It's Quiet Thread 15 - Txiki Blinders

[David Silva]

As soon as you saw Foden play, you just knew he was the real deal. His balance and running with the ball is god given as is his control and overall mastery of the football. I have seldom seen his like. Palmer et al are very promising players but none that I have seen have Fodens all round gifts. If we are talking Grealish then are they at his standard just now. The answer to that is no and they may never be. I think if we can buy both Grealish and Haaland we should do so. If these kids are good enough to play a part in an elite squad a path will be found for one or more

Spot on. Sancho’s departure has scarred a few fans understandably but I think Foden’s season this year has reset the narrative. He’s leapfrogged Sancho significantly in terms of development and vindicated city’s approach to developing youngsters. The academy lads will be looking at that and have more trust in Pep/the club now.

 

[Del_Bosque]

I think the priorities should be

1) Striker
2) Left back
3) Defensive mid (if Ferna goes)
4) Winger/Attacking Mid

Wouldn’t be suprised to see one of Mahrez or Sterling move on in summer given where their contracts are

I do think we’ll go back in for Aouar

 

[pavelsrnicek]

City were gilding the lily a little on the Kompany narrative, as they simply couldn't afford to pay the money for Maguire.

Which is a bigger concern that they actually thought Maguire was a right option in the first place!!

The landscape obviously changes all the time, I don't see two or three established names still being around in the next couple of years, which will still give pathways to the youngsters.

There is a lot of talk at City about the fear for Brexit and what rules might be passed in the near future.

Academies are having to revise their plans because they are budgeting for a vacuum of not being able to bring in foreign talent until at least the ages of 18, although I am not up to speed on that.

Brexit is going to be an issue for all UK football academies. No signing of any under 18 players outside of the UK. Lavia will probably be the last one in. Hopefully will the CFG, we will be in a better position to cope than most but it will cause all clubs issues.

 

[pavelsrnicek]

I've had that in the back of my mind for awhile, not sure who but Sterling especially after this season must be considered.

Carson currently takes a spot in our Champions League squad, Aguero is leaving and Fernandinho is likely to go. Could be up to 3 spots available.

 

[dave_blue12]

I've had that in the back of my mind for awhile, not sure who but Sterling especially after this season must be considered.

Given his prolonged lack of form the club must be seriously concerned over giving him a bumper new contract.

If I'm Txiki I'm looking to heavily link the contract to appearances, which he won't get unless he is playing well. Raz will, of course, see it differently and is unlikely to sign such a contract.

 

[domalino]

which is how clubs, notably us, lose the title. Not following up properly in the summer after being champions. Summers of 2012 and 2014 reflect that.

Summer of 2018 goes against the narrative.

2018 we bought Mahrez who started about 30% of games in his first season when we won the title again.

Truth is, if you have a good squad you don't need to fuck with it to win the title again.

Bringing in one more top quality player, like we did in 2018 is all we need to do.

 

[David Silva]

Summer of 2018 goes against the narrative.

2018 we bought Mahrez who started about 30% of games in his first season when we won the title again.

Truth is, if you have a good squad you don't need to fuck with it to win the title again.

We just about retained our level from the previous season which is a big testament to Pep and the players. But Liverpool strengthened and closed a 25 point gap from 17/18..

 

[BAB.DAB]

Summer of 2018 goes against the narrative.

2018 we bought Mahrez who started about 30% of games in his first season when we won the title again.

Truth is, if you have a good squad you don't need to fuck with it to win the title again.

Bringing in one more top quality player, like we did in 2018 is all we need to do.

Wrong!
In so many ways!

 

[domalino]

Wrong!
In so many ways!

Elaborate or don't bother joining in the discussion.

Just saying "Wrong" doesn't mean anything.

 

[Scottish Cityzen]

Absolutely this. We have failed to strengthen from a position of power on more than one occasion in the past. Time to be ruthless even if it means a surprise departure. I could see us maybe letting Jesus go or flipping Torres for a quick profit to someone like the Madrid clubs if the right bids came in and if we landed Grealish and Haaland.

Agree with this. We are losing Sergio and probably more likely that Ferny goes too (great way to bow out when he’s still a big player every game he plays).

So two key players needing replaced - would like to see a signing like Haaland as Sergio deserves to be replaced by a top drawer player.

Similarly someone like Grealish with his hunger to push on and win titles could be a smart move to maintain the squad’s desire.

we would have a lot of options but Torres, Jesus and the extended form of Sterling have been below what we might expect from them. Will Torres do that major second season improvement we often see with our signings? I’m not sure based on his performances out wide so far this season, good goals return but disappointing beyond that.

Raz is the interesting one for me, does he fancy a stint abroad or will he buckle down and find his way back to the ‘start pretty much every game’ form he’s had for the previous 3 seasons.

Our squad is outstanding, an elite striker would strengthen and another top level midfielder like Grealish who can play multiple roles would be great.

Other than a left back if Mendy can be found a new home I think that’s all we need.