. I don't think any City fan is under the illusion that you can buy a player good enough to do Rodri's role but will be happy on the bench. Hence why you look at versatile players - which Pep also mentioned in a recent press conference. Framing it as this impossible task is disingenuous

 

[urban genie]

would people conside as a short term option Goretkza on loan ?

His is out of Vinnys plans and they want rid, Had his issues, some.from his mental state after injury some he coaches weariness at hisn outspoken social media political views.

could Pep be the motivator he needs to get back on track

 

[Ajm1985]

would people conside as a short term option Goretkza on loan ?

His is out of Vinnys plans and they want rid, Had his issues, some.from his mental state after injury some he coaches weariness at hisn outspoken social media political views.

could Pep be the motivator he needs to get back on track

That's an intriguing one - obviously much prefer a long term signing of a younger option, but could definitely see Txiki doing a deal like that. Didn't watch lots of Bayern last season to see how he fared but his stats seem decent. He also played DM/CM and AM roles. Not massively inspiring and we should have got a long term successor but it could work.