Who now then?...

[City_Sean]

Based on absolutely nothing at all, I don’t think Pep will be happy if we don’t sign another midfielder before the window closes.

Unless Stones, Zinchenko, Danilo and Delph will be deployed more in midfield, our options at DM seem rather limited to me.

Neither of those above options are good enough in midfield, none of them will make a difference v better sides in the league. We're potentially playing with fire.

 

[vincent]

Neither of those above options are good enough in midfield, none of them will make a difference v better sides in the league. We're potentially playing with fire.

Tend to agree. We need to strengthen, no doubt for me. If we don’t, we will be fine 80% of games but we may fall short against the top teams.

 

[City_Sean]

Tend to agree. We need to strengthen, no doubt for me. If we don’t, we will be fine 80% of games but we may fall short against the top teams.

We fell short against Liverpool because our midfield was unable to cope with the press of Liverpool's midfield. We've since then failed to address this problem and people are expecting Delph and Gundogan (the latter was part of the side) to magically overcome this issue? It's bizarre and I don't believe for one minute Pep is happy with his options.

 

[salfordbluetrue]

there is talk of Lyon buying a midfielder so Ndombele may be on the cards? Rabiot at PSG has not signed a new contract and may move Inter are looking at Vidal so Brozovic may be available, we have a need to get Fernandinho`s replacement in this year so he can learn our way of playing seamlessly, next year is too late as we have too many top quality players past their best

 

[Rammyblues]

Personally dont think we will sign anyone else I think we will see how we go and re evaluate during the run up to Christmas maybe even giving youth or alternative players in the squad a try. Only if there is a huge drop in performance with Fern away will we actually buy someone. The two targets of Fred and Jorghino have been missed and prices being quoted are ridiculously high. Could be wrong though.

 

[TRUE BLUE NO1]

We fell short against Liverpool because our midfield was unable to cope with the press of Liverpool's midfield. We've since then failed to address this problem and people are expecting Delph and Gundogan (the latter was part of the side) to magically overcome this issue? It's bizarre and I don't believe for one minute Pep is happy with his options.

I share the same concerns mate but trying to keep an open mind and waiting for Pep to work his magic!;) As far as signing a midfielder goes....With the club spending Jan and most of the summer, trying to fill the DM need from outside of the current squad, I think this should tell us Pep/club dont feel Delph/Zinchenko/Gundogan are the long term answer. As many have said, we have a great squad but we short in a very important position. We dont know what the books look like, maybe after last years spend, we've had to take a business decision over a footballing one? As much as I hate to say it, we dont have bottomless pockets...Whatever the reason, I just dont see how the club can chase DM's for most of the last 2 windows but then overnight feel Delph/Zinchenko are now the answer...hopefully we still have time.

 

[City_Sean]

I share the same concerns mate but trying to keep an open mind and waiting for Pep to work his magic!;) As far as signing a midfielder goes....With the club spending Jan and most of the summer, trying to fill the DM need from outside of the current squad, I think this should tell us Pep/club dont feel Delph/Zinchenko/Gundogan are the long term answer. As many have said, we have a great squad but we short in a very important position. We dont know what the books look like, maybe after last years spend, we've had to take a business decision over a footballing one? As much as I hate to say it, we dont have bottomless pockets...Whatever the reason, I just dont see how the club can chase DM's for most of the last 2 windows but then overnight feel Delph/Zinchenko are now the answer...hopefully we still have time.

The club were prepared to spend £50m on Jorginho so I'm not sure we can use the finances as a reason.

 

[St.Pauli support]

We fell short against Liverpool because our midfield was unable to cope with the press of Liverpool's midfield. We've since then failed to address this problem and people are expecting Delph and Gundogan (the latter was part of the side) to magically overcome this issue? It's bizarre and I don't believe for one minute Pep is happy with his options.

Tbh, the poor matches City was performing twice at Anfield last season had a lot to do with attitude, not so much setup or players.

As long as our players are afraid and impressed at Anfield we will get the same result.

We actually need to be much more aggressive in every single 1 on 1 especially at Anfield.
Reds go out to fight and we have to match that attitude, at least.
Game of the year in terms of intensity. Most other matches are different.

I think our squad is able to cover DM if we are ready to lift the intensity as a team in a couple of certain matches.

But yes, City were ready to spend, but the player didn't stick to his word.
Maybe it just needs some time to find a suitable classy player who really is committed to City.

 

[nellyonthewing]

We've tried 'winging it' before. Remind me how that worked out.

 

[TRUE BLUE NO1]

The club were prepared to spend £50m on Jorginho so I'm not sure we can use the finances as a reason.

Just posted this on another thread....not saying its right as I want us to buy a world class DM but if these comments are correct, sounds like we just didnt want to spend what it would take??

City Watch‏Verified account @City_Watch 13m13 minutes ago
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (Bayern Munich) on Manchester City and transfer inflation: "He [Guardiola] said they originally planned to buy a few more players but decided against it because they no longer want to be part of the madness."


City Watch‏Verified account @City_Watch 13m13 minutes ago
Rummenigge: "I was a bit surprised to hear this at first, but then I thought it would indeed be wonderful if this statement were to be true until the English window closes. City, PSG -- they've always been the global inflaters."