I think Pep will have to have 4 categories of player...
1) Who is inadequate - sell
2) Who is adequate - keep, but actively start looking for upgrades
3) Who is nearing end of life - keep, but actively start scouting for replacements
4) Highly capable, and no need to replace
We have quite a few players in categories 1 & 2 (Ota,Mangala,Clichy,Kolarov,Navas,Bony, Sterling,Nasri,Delph,Fernandinho) - the question is which of those Pep feels he accept in improve and which he can't.
Many of our stalwarts - Kompany, Zab, Silva, Yaya are in category 3.
Arguably only Hart, Aguero and KdB are in category 4
When laid out like this, there's quite a lot of work to be done (or certainly lots of scope for improvement). Hand on heart, most of our players are not at the very high end of European football, they're at the higher end of PL football only, and of those that are high end, they're getting on.
We all debate about the future prospects of younger players like Nacho and Sterling, but if Pep is tasked with winning PL and CL and if here for 3 years, then we have to ask 'are they likely to be CL winning material in the next 2-3 years'?'
I am seriously hoping Pep believes he can coach a lot of players into being significantly better - e.g. Sterling, Delph, Ota, Mangala, Fernando otherwise he's got a hell of a job on his hands, because hand on heart, I think there's only Hart, Aguero and KdB that would pique the interests of Europe's very best teams, and maybe they'd take a punt on Sterling, but I'm not convinced.
Like these categories so will run through the squad and comment.
Hart-Highly capable- hard decision this one as his limitations are well known also City to the core and a leader- STAY
Willy- Adequate- Has his critics but proved them wrong. Not sure if he can put enough pressure on Joe so likely to be replaced- GO
Kolorov-Inadequate- Frustrating player offers a lot going forward but can't defend for Toffee. Italy beckons-GO
Clichy-Adequate- Likely to be kept for another season but will be replaced in the medium term- STAY
Sagna-Adequate- Has played well this season but age not on his side could be kept in short term -STAY
Zabba-Adequate- Bad season and legs may be gone. A City legend but the tide is going out I fear if Sagna is favoured-GO
VK- Highly Capable- Should have 4/5 years left at top BUT? Will be given another season to prove his fitness-STAY
Mangala- Adequate- Much improved of late but poor passing skills will be given a chance I think-STAY
Ottomendi-Adequate- A player Pep can improve and likely to be given a season at least-STAY
MDM- Inadequate- Put in a good stint for us but clearly past it now-GO
Fernando-Adequate- Not a fans favourite but has improved. Not really a pep player might be surplus to requirements. GO
Navas-Adequate- Always puts in a shift but very poor in final third. May be kept for another season though. STAY
Silva-Highly Capable- Another player with injury issues. But pure class. Past 30 now but will get next season at least-STAY
Fernandinho- Adequate- Great season and not likely to be shown the door-STAY
Sterling-Adequate- This is one that could go either way. Could blossom under Pep or sink like a stone-Stay
YaYa- Adequate- Time has caught up with the big man. Another legend on his way I think-GO
Nasri-Adequate- Looks like he wants to stay and might be given a chance to prove himself-STAY
KDB-Highly capable- Class act and sure to be part of Peps plans. STAY
Delph-Inadequate- Injury prone season has not helped his cause but looks like an inferior version of Milner-GO
Nacho-Adequate- Could be a diamond but given no chance to shine by Peller and Pep may fancy him-STAY
Kun-Highly capable- What is there to say!!-STAY
Bony-Inadequate- If he is still around in Sept I would be very very surprised-GO
That makes about 8 heads on the block. Some might survive if replacements can't be found but I would expect at least 5 new faces and at least 3 younger players coming into the squad with a real chance of getting game time.
