I've spent the past couple of months mainly frustrated, sometimes angry, however I'm now in more of a reflective mood.
I think I'm starting to realise it's almost an end of a mini era with City. The signs have been there for probably over a year now. A culmination of things are all coming to a head at the same time.
1. PELLEGRINI.
I like Pellegrini in how he conducts himself, he is indeed a gentleman. I think he steadied a volatile/unpredictable ship, but I am of the opinion we have gone backwards under him. He won the first 2 trophies that were on offer to him, but nothing since. We've lost our identity somewhat under him. I mean what are we?? Are we a counter attacking team, are we possession based? I struggle to see what we are. It often looks as though we do little or no homework on the opposition and just we just have the ignorance and arrogance that our 11 is better than theirs. Whilst the commentary yesterday was poor, the one thing I did agree with was, when they stated Spurs were a team with a plan, where as we were looking and hoping one of our big players would do something special.
We have been found out, teams no how to play against us and who to nullify. Pellegrini is reminding me more and of Wenger these days, they are both so stubborn and refuse to change or adapt. (Obviously Pellegrini is on another level to Wenger in terms of likeability however).
This is the first time since probably under Pearce, when I have just wanted the season to end and not because of Pep joining us but because I am not enjoying watching us and I fear for how the season might end. I cant believe I am not enjoying watching a team that has Silva and Aguero in it...but I'm not.
2. KEY PLAYERS.
Kompany, Zabaleta, Silva and Toure have become heroes for the majority of fans at this club. Between them they have contributed so much to our recent success. They may divide opinion but they will all go down as club greats, maybe even greater accolades could bestowed upon some of them. But Kompany aside (if he can keep fit) I think we might be seeing a "changing of the guard" in terms of our spine or key men. Pep has some huge decisions to make this summer regarding some of these players.
3. REST OF THE TEAM.
Is it that good? Has recruitment been good enough and have we strengthened in the right areas? I think it's safe to say Hart, Aguero and De-Bruyne are and will remain vital to us for years to come. Sterling is work in progress, but after that, in all honesty I don't see what I would class as top quality players, good yes, above average yes, but not TOP quality.
It just feels to me like we are nearing the end of something and I don't want that to sound too negative as I honestly believe we are about to embark on something new and fresh. City has a whiff of staleness about it currently.
