It's Quiet thread 14 - 'do one' edition

[Eric Hitchmough]

The issue for me isn’t the identity or style. I like the way we play. It’s easily the most entertaining football of any side in the league. The real issue is player recruitment, particularly when it comes to defensive roles.

I don’t think anyone can argue that we haven’t spent enough money over the past few years. The past two years saw us bring in Rodri, Cancello and Mahrez. Collectively, we spent about £182m on those three players. Does anybody honestly believe that we spent well since the 100 point season?

When it comes to defenders, the story is bleak. I’d argue that Laporte was really the only good defensive signing since Hughes was manager almost 11 years ago. If you include the CDM position then you can still only add Fernandinho. That is simply not good enough given the expenditure.

I have absolutely no idea why the club continues to allow the same people to decide which defensive players to pursue. Their record is abysmal. It’s made worse by repeatedly neglecting certain positions. We desperately needed a CB and a LB last season. Instead, we signed an expensive RB who barely played.

The weak LB position has been a running theme for a while now. In fact, the fullback positions were neglected under Pellegrini also. That suggests to me that the issue is at least partially above the manager.

Most of us were hopeful that we had finally brought in somebody to replace Fernandinho after signing Rodri. Turns out Rodri is nothing like Fernandinho. He lacks the mobility required of that role in this league. He is much closer to a Gundogan replacement, only Gundogan is still here, still shit and somehow still losing us games.

The CDM position is now a major issue, but the club seemingly doesn’t believe this to be the case. Fernandinho is not the player of two seasons ago. I’d say that, with the acquisition of Ake, the CDM role is even more important than bringing in an additional CB. Yet we’ve heard Pep say that we won’t be bringing in a midfielder.

Good post.

 

[simon23]

Then the transfer forum is definitely not for you. I would suggest you try mancity.com if you only want to look at facts

considering Ive been on it years I think Im fine where I am thanks

 

[simon23]

Mbappe has apparently told PSG that he is leaving next summer. I mean, if there ever was a perfect striker for us. This is it.

Mbappe and Haaland available next summer. Does it even make sense to sign a striker this summer?

Pretty sure Mbappe will end up at Madrid if he does leave PSG

 

[Marvin]

Ake was a good signing. I've always rated him. An all round good versatile footballer. I'm sure he'll improve City but I don't think it's enough because he's a left sided defender, and so is Laporte. It leaves us relying on Garcia and Stones. Last Summer I still had faith in Stones, but now he has to earn it. He's gone backwards. City really are left in a position where we need another central defender. Koulibaly is available. Just do the deal. There is very little to be gained by dragging out negotiation, and there is much to lose by doing so.

 

[City Raider]

If Mbappe or Haaland leave they have their pick. Probably Spain.

 

[simon23]

The issue for me isn’t the identity or style. I like the way we play. It’s easily the most entertaining football of any side in the league. The real issue is player recruitment, particularly when it comes to defensive roles.

I don’t think anyone can argue that we haven’t spent enough money over the past few years. The past two years saw us bring in Rodri, Cancello and Mahrez. Collectively, we spent about £182m on those three players. Does anybody honestly believe that we spent well since the 100 point season?

When it comes to defenders, the story is bleak. I’d argue that Laporte was really the only good defensive signing since Hughes was manager almost 11 years ago. If you include the CDM position then you can still only add Fernandinho. That is simply not good enough given the expenditure.

I have absolutely no idea why the club continues to allow the same people to decide which defensive players to pursue. Their record is abysmal. It’s made worse by repeatedly neglecting certain positions. We desperately needed a CB and a LB last season. Instead, we signed an expensive RB who barely played.

The weak LB position has been a running theme for a while now. In fact, the fullback positions were neglected under Pellegrini also. That suggests to me that the issue is at least partially above the manager.

Most of us were hopeful that we had finally brought in somebody to replace Fernandinho after signing Rodri. Turns out Rodri is nothing like Fernandinho. He lacks the mobility required of that role in this league. He is much closer to a Gundogan replacement, only Gundogan is still here, still shit and somehow still losing us games.

The CDM position is now a major issue, but the club seemingly doesn’t believe this to be the case. Fernandinho is not the player of two seasons ago. I’d say that, with the acquisition of Ake, the CDM role is even more important than bringing in an additional CB. Yet we’ve heard Pep say that we won’t be bringing in a midfielder.

Very good post - absolutely spot on

I dont think Rodri Cancello or Mahrez have improved us - though I do think Rodri has his place....but as you put there are weaknesses to his game which leaves us exposed

 

[Mancini Manus Domini]

Seems like we are Sleepwalking into another shit season. Fiddling while Rome burns.
Points at the start of the season are worth just as much as points at the end. We are in danger of being seriously undercooked for Wolves and Leicester while the usual suspects will still insist Stones and Garcia ‘just need time’.
None of the blatantly obvious problems are being addressed. Four years into Guardiola’s tenure as manager and the same old flaws remain. Centre back replacement for Vinnie and an even vaguely competent left back neglected for square pegs in round holes who are ‘versatile’ and can ‘do a job’ there.
All our rivals for the Champions League have specialists in those positions. FFS. Even fucking Southampton, Burnley and Leeds have specialists in those positions.
To not have a left back worthy of the name after, what, seven or eight years in the job is gross incompetence on the part of Begiristain. Even the happiest of clappers must accept that.
Meanwhile there is a Captain Ahab-style doomed pursuit of the Barcelona of a 10/15 years ago. The ghost of what Messi used to be and a Poundland Busquets who turns slower than milk protecting a depressingly ropey defence. Gundogan present at every failure and every big game, just to twist the knife.
Garcia is short and slow as a man in diving boits filled with cowshit - and even he wants to leave. But his agent is Pep and Txiki’s Catalan mate so lets keep developing a lad for Barcelona rather than fucking him off and developing a lad for City instead. Defend that one, Clappers.
We need to drop the Barcelona obsession and develop this club in its own right. We need to defend and promote our own identity not be content to be a second hand tribute act.
We should be seeking to be the very best at everything, on and off the field. And if that means telling a few sacred cows that the best of everything doesn’t necessarily come from Catalonia then fuck them

This Barcelona obsession has produced the best football I have seen in my 44 years of following City. And the best of any other in this country.

Getting Pep in was not only about the here and now, but like Cruyff at Barcelona, it was leaving a legacy.

We've had all the youth teams playing the same way as the first team for a while now, and we are only beginning to bear the fruits of this.

Just because Barcelona have squandered the legacy of the greatest side in club football doesn't mean we should stop trying to achieve something more lasting.

I do share some of your frustrations about the here and now, Gundogan and a left back especially, but we shouldn't throw the baby out with the bath water.

 

[simon23]

Ake was a good signing. I've always rated him. An all round good versatile footballer. I'm sure he'll improve City but I don't think it's enough because he's a left sided defender, and so is Laporte. It leaves us relying on Garcia and Stones. Last Summer I still had faith in Stones, but now he has to earn it. He's gone backwards. City really are left in a position where we need another central defender. Koulibaly is available. Just do the deal. There is very little to be gained by dragging out negotiation, and there is much to lose by doing so.

I thnk i read somewhere where Ake is quoted as saying that he has already been working with city coaching staff on 3 different posistions so that suggests to me left back and defensive midfield are the two others along with left back - unless its wing back as part of a 3 as well

 

[blueparrot]

If Mbappe or Haaland leave they have their pick. Probably Spain.

Normal times they’d certainly go to Spain, especially Mbappe. A full season with no fans might change the landscape though.

 

[Marvin]

Seems like we are Sleepwalking into another shit season. Fiddling while Rome burns.
Points at the start of the season are worth just as much as points at the end. We are in danger of being seriously undercooked for Wolves and Leicester while the usual suspects will still insist Stones and Garcia ‘just need time’.
None of the blatantly obvious problems are being addressed. Four years into Guardiola’s tenure as manager and the same old flaws remain. Centre back replacement for Vinnie and an even vaguely competent left back neglected for square pegs in round holes who are ‘versatile’ and can ‘do a job’ there.
All our rivals for the Champions League have specialists in those positions. FFS. Even fucking Southampton, Burnley and Leeds have specialists in those positions.
To not have a left back worthy of the name after, what, seven or eight years in the job is gross incompetence on the part of Begiristain. Even the happiest of clappers must accept that.
Meanwhile there is a Captain Ahab-style doomed pursuit of the Barcelona of a 10/15 years ago. The ghost of what Messi used to be and a Poundland Busquets who turns slower than milk protecting a depressingly ropey defence. Gundogan present at every failure and every big game, just to twist the knife.
Garcia is short and slow as a man in diving boits filled with cowshit - and even he wants to leave. But his agent is Pep and Txiki’s Catalan mate so lets keep developing a lad for Barcelona rather than fucking him off and developing a lad for City instead. Defend that one, Clappers.
We need to drop the Barcelona obsession and develop this club in its own right. We need to defend and promote our own identity not be content to be a second hand tribute act.
We should be seeking to be the very best at everything, on and off the field. And if that means telling a few sacred cows that the best of everything doesn’t necessarily come from Catalonia then fuck them

We're frustrating close to having a title-winning side. Koulibaly or AN Other top quality central defender would do it for me. I agree that we are without a top left back but that's not fundamental. I doubt we can win the league with this squad because the central defence is weak.

 

[mosssideblue]

considering Ive been on it years I think Im fine where I am thanks

Then perhaps you should try and not to moan about tweets etc

 

[blueparrot]

We're frustrating close to having a title-winning side. Koulibaly or AN Other top quality central defender would do it for me. I agree that we are without a top left back but that's not fundamental. I doubt we can win the league with this squad because the central defence is weak.

I agree, but would be very surprised if we didn’t get a centre back, maybe not in time to play Wolves but then again I don’t think any other team are playing their first games with anything like their final squad, think only 1 or 2 of chelseas signings are making their first game, and their buys aren’t all done either.

 

[TheThirdDeano]

I'd love Haaland but you get the feeling he'll just end up at Bayern to take up Lewan's mantle

 

[waspish]

Has apparently already said in the past that he wanted to play for Pep but not for City.

Liverpool or Madrid.

Haha Liverpool zero chance of that.

 

[Semper aggressus]

Has apparently already said in the past that he wanted to play for Pep but not for City.

Liverpool or Madrid.

What the fuck can Liverpool offer that we can't?

 

[Withnail]

We're frustrating close to having a title-winning side. Koulibaly or AN Other top quality central defender would do it for me. I agree that we are without a top left back but that's not fundamental. I doubt we can win the league with this squad because the central defence is weak.

Definitely need another cb preferably Koulibaly. Then I think that will be it in terms of new signings.

 

[nmc]

Has apparently already said in the past that he wanted to play for Pep but not for City.

Liverpool or Madrid.

Mbappe was covering his options... happy to fuck City off but worried where Pep might turn up in the future.

 

[Marvin]

There’s me thinking City we’re top of the ‘project restart’ table and have since strengthened with two very good signings and with more to come.

Good as Ake and Torres maybe, the central defence remains a glaring problem.

 

[Marvin]

This Barcelona obsession has produced the best football I have seen in my 44 years of following City. And the best of any other in this country.

Getting Pep in was not only about the here and now, but like Cruyff at Barcelona, it was leaving a legacy.

We've had all the youth teams playing the same way as the first team for a while now, and we are only beginning to bear the fruits of this.

Just because Barcelona have squandered the legacy of the greatest side in club football doesn't mean we should stop trying to achieve something more lasting.

I do share some of your frustrations about the here and now, Gundogan and a left back especially, but we shouldn't throw the baby out with the bath water.

Pep's last game cast a shadow but overall he's City's biggest footballing asset. However, I am very surprised that we haven't strengthened the central defence much further.

Look at the last game against Lyon. Pep was so scared of City's defensive weakness that he changed our line up and style of play to protect the defensive weakness.

Ake is a fine player. Fits the Pep version of a footballing defensive player but such was City's defensive weakness last season that I don't think it's enough to plug the gap. We really need a quick dominant right sided central defender who can partner Laporte/Ake.

 

[wolviedinho]

Seems like we are Sleepwalking into another shit season. Fiddling while Rome burns.
Points at the start of the season are worth just as much as points at the end. We are in danger of being seriously undercooked for Wolves and Leicester while the usual suspects will still insist Stones and Garcia ‘just need time’.
None of the blatantly obvious problems are being addressed. Four years into Guardiola’s tenure as manager and the same old flaws remain. Centre back replacement for Vinnie and an even vaguely competent left back neglected for square pegs in round holes who are ‘versatile’ and can ‘do a job’ there.
All our rivals for the Champions League have specialists in those positions. FFS. Even fucking Southampton, Burnley and Leeds have specialists in those positions.
To not have a left back worthy of the name after, what, seven or eight years in the job is gross incompetence on the part of Begiristain. Even the happiest of clappers must accept that.
Meanwhile there is a Captain Ahab-style doomed pursuit of the Barcelona of a 10/15 years ago. The ghost of what Messi used to be and a Poundland Busquets who turns slower than milk protecting a depressingly ropey defence. Gundogan present at every failure and every big game, just to twist the knife.
Garcia is short and slow as a man in diving boits filled with cowshit - and even he wants to leave. But his agent is Pep and Txiki’s Catalan mate so lets keep developing a lad for Barcelona rather than fucking him off and developing a lad for City instead. Defend that one, Clappers.
We need to drop the Barcelona obsession and develop this club in its own right. We need to defend and promote our own identity not be content to be a second hand tribute act.
We should be seeking to be the very best at everything, on and off the field. And if that means telling a few sacred cows that the best of everything doesn’t necessarily come from Catalonia then fuck them

Some good and justified points.I get were you are coming from when you highlight the Barcelona obsession however we have followed that path and it has been very successful.

This is the identity of the club now. We will buy players to suit the roles needed within peps system. This will include a dm of either gundo or Rodri similar to Busquets as you have pointed out.

Lb- we need to give a fit mendy a chance.
Cb- granted we have tried and failed to replace vinny.
Garcia - agree

Going into the season we have nothing to fear re wolves and Leicester. The team is good enough to beat both.

The new opinion is that football has moved on from Pep’s system. Bayern and Liverpool are often used as an example.

Put simply, the players need to get back to winning matches. Simple passes made into midfield , cut out silly mistakes at the back, pass out from the back accurately and press from the front and take our chances.

Buying a shiny new player is only half the battle. We have bought some very sought after talent but some have just not worked out for various reasons.