somervillain
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- 25 Feb 2008
- Messages
- 474
Look, I hate losing. In fact, I really, really hate losing. I was a miserable human being after the Boro, Bolton, Tottenham, West Brom, and especially the Brighton Carling Cup matches. My wife tends to avoid me when City end up on the wrong end of a score line.
And, yes, it's frustrating that despite a bunch of significant additions to the roster, the fans are stuck watching a product on the pitch that looks significantly worse than last season.
However, once I realized that a special season of Champions League contention and maybe a Carling Cup wouldn't be happening, it's made it easier for me to embrace a transition season.
Mark Hughes knows how to manage. The years he spent at Blackburn testify to that. Even if you take into account ego management, it's easier to manage better talent -- not more difficult.
The problem is that Hughes hasn't been able to make his mark on the roster yet. Think about it: Jô was forced on him by the old regime. He brought in a couple of CBs (Ben-Haim and Berti) as relatively cheap cover. But in terms of the Starting XI, who have been the most consistently solid performers for City this season?
Ireland, Kompany, Wright-Phillips, Robinho, and Zabaleta
What do all except Ireland have in common? They were August acquisitions by Hughes. (And Hughes can be credited for nixing the sale of Ireland in the preseason.)
City aren't going down this season. So let Hughes bring in some quality players this month who he knows can thrive in his system. City probably will finish in the top half of the table again -- possibly even pip a UEFA Cup spot again.
Bridge is a start. Let's see what else he can do. If the Blues are back in the drop zone in February, then consider making a change. But realize that making a change right now would seriously push back the club's timeline for Champions League football. The groundwork for transfer deals typically is laid well in advance, and City are going to have a whale of a time convincing quality players to come to the club right now if there's no manager.
So stick it out and have some patience. We really don't have any other option at this point.
And, yes, it's frustrating that despite a bunch of significant additions to the roster, the fans are stuck watching a product on the pitch that looks significantly worse than last season.
However, once I realized that a special season of Champions League contention and maybe a Carling Cup wouldn't be happening, it's made it easier for me to embrace a transition season.
Mark Hughes knows how to manage. The years he spent at Blackburn testify to that. Even if you take into account ego management, it's easier to manage better talent -- not more difficult.
The problem is that Hughes hasn't been able to make his mark on the roster yet. Think about it: Jô was forced on him by the old regime. He brought in a couple of CBs (Ben-Haim and Berti) as relatively cheap cover. But in terms of the Starting XI, who have been the most consistently solid performers for City this season?
Ireland, Kompany, Wright-Phillips, Robinho, and Zabaleta
What do all except Ireland have in common? They were August acquisitions by Hughes. (And Hughes can be credited for nixing the sale of Ireland in the preseason.)
City aren't going down this season. So let Hughes bring in some quality players this month who he knows can thrive in his system. City probably will finish in the top half of the table again -- possibly even pip a UEFA Cup spot again.
Bridge is a start. Let's see what else he can do. If the Blues are back in the drop zone in February, then consider making a change. But realize that making a change right now would seriously push back the club's timeline for Champions League football. The groundwork for transfer deals typically is laid well in advance, and City are going to have a whale of a time convincing quality players to come to the club right now if there's no manager.
So stick it out and have some patience. We really don't have any other option at this point.