Jorginho

[OB1]

Despite what Pep has said in the past (ahem), that is the one thing he does coach regarding tackling. The standing tackle, while seen as boring and “half-arsed” (at best) by most English spectators, is actually the most tactically advantageous method of winning back the ball because, even if you fail, you are still on your feet to recover and (at the very least) pressure the opposition player that still has the ball. It also allows players to hunt the ball in packs, even past first or second phases of play.

As soon as you leave your feet you have become a binary statistic (either having won the ball/given away a foul or taken yourself out of play completely) and if there is one thing Pep hates is a binary state—his ideal universe is the ‘infinite dimensions’ theory. ;-)

Jorginho also seems to have the Dinho ability of closing down channels, which is much more valuable than tackling, anyway. Good DMs win the ball back through high energy, aggressive tackling or interceptions as the ball is played. The great DMs stop the ball from being played in the first place by taking up positions that cut off passing channels and/or force the opposition to give away the ball themselves before it can be played to a teammate (press) or dribbled forward.

It’s the ironic bit of assessing the DM/CM position via statistics—often the players with the most tackles won/interceptions are good but not quite as good as the truly top echelon players in that position who can only really be assessed by watching them, since there are no “took up position that stopped a counterattack in its tracks because there was no where for the opposition player in possession of the ball to pass” or “pressed player in to making a bad pass which lead to turnover of possession” metrics... at least not yet—I have not gotten quite enough seed funding for my startup just yet.

Interesting post.

I always thought that Javi Garcia was underappreciated at City because he focused on closing spaces rather than sliding around on his arse.

 

[Kinkys Left Foot]

I wouldn't have thought so. These transfer sagas are complicated and we won't close down on negotiations with either party unless we want to because the seller's are being steadfast beyond where we're willing to go or we complete another deal. Maintaining negotiations for 2 players makes sense until we sign one.

 

[OB1]

Brilliant assessment. Guardiola's effect on the psyche of English football will be revolutionary if our success continues. I have to admit, I'd never thought much about tackling until Guardiola mentioned it last year, but thinking about it, it made perfect sense as your post illustrates.

Guardiola is a proper manager, & it still shocks me that some of our less informed fans branded him as a fraud because we didn't win the quadruple in his first season.

I had my heart set on Fred & knew nothing about Jorginho in truth. However, I trust Guardiola's judgement implicitly & if he prefers Jorginho, I'm 100% behind his decision.

BUT Fred's statement today that his agent & Shakhtar have continued negotiations with City since January, has clouded Jorginho to City somewhat. Could it be beyond the realms if possibility that we're after both players considering Fernandinho's age?

I doubt we are after both players but might be trying to keep Fred warm in case Jorginho's transfer to us does not happen. If Pep is swayed by Blue Moon he might be hoping to get rid of Gundo and replace him with Fred.

 

[Dribble]

I doubt we are after both players but might be trying to keep Fred warm in case Jorginho's transfer to us does not happen. If Pep is swayed by Blue Moon he might be hoping to get rid of Gundo and replace him with Fred.

Gundog has only impressed when standing in for Fernandinho. Even then he doesn't have the physicality for when the going gets tough.

Next season will be a telling one for Gundog.

 

[Cobwebcat]

Looking at his highlights most of the long passes are overhit. Despite that he looks extremely good and a great fit for us. Fabinho might be a better player but Jorghino might be better for us.

 

[Paladin]

Looking at his highlights most of the long passes are overhit. Despite that he looks extremely good and a great fit for us. Fabinho might be a better player but Jorghino might be better for us.

Shouldn't be a problem with Sane chasing them down.

 

[SebastianBlue]

Interesting post.

I always thought that Javi Garcia was underappreciated at City because he focused on closing spaces rather than sliding around on his arse.

I always thought he was better for us (though, not amazing, by any means) than a lot on here give him credit. Especially toward the end. He was a very tidy player when he was a bit younger, as well.

 

[GeorgeHeslop'sTackle.]

Not holding my breath on this one, tbh. While I’d love Jorginho here, I don’t trust Italian clubs, or there owners one inch

Though we’ve been strongly linked with at least 3 high profile deals in the past, far as I recall, We’ve not as yet been successful in signing any player from an Italian club, since sheikh Mansoor took us over in 2008.

Italian clubs, while strangely reluctant to do any actual deals with City, seem more than happy to use us as a stalking horse to let the likes of Real, Barca, Bayern etc, that a particular player might soon be up for sale and thus create an auction

 

[Javi Garcia's Hairstylist]

I always thought he was better for us (though, not amazing, by any means) than a lot on here give him credit. Especially toward the end. He was a very tidy player when he was a bit younger, as well.

(likes these posts)

He did a very nice job during the run-in in the year Liverpool won the league. IIRC he started the majority of the matches for us from March forward - including the decider at home on the last week. Two-man midfield with Yaya and Dinho was running a bit out of gas.

Was always very good at heading the ball nicely to a teammate. Underrated player with fantastic hair of course.

 

[Dr Jacoby]

He reminds me of Montolivo a bit.