Player Topic: Aleks Kolarov 2015/16

[blueinsa]

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.

Excellent post mate.

Your opinion on our full backs is absolutely spot on imo.

 

[Tugay One Cup]

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.

A very agreeable post.

 

[MC ID]

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.

A lot of truth in there. I do think he's a very good attacker but you are completely right in that this causes more problems for us than solves, especially in Pellers system. It is mad we don't have a fullback under the age of 30 considering our style.

 

[FantasyIreland]

It is mad we don't have a fullback under the age of 30 considering our style.

Well.....we actually do.....and that fact is a major bone of contention amongst many.We have two Spanish youngsters,Maffeo and Angelino,im not sure Angelino is eligible presently but Maffeo most definitely is......and there have been several opportunities to introduce him,however,the boss,in his wisdom,has decided otherwise in favour of,amongst other examples,giving washed up centre halves minutes instead.

 

[blueinsa]

Well.....we actually do.....and that fact is a major bone of contention amongst many.We have two Spanish youngsters,Maffeo and Angelino,im not sure Angelino is eligible presently but Maffeo most definitely is......and there have been several opportunities to introduce him,however,the boss,in his wisdom,has decided otherwise in favour of,amongst other examples,giving washed up centre halves minutes instead.

Out of interest and not aimed to cause an argument whatsoever, if they played regularly between now and the end of the season and we lost games and won nothing, would the manager be given the benefit of the doubt or would he be rounded on as naive for playing kids when they are not ready?

He or any other manager at the very top, expected to win the league and go for it in the CL are caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to things like this.

I also dont think the majority of City fans realise the way players are recruited and deemed ready for the first team at City these days with the manager only a single voice amongst a few when it comes to deciding these things.

Whether thats right or not is up for debate but its the reality imo and it isn't going to change any time soon.

 

[MC ID]

Well.....we actually do.....and that fact is a major bone of contention amongst many.We have two Spanish youngsters,Maffeo and Angelino,im not sure Angelino is eligible presently but Maffeo most definitely is......and there have been several opportunities to introduce him,however,the boss,in his wisdom,has decided otherwise in favour of,amongst other examples,giving washed up centre halves minutes instead.

Yeah from what I've seen and read Maffeo really is another zabba, though personally I see Angelino as eventually becoming a Wide Left midfielder. However, I don't see any scenario where either would be played by Pellers to the extent including them is pointless, we're more likely to see Bony rock up at fullback than either of them.

 

[Gaylord du Bois]

Had a hand in all six goals tonight.

 

[sh249]

Played very well second half

 

[taleofbluehalves]

Cracking second half. Set the tempo for the team.

 

[Rhapsody in Blue]

Should we make a Bale with him? More suitable as a LW.