He won't need to play a full season, Dias will start first choice, Khusonov or Akanji might be second. Stones might well only play 10/15 games.We certainly don't need to rely on him.We won't have a small squad will be about 25/26 player.There's 4-5 weeks of the window to go. I feel sorry for Stones, but as things stand, we all shit ourselves anytime he has to run or make a tackle, as we know what will likely come next... Weeks in the physio room.
He just can't be relied upon for a full season as things stand. With Pep's preference for a small squad, John's absences are even more acute for City.
This is exactly how we should be operating in this transfer window. A transfer of this magnitude would be a win/win for both clubs.I`d take Guehi and Palace hold an interest in Mcatee so if the fee for Guehi is £40m then we could do Mcatee to them (if he fancied it of course) for £30-35m and its a minimal net cost on the transfer.
At CB we are. Stones is unreal when fit Ake the same. But all four of our recognised CBs struggled with injury and consequently form last year.We won't be relying on them won't need to unless injuries hit,and if they don't wat to leave, then they don't want to leave.
All it took was for a couple of key defensive injuries (added to Rodri), for our defence & season to fall apart.He won't need to play a full season, Dias will start first choice, Khusonov or Akanji might be second. Stones might well only play 10/15 games.We certainly don't need to rely on him.We won't have a small squad will be about 25/26 player.
Fair enough as an opinion, think Pep does trust Khusonov or he'd be the one loaned not Reis.Whatever the opinion though doesn't mean Stones will leave if he doesn't want to.All it took was for a couple of key defensive injuries (added to Rodri), for our defence & season to fall apart.
Mate, Stones can't be relied upon. Aké also has a questionable fitness record. Dias hasn't impressed me at all recently, which leaves Khusanov (who Pep doesn't seem to trust yet), Akanji (who I like, but many don't) & Gvardiol.
This is exactly how we should be operating in this transfer window. A transfer of this magnitude would be a win/win for both clubs.
It's all about opinions mate. It's what a football forum is for. What a player wants (Fernandinho, KDB, Philips etc), & what's best for the club, are two different things. We must act in the best interests of Manchester City.Fair enough as an opinion, think Pep does trust Khusonov or he'd be the one loaned not Reis.Whatever the opinion though doesn't mean Stones will leave if he doesn't want to.
Bah already loaned out...Strong rumours Reis going as well on loan.I think we are set for the future at CB mate as with Viana in charge now, Reis and Bah will be brought back to the fold and Khusanov is already here.
Too many or enough cover? Same thing I guess. If Stones stays he’s basically and extra due to his injury concerns but let’s be honest on his day he’s the very best.I am still thinking Akanji goes and Stones stays. Stones on his day invaluable. So Dias/Guardiol/Stones/Ake/Khusanov for 4 spots with Ake also covering Nouri? We just have too many CBs even after Ries and Akanji (if he leaves).
Im confused, haven't we already succession planned with those players you've listedReis & Bah will be on loan. Khusanov isn't fully trusted by Pep. There are question marks over Stones' & Ake's fitness, & Dias hasn't impressed me since the treble.
Add in Akanji's contract ending in 2027 & his age, & I think it's time we start our succession planning from now.
Gvardiol, Guéhi, Bah, Reis, Khusanov looks solid going forward for the next 5+ years.
Bah already loaned out...Strong rumours Reis going as well on loan.
How many of our loanees have ever come back and had a notable impact on the first team?
Of course there is a chance but history tells us that isnt normally the case...so your assumption that they willbbe brought back to the fold is not based in evidence at all...mor wishful thinking. Hopefully you are right but there is NO evidence to suggest that either of those two names mentioned will ever make it to the top level needed. Im not sure why anyone can suggest otherwise at the moment as no one has seen Bah play for us and Reis has had a handful of games with limited time.
History tells us it was very difficult to come back because we had a full squad winning everything,they weren't coming back to displace, Walker, Stones, Rodri, Fernandinho, KDB, Silva, Bernardo, Mahrez, Aguero etc, plus how many of those loanees are now playin regulary at the very top level.Bah already loaned out...Strong rumours Reis going as well on loan.
How many of our loanees have ever come back and had a notable impact on the first team?
Of course there is a chance but history tells us that isnt normally the case...so your assumption that they willbbe brought back to the fold is not based in evidence at all...mor wishful thinking. Hopefully you are right but there is NO evidence to suggest that either of those two names mentioned will ever make it to the top level needed. Im not sure why anyone can suggest otherwise at the moment as no one has seen Bah play for us and Reis has had a handful of games with limited time.
But City is a different animal than Sporting.....Viana isnt Txiki though and bought these players to be part of the City future? Its how he done it at Sporting and we also know that Pep is 99% leaving in two years time?
The issue many fear is the first line up of the season starting with Gundog, Dias, Stones, Akanji, Aké, Kovacic (if he was fit) etc. They're all quality players who Pep loves & trusts, but will all start ahead of those listed as part of our succession planning.Im confused, haven't we already succession planned with those players you've listed
Dias-Gvardiol has become our first choice CB partnership, and we've added Khusanov (whos likely staying this year), Reis and Bah?
Nobody is gonna take Stones or Ake off our hands due to their injuries, but Stones is off this summer (for Reis to come in) followed by Ake/Akanji the next year where Khusanov is first choice with Gvardiol and Bah becomes the 4th choice behind Reis (who'd be 22 by then)
Guehi was obviously better than Dias last year, but the best of Dias is better than the best of Guehi...also Guehi seems set on Liverpool he knows VVD is getting on, that spot is his
Would be all for it, but I dont see how that's really succession planning, just swapping 2 players whos aren't a million miles from each other in ability or age (25 vs 28)
Buying Khusanov, Reis and Bah is succession planning with the squad loaded with bodies atm
How many are playing at the very top?History tells us it was very difficult to come back because we had a full squad winning everything,they weren't coming back to displace, Walker, Stones, Rodri, Fernandinho, KDB, Silva, Bernardo, Mahrez, Aguero etc, plus how many of those loanees are now playin regulary at the very top level.
This is different next summer we'll have the room for them if they impress,and I think they are better prospects. If I was to guess I'd put the chances of coming back and becoming regulars at City, Reis 90%, Nypan 80%, Echeverri only 50% bacuse he plays where Foden, Cherki and Bobb play, Bah no ide don't know much about him.
Great post.Im confused, haven't we already succession planned with those players .
Buying Khusanov, Reis and Bah is succession planning with the squad loaded with bodies atm
AgreedGreat post.
Yes,absolutely believe that our club with such successful owners and Manager have a succession planning strategy.
My frustration is not with last season, the CWC exit or the lack of a right back.
I would love to see the likes of Bobb, Etcheverri, Nico and Khusanov etc integrate now along with a solid spine of Gvardiol,Sir Phillip, Rodri,Rjeinders, Marmoush and Erling.
It is not going to happen because of immediacy and impatience.
I’ll hold on to that desire though and still support whatever our hierarchy deems to be the right path.
I think we are seeing a slight change in ethos though and we are building more for in a year or 2 than the immediacy of this season. Still think we'll be good this season and challenging but don't see us peaking for at least 2 maybe 3 seasons.Great post.
Yes,absolutely believe that our club with such successful owners and Manager have a succession planning strategy.
My frustration is not with last season, the CWC exit or the lack of a right back.
I would love to see the likes of Bobb, Etcheverri, Nico and Khusanov etc integrate now along with a solid spine of Gvardiol,Sir Phillip, Rodri,Rjeinders, Marmoush and Erling.
It is not going to happen because of immediacy and impatience.
I’ll hold on to that desire though and still support whatever our hierarchy deems to be the right path.