Mancini

[Rammy Blue]

I'm not having a pop fella, just saying that bacon has a tried and tested formula and he purchases players that in the main all seem to fit the system.

That's surely why the idea of Txiki imposing the approach from Barca of a 4-3-3 formation and tiki-taka football is not far fetched. The club needs a well defined way of playing and needs to recruit at all levels to that template.

Exactly. It just seems you can't make any relevant comment on here without it being viewed as having a pop at Bob. We used to have a default formation of 4-2-3-1 but then this season, due to having 4 front line strikers, Bob attempted to change it to accomodate at least 2 of them each game. If I could be arsed I'd dig out posts of mine from the beginning of the season where I said this would create issues - we never had the right midfield balance in the squad to play 4-4-2, no genuine wingers and central players with no pace.

Hopefully imposing the 4-3-3 and buying players that specifically fit the system will eradicate this issue.

 

[chesterbells]

and he's only had a quarter of a century to work at it too

Yep, spot on.
That's why it dismays me to see the posts trying to compare Mancinis position with fergusons - 'you wouldn't expect fergusons job to be questioned after not winning the title for 1 year' etc - it's not comparing like with like

You mean like when the 'inners' compare Mancini,like for like,with other mangers who haven't had his resources or backing?

And its normally the same bunch
who bring the Rags into every argument.

Absolutely, mate

 

[Exeter Blue I am here]

I'm not having a pop fella, just saying that bacon has a tried and tested formula and he purchases players that in the main all seem to fit the system.

That's surely why the idea of Txiki imposing the approach from Barca of a 4-3-3 formation and tiki-taka football is not far fetched. The club needs a well defined way of playing and needs to recruit at all levels to that template.

Got to say I have my reservations about the likely effectiveness of this tactic in the Premiership OB1. It has served Barca well, but they have a Messi that no-one else does, and yet even with him, on the last 4 occasions they've faced British opposition (Chelsea and Celtic twice each) they've floundered completely in the face of a blanket defence. If we do go down the tiki-taka route, I hope it will be with players big enough and quick enough to stretch the game if needed

 

[Rammy Blue]

I'm not having a pop fella, just saying that bacon has a tried and tested formula and he purchases players that in the main all seem to fit the system.

That's surely why the idea of Txiki imposing the approach from Barca of a 4-3-3 formation and tiki-taka football is not far fetched. The club needs a well defined way of playing and needs to recruit at all levels to that template.

Got to say I have my reservations about the likely effectiveness of this tactic in the Premiership OB1. It has served Barca well, but they have a Messi that no-one else does, and yet even with him, on the last 4 occasions they've faced British opposition (Chelsea and Celtic twice each) they've floundered completely in the face of a blanket defence. If we do go down the tiki-taka route, I hope it will be with players big enough and quick enough to stretch the game if needed

I wouldn't go tiki-taka but I do think that 4-3-3 would be a good way to go. Gives a better way of stretching the opposition and as long as the 2 wide men in the 3 forwards are players that are prepared to work back then I see no reason that it can't work well in the prem with the nucleus of the squad we already have.

 

[Bluemoon115]

That's surely why the idea of Txiki imposing the approach from Barca of a 4-3-3 formation and tiki-taka football is not far fetched. The club needs a well defined way of playing and needs to recruit at all levels to that template.

Got to say I have my reservations about the likely effectiveness of this tactic in the Premiership OB1. It has served Barca well, but they have a Messi that no-one else does, and yet even with him, on the last 4 occasions they've faced British opposition (Chelsea and Celtic twice each) they've floundered completely in the face of a blanket defence. If we do go down the tiki-taka route, I hope it will be with players big enough and quick enough to stretch the game if needed

I wouldn't go tiki-taka but I do think that 4-3-3 would be a good way to go. Gives a better way of stretching the opposition and as long as the 2 wide men in the 3 forwards are players that are prepared to work back then I see no reason that it can't work well in the prem with the nucleus of the squad we already have.

I don't think it's so much about emulating the particular way Barca play. It's more about having a system that's used up and down every team we have, so it's drilled into the players. It's just one of the reasons why Barca's academy is so good. If they need a youth player to step in, he already knows exactly what his position/role is in a game. It takes one of the obstacles of making your début away.

 

[Rammy Blue]

Got to say I have my reservations about the likely effectiveness of this tactic in the Premiership OB1. It has served Barca well, but they have a Messi that no-one else does, and yet even with him, on the last 4 occasions they've faced British opposition (Chelsea and Celtic twice each) they've floundered completely in the face of a blanket defence. If we do go down the tiki-taka route, I hope it will be with players big enough and quick enough to stretch the game if needed

I wouldn't go tiki-taka but I do think that 4-3-3 would be a good way to go. Gives a better way of stretching the opposition and as long as the 2 wide men in the 3 forwards are players that are prepared to work back then I see no reason that it can't work well in the prem with the nucleus of the squad we already have.

I don't think it's so much about emulating the particular way Barca play. It's more about having a system that's used up and down every team we have, so it's drilled into the players. It's just one of the reasons why Barca's academy is so good. If they need a youth player to step in, he already knows exactly what his position/role is in a game. It takes one of the obstacles of making your début away.

Yep, agreed. When you choose a default formation though it has to be one that suits all games, whether home or away. Barca always play the same formation, irrespective of the opposition. The good thing about 4-3-3 is that it easily becomes 4-5-1 depending on which 2 players are picked either side of the frontman - sometimes Barca will pick Iniesta or Fabregas in those roles knowing they will add strength to the midfield when they haven't got the ball.

 

[OB1]

Got to say I have my reservations about the likely effectiveness of this tactic in the Premiership OB1. It has served Barca well, but they have a Messi that no-one else does, and yet even with him, on the last 4 occasions they've faced British opposition (Chelsea and Celtic twice each) they've floundered completely in the face of a blanket defence. If we do go down the tiki-taka route, I hope it will be with players big enough and quick enough to stretch the game if needed

I wouldn't go tiki-taka but I do think that 4-3-3 would be a good way to go. Gives a better way of stretching the opposition and as long as the 2 wide men in the 3 forwards are players that are prepared to work back then I see no reason that it can't work well in the prem with the nucleus of the squad we already have.

At our best we already do a form of tiki taka and I am all for short passing, good movement and dominating possession. What City need to do is make better use of the flanks and stretch teams more. We don't need to play every game with two wingers or even one but we need the optiin to do so. I said ealier that I'd be excited by the idea of having (say) Neymar, Cavani and Aguero as a front three. Think Kun could be very effective in a wide role in a front three, he has the skill and enough pace to go past full backs and whip balls in, as well as the ability to come in and score goals. Neymar I'm no expert on but Brazil seem happy to put him on the flank. Cavani has some pace and power and even he, I understand, has been used in a wide role by his country so you would have a front three that could interchange positions.

I agree that we need to make sure that we have enough pace and physical presence in the side to cope with the demands of English football and I'd want another realy physical presence in midfield along side Yaya and Silva.

We don't need to be trying to clone how Barca or any one team plays. We do need to be set up to meet the specific needs of our league and it would be nice to develop something that was our way of playing; albeit inspired by the Dutch / Barca school.

That's why I'd be pretty chilled about the idea of bringing in someone like de Boer.

 

[OB1]

I don't think it's so much about emulating the particular way Barca play. It's more about having a system that's used up and down every team we have, so it's drilled into the players. It's just one of the reasons why Barca's academy is so good. If they need a youth player to step in, he already knows exactly what his position/role is in a game. It takes one of the obstacles of making your début away.

Absolutely.

Another word on Barca, no Messi, Xavi or Villa last night (in fact seven changes from PSG game) and they still racked up five goals. Not the strongest of opponents but a good example all the same of the system working.

Must say I would be tempted to try and nick Fabregas off them.

 

[Blue Heaven]

Got to say I have my reservations about the likely effectiveness of this tactic in the Premiership OB1. It has served Barca well, but they have a Messi that no-one else does, and yet even with him, on the last 4 occasions they've faced British opposition (Chelsea and Celtic twice each) they've floundered completely in the face of a blanket defence. If we do go down the tiki-taka route, I hope it will be with players big enough and quick enough to stretch the game if needed

I wouldn't go tiki-taka but I do think that 4-3-3 would be a good way to go. Gives a better way of stretching the opposition and as long as the 2 wide men in the 3 forwards are players that are prepared to work back then I see no reason that it can't work well in the prem with the nucleus of the squad we already have.

At our best we already do a form of tiki taka and I am all for short passing, good movement and dominating possession. What City need to do is make better use of the flanks and stretch teams more. We don't need to play every game with two wingers or even one but we need the optiin to do so. I said ealier that I'd be excited by the idea of having (say) Neymar, Cavani and Aguero as a front three. Think Kun could be very effective in a wide role in a front three, he has the skill and enough pace to go past full backs and whip balls in, as well as the ability to come in and score goals. Neymar I'm no expert on but Brazil seem happy to put him on the flank. Cavani has some pace and power and even he, I understand, has been used in a wide role by his country so you would have a front three that could interchange positions.

I agree that we need to make sure that we have enough pace and physical presence in the side to cope with the demands of English football and I'd want another realy physical presence in midfield along side Yaya and Silva.

We don't need to be trying to clone how Barca or any one team plays. We do need to be set up to meet the specific needs of our league and it would be nice to develop something that was our way of playing; albeit inspired by the Dutch / Barca school.

That's why I'd be pretty chilled about the idea of bringing in someone like de Boer.

If we're going to play that way, Kenobi, it would require a significant turnover of our playing squad, I think. It will be very interesting to see what Txiki does in this regard after Bobby is sacked at season's end.

 

[andyhinch]

I wouldn't go tiki-taka but I do think that 4-3-3 would be a good way to go. Gives a better way of stretching the opposition and as long as the 2 wide men in the 3 forwards are players that are prepared to work back then I see no reason that it can't work well in the prem with the nucleus of the squad we already have.

At our best we already do a form of tiki taka and I am all for short passing, good movement and dominating possession. What City need to do is make better use of the flanks and stretch teams more. We don't need to play every game with two wingers or even one but we need the optiin to do so. I said ealier that I'd be excited by the idea of having (say) Neymar, Cavani and Aguero as a front three. Think Kun could be very effective in a wide role in a front three, he has the skill and enough pace to go past full backs and whip balls in, as well as the ability to come in and score goals. Neymar I'm no expert on but Brazil seem happy to put him on the flank. Cavani has some pace and power and even he, I understand, has been used in a wide role by his country so you would have a front three that could interchange positions.

I agree that we need to make sure that we have enough pace and physical presence in the side to cope with the demands of English football and I'd want another realy physical presence in midfield along side Yaya and Silva.

We don't need to be trying to clone how Barca or any one team plays. We do need to be set up to meet the specific needs of our league and it would be nice to develop something that was our way of playing; albeit inspired by the Dutch / Barca school.

That's why I'd be pretty chilled about the idea of bringing in someone like de Boer.

If we're going to play that way, Kenobi, it would require a significant turnover of our playing squad, I think. It will be very interesting to see what Txiki does in this regard after Bobby is sacked at season's end.

ITK, tell us more its not on the OS some you must know something, bold statement but hats off to you. Source?

 

[buzzer1]

I don't think it's so much about emulating the particular way Barca play. It's more about having a system that's used up and down every team we have, so it's drilled into the players. It's just one of the reasons why Barca's academy is so good. If they need a youth player to step in, he already knows exactly what his position/role is in a game. It takes one of the obstacles of making your début away.

Absolutely.

Another word on Barca, no Messi, Xavi or Villa last night (in fact seven changes from PSG game) and they still racked up five goals. Not the strongest of opponents but a good example all the same of the system working.

Must say I would be tempted to try and nick Fabregas off them.

Text my mate exectly the same the other nighyt, fabregas would be a fantastic signing.<br /><br />-- Sun Apr 07, 2013 8:27 pm --<br /><br />

I don't think it's so much about emulating the particular way Barca play. It's more about having a system that's used up and down every team we have, so it's drilled into the players. It's just one of the reasons why Barca's academy is so good. If they need a youth player to step in, he already knows exactly what his position/role is in a game. It takes one of the obstacles of making your début away.

Absolutely.

Another word on Barca, no Messi, Xavi or Villa last night (in fact seven changes from PSG game) and they still racked up five goals. Not the strongest of opponents but a good example all the same of the system working.

Must say I would be tempted to try and nick Fabregas off them.

Text my mate exectly the same the other night, fabregas would be a fantastic signing.

 

[OB1]

If we're going to play that way, Kenobi, it would require a significant turnover of our playing squad, I think. It will be very interesting to see what Txiki does in this regard after Bobby is sacked at season's end.

I think that we could produce a very decent and effective 4-3-3 line up with major turnover but to transform the squad in the way that I would like would need quite a few changes.

However we play, I do think that the squad needs some rebalancing anyway. The combination of Barry, Rodwell, Garcia and Milner needs looking at: only Rodwell has any pace and goodness knows if he will ever be fit long enough to prove that he should be a fixture in the team. If Rodwell stays fit, he Yaya and Silva might make a very effective midfield 3, with Rodwell as the guy who plays in front of the centre backs and shuttles about quickly to win the ball back, whilst Yaya plays the role of team hub and Silva flits about and creates. However, we need to bring in someone else who can do the shuttling role and cover the ground more quickly than Garcia, Barry and Milner can.

 

[Blue Heaven]

If we're going to play that way, Kenobi, it would require a significant turnover of our playing squad, I think. It will be very interesting to see what Txiki does in this regard after Bobby is sacked at season's end.

I think that we could produce a very decent and effective 4-3-3 line up with major turnover but to transform the squad in the way that I would like would need quite a few changes.

However we play, I do think that the squad needs some rebalancing anyway. The combination of Barry, Rodwell, Garcia and Milner needs looking at: only Rodwell has any pace and goodness knows if he will ever be fit long enough to prove that he should be a fixture in the team. If Rodwell stays fit, he Yaya and Silva might make a very effective midfield 3, with Rodwell as the guy who plays in front of the centre backs and shuttles about quickly to win the ball back, whilst Yaya plays the role of team hub and Silva flits about and creates. However, we need to bring in someone else who can do the shuttling role and cover the ground more quickly than Garcia, Barry and Milner can.

Perhaps Milner might be serviceable as a wide mid in a 4-3-3. But overall, we have very little pace in midfield, other than Sinclair aka "The Invisible Man." In such a formation, I imagine that Merlin would play out wide up front, as I don't see him as a wide mid in it. And now that Yaya has reupped, he could only really play as the central mid.

I'm not sure I believe the 4-3-3 is the best choice for English football, but what do you think of a 4-1-3-2? I wonder if Txiki would go for that?

 

[Blue Heaven]

At our best we already do a form of tiki taka and I am all for short passing, good movement and dominating possession. What City need to do is make better use of the flanks and stretch teams more. We don't need to play every game with two wingers or even one but we need the optiin to do so. I said ealier that I'd be excited by the idea of having (say) Neymar, Cavani and Aguero as a front three. Think Kun could be very effective in a wide role in a front three, he has the skill and enough pace to go past full backs and whip balls in, as well as the ability to come in and score goals. Neymar I'm no expert on but Brazil seem happy to put him on the flank. Cavani has some pace and power and even he, I understand, has been used in a wide role by his country so you would have a front three that could interchange positions.

I agree that we need to make sure that we have enough pace and physical presence in the side to cope with the demands of English football and I'd want another realy physical presence in midfield along side Yaya and Silva.

We don't need to be trying to clone how Barca or any one team plays. We do need to be set up to meet the specific needs of our league and it would be nice to develop something that was our way of playing; albeit inspired by the Dutch / Barca school.

That's why I'd be pretty chilled about the idea of bringing in someone like de Boer.

If we're going to play that way, Kenobi, it would require a significant turnover of our playing squad, I think. It will be very interesting to see what Txiki does in this regard after Bobby is sacked at season's end.

ITK, tell us more its not on the OS some you must know something, bold statement but hats off to you. Source?

It's a bold statement, but it's not based on any insider info whatsoever. It's just my opinion based on what I've picked up from the (admittedly usually unreliable) media and the statements (or lack thereof) by MCFC officials.

I really am convinced that the decision to sack Bobby was made some time ago. If I'm dead wrong, which is certainly quite possible, I'll be the first one here on this thread to take my medicine from the Inners, but I think he'll be sacked not so much for CL failure, 2nd place finish, or other results-based reasons, but rather because of disaffection between him and the squad, and a perception that he will not be able to function seamlessly with Soriano and Txiki. Given what we know about Sheikh Mansour and Chairman al-Khaldoon, I just don't see Bobby as someone they will want to go forward with as the most public face of the club. They are impeccably reserved, courteous, respectful men, and it's impossible for me to see how Bobby's excruciatingly public battles with so many at the club hasn't worn on them over time. For these same reasons, I think, and have always asserted here, that I believe there is ZERO chance of Mou ever managing at City.

I also think there will be massive turnover in the squad which will shock the City community to its core. We simply have to shed some big salaries/names and replace them with top young talent plucked from other clubs' academies. After all, that is the Barca way, is it not?

 

[andyhinch]

If we're going to play that way, Kenobi, it would require a significant turnover of our playing squad, I think. It will be very interesting to see what Txiki does in this regard after Bobby is sacked at season's end.

ITK, tell us more its not on the OS some you must know something, bold statement but hats off to you. Source?

It's a bold statement, but it's not based on any insider info whatsoever. It's just my opinion based on what I've picked up from the (admittedly usually unreliable) media and the statements (or lack thereof) by MCFC officials.

I really am convinced that the decision to sack Bobby was made some time ago. If I'm dead wrong, which is certainly quite possible, I'll be the first one here on this thread to take my medicine from the Inners, but I think he'll be sacked not so much for CL failure, 2nd place finish, or other results-based reasons, but rather because of disaffection between him and the squad, and a perception that he will not be able to function seamlessly with Soriano and Txiki. Given what we know about Sheikh Mansour and Chairman al-Khaldoon, I just don't see Bobby as someone they will want to go forward with as the most public face of the club. They are impeccably reserved, courteous, respectful men, and it's impossible for me to see how Bobby's excruciatingly public battles with so many at the club hasn't worn on them over time. For these same reasons, I think, and have always asserted here, that I believe there is ZERO chance of Mou ever managing at City.

I also think there will be massive turnover in the squad which will shock the City community to its core. We simply have to shed some big salaries/names and replace them with top young talent plucked from other clubs' academies. After all, that is the Barca way, is it not?

You did rather put it as fact, I'm comfy if he stays or we find a better replacement if the owners want one.

 

[CC1]

If we're going to play that way, Kenobi, it would require a significant turnover of our playing squad, I think. It will be very interesting to see what Txiki does in this regard after Bobby is sacked at season's end.

ITK, tell us more its not on the OS some you must know something, bold statement but hats off to you. Source?

It's a bold statement, but it's not based on any insider info whatsoever. It's just my opinion based on what I've picked up from the (admittedly usually unreliable) media and the statements (or lack thereof) by MCFC officials.

I really am convinced that the decision to sack Bobby was made some time ago. If I'm dead wrong, which is certainly quite possible, I'll be the first one here on this thread to take my medicine from the Inners, but I think he'll be sacked not so much for CL failure, 2nd place finish, or other results-based reasons, but rather because of disaffection between him and the squad, and a perception that he will not be able to function seamlessly with Soriano and Txiki. Given what we know about Sheikh Mansour and Chairman al-Khaldoon, I just don't see Bobby as someone they will want to go forward with as the most public face of the club. They are impeccably reserved, courteous, respectful men, and it's impossible for me to see how Bobby's excruciatingly public battles with so many at the club hasn't worn on them over time. For these same reasons, I think, and have always asserted here, that I believe there is ZERO chance of Mou ever managing at City.

I also think there will be massive turnover in the squad which will shock the City community to its core. We simply have to shed some big salaries/names and replace them with top young talent plucked from other clubs' academies. After all, that is the Barca way, is it not?

Is that why they gave him a 5 year contract - so they could sack him with the maximum amount of compensation? I am pleased that all of this is just your 'opinion'

 

[Blue Heaven]

ITK, tell us more its not on the OS some you must know something, bold statement but hats off to you. Source?

It's a bold statement, but it's not based on any insider info whatsoever. It's just my opinion based on what I've picked up from the (admittedly usually unreliable) media and the statements (or lack thereof) by MCFC officials.

I really am convinced that the decision to sack Bobby was made some time ago. If I'm dead wrong, which is certainly quite possible, I'll be the first one here on this thread to take my medicine from the Inners, but I think he'll be sacked not so much for CL failure, 2nd place finish, or other results-based reasons, but rather because of disaffection between him and the squad, and a perception that he will not be able to function seamlessly with Soriano and Txiki. Given what we know about Sheikh Mansour and Chairman al-Khaldoon, I just don't see Bobby as someone they will want to go forward with as the most public face of the club. They are impeccably reserved, courteous, respectful men, and it's impossible for me to see how Bobby's excruciatingly public battles with so many at the club hasn't worn on them over time. For these same reasons, I think, and have always asserted here, that I believe there is ZERO chance of Mou ever managing at City.

I also think there will be massive turnover in the squad which will shock the City community to its core. We simply have to shed some big salaries/names and replace them with top young talent plucked from other clubs' academies. After all, that is the Barca way, is it not?

You did rather put it as fact, I'm comfy if he stays or we find a better replacement if the owners want one.

Yes, I suppose I did, and usually do, most of the time. Sorry if that threw you, but I always assume that unless a poster here provides adequate sourcing, his post is an opinion. 99% of my posts here are mere opinion, as I happily admit.

I applaud your open-minded outlook on Bobby. Pretty rare in this thread, n'est-ce pas?! I agree with you about one thing - we, as fans, must ultimately trust that Sheikh Mansour and Chairman al-Mubarak know what they're doing, whether or not they retain Bobby. So far, I am most impressed with how far they have taken the club in a very short time.

 

[OB1]

Perhaps Milner might be serviceable as a wide mid in a 4-3-3. But overall, we have very little pace in midfield, other than Sinclair aka "The Invisible Man." In such a formation, I imagine that Merlin would play out wide up front, as I don't see him as a wide mid in it. And now that Yaya has reupped, he could only really play as the central mid.

I'm not sure I believe the 4-3-3 is the best choice for English football, but what do you think of a 4-1-3-2? I wonder if Txiki would go for that?

Oh I think 4-3-3 can work fiine in England; after all, Mourinho used it at Chelsea.

I'd see width mainly coming from the wide men in the front three and the full backs. My particular vision would have the midfiled three being more like Madrid's than Barca's, much of the time. Silva would be Ozil and Yaya and A.N. other would be Khedira/ Alonso (ish). However, on occasion, a more Barca like set-up could see Silva as Ineista, Nasri as Silva and Yaya as, well, Yaya in his his Barca days.

I see Miner as a bit part utility player or at another club.

4-3-3 would be the base formation but you'd have to flex it depending on circumstances.

Not sure about 4-1-3-2: I'm not keen on two central strikers at the moment. 4-1-2-3 or, as Rammy referred to earlier, 4-2-3-1. I was happy with Bobby playing the latter formation and think he has struggled to better it. 4-1-2-3 / 4-2-1-3 might better describe the kind of formations that I have in mind but it all starts to get a bit OTT and 4-3-3 is easier to say and sounds more balanced.

 

[Blue Heaven]

ITK, tell us more its not on the OS some you must know something, bold statement but hats off to you. Source?

It's a bold statement, but it's not based on any insider info whatsoever. It's just my opinion based on what I've picked up from the (admittedly usually unreliable) media and the statements (or lack thereof) by MCFC officials.

I really am convinced that the decision to sack Bobby was made some time ago. If I'm dead wrong, which is certainly quite possible, I'll be the first one here on this thread to take my medicine from the Inners, but I think he'll be sacked not so much for CL failure, 2nd place finish, or other results-based reasons, but rather because of disaffection between him and the squad, and a perception that he will not be able to function seamlessly with Soriano and Txiki. Given what we know about Sheikh Mansour and Chairman al-Khaldoon, I just don't see Bobby as someone they will want to go forward with as the most public face of the club. They are impeccably reserved, courteous, respectful men, and it's impossible for me to see how Bobby's excruciatingly public battles with so many at the club hasn't worn on them over time. For these same reasons, I think, and have always asserted here, that I believe there is ZERO chance of Mou ever managing at City.

I also think there will be massive turnover in the squad which will shock the City community to its core. We simply have to shed some big salaries/names and replace them with top young talent plucked from other clubs' academies. After all, that is the Barca way, is it not?

Is that why they gave him a 5 year contract - so they could sack him with the maximum amount of compensation? I am pleased that all of this is just your 'opinion'

I've just acknowledged that it is merely opinion, so no need to be upset. The remaining four years on Bobby's contract is not a huge issue, as if he's sacked, he'll get a percentage of that (35-40 % of remaining money, by market standard) as a negotiatied buyout. I rather doubt Sheikh Mansour will base his decision on Bobby over 10 million pounds or so.

 

[daztrueblue91]

ITK, tell us more its not on the OS some you must know something, bold statement but hats off to you. Source?

It's a bold statement, but it's not based on any insider info whatsoever. It's just my opinion based on what I've picked up from the (admittedly usually unreliable) media and the statements (or lack thereof) by MCFC officials.

I really am convinced that the decision to sack Bobby was made some time ago. If I'm dead wrong, which is certainly quite possible, I'll be the first one here on this thread to take my medicine from the Inners, but I think he'll be sacked not so much for CL failure, 2nd place finish, or other results-based reasons, but rather because of disaffection between him and the squad, and a perception that he will not be able to function seamlessly with Soriano and Txiki. Given what we know about Sheikh Mansour and Chairman al-Khaldoon, I just don't see Bobby as someone they will want to go forward with as the most public face of the club. They are impeccably reserved, courteous, respectful men, and it's impossible for me to see how Bobby's excruciatingly public battles with so many at the club hasn't worn on them over time. For these same reasons, I think, and have always asserted here, that I believe there is ZERO chance of Mou ever managing at City.

I also think there will be massive turnover in the squad which will shock the City community to its core. We simply have to shed some big salaries/names and replace them with top young talent plucked from other clubs' academies. After all, that is the Barca way, is it not?

Is that why they gave him a 5 year contract - so they could sack him with the maximum amount of compensation? I am pleased that all of this is just your 'opinion'

None of us know the full details of that contract and I would be amazed if there were no clauses which meant that he would not get full compensation if he were to be sacked.