At the time when we bought him I think we all hoped that we had got the best left back in Italian football in our team - he cost a lot at the time, and came with a fearsome reputation. Mancini initially played a very tight system, one that used more midfielders to protect the back four whilst keeping his fullbacks in check - hence we became very resolute and more defensive. This is something that most new managers address first, to stop conceding then think about attacking. Kolarov at the time was frustrated by having to curb his instincts, eventually lost his place and wanted to leave. Under Manuel and following Clichy being injured, he is now had a long run in the team and is given more freedom (as is our right back) to attack - this, under Pellers is considered more important than actual defending. In fact this seems to be the only system the manager wants to play. The problem is it works well when we are firing on all cylinders, but when we need to buckle down or play a better team, or indeed one that presses us the system falls apart. The fact that our fullbacks are constantly out of position makes our centre backs look foolish, and also concedes so much time and space to opposition midfielders and wingers. For example Ottamendi has not suddenly become poor, he's just dragged out to the left time and again to cover space left by Kolarov who is jogging back from an attack.
The thing that staggers me is that the club has not addressed this, and we are now left with 30+ year old fullbacks whose main role is considered being fit enough to both attack and track back. This alone will be the undoing of Pellegrini at City. Kolarov seems a decent chap, but for me his position is the one most urgently needing a change, followed by right back due to Zabbas injuries. It's no coincidence that time and again our left side is targeted - and I've heard all those on here saying he has no cover from Silva, Nasri, Sterling etc but put simply, we need a fullback that understands the art of defending and stopping crosses first and also one who is fit enough to overlap. Problem is Kolarov's stock is now low, his wages too high and it would cost a lot to get a replacement right and left back, but if we really want to get to the level of Barca and Bayern this has to happen like yesterday!
I've never been a fan probably because when he signed I had such high expectations and apart from the odd moment of brilliance his overall lack of defensive nous is so frustrating and in truth he's been a let down for me. Anyway getting ready for tonight I would cheers loudest if AK smashes one in from 30 yards but we can all dream a bit.
