First of all, apologies for not posting sooner, been a hectic week at work. Back to the matter at hand, what on earth is actually going on at Man City nowadays? Yes, they have all the money in the world to sign Messi, Ronaldo, Pele, Dr Who and The Queen yet do they not realise that they can only register 25 players? (as my previous post outlined).
During last week, Mancini was quoted as saying that deals for Balotelli and Milner were to be completed this week thus joining the signings of Kolarov, Silva, Boateng and Toure along with the current crop of Barry, Tevez, Adebayor et al. Yet, 2 weeks ago today Sky showed a report indicating the problem that will arise in Manchester City. The first challenge for Mancini will be how to handle the ego's already at the club with Balotelli being added to Adebayor, Robinho and Bellamy - more than enough to cause disharmony at any club. Secondly, he has to have his squad cut to 25 with 8 being home grown players from a possible 37 players (if Harry Redknapp is to be believed). With Balotelli and Milner expected to be added to the squad before September 1st, there will be more casualties within the squad before then.
Looking back to Sky's report, they listed a first XI and a reserve XI and two names stood out - Stephen Ireland and Nedum Onuoha. Stephen Ireland, as I remember, was the best player for Manchester City 2008/09 season despite all of the billions Mark Hughes had to spend at the time. Yet, under Mancini he has rarely featured which I find most peculiar. I rate Ireland VERY highly and would love him at Spurs and he will sign for a big team for before September 1st. Onuoha, to be fair, is a good defender but can do better elsewhere, like Ireland, and should definitely look to get out of Middle Eastlands before the close of the Summer transfer window and a move will be important in order to further his career. The second problem that will arise if these 2 players leave is that City lose two very important squad registration factors in that both Ireland and Onuoha were bought through the ranks at the club and can make up 2 of the 4 places that must be filled if a full 25 man squad can be registered with the Premier League.
Heading back to my original point of Mancini building and army, where on earth is he going to play all his players? Most of the egotistical players I outlined are strikers so with the original 4 above along with Santa Cruz, Tevez and Jo, who will most likely leave, it seems as though Mancini will look to play something similar to a 2-3-5 formation just to keep the harmony in the dressing room. All I know is that Mancini has got one hell of a job ahead of him this season with expectations being high on how the squad perform together after all the money spent. It is sure to be an interesting season and it all kicks off Saturday and I really cannot wait!
Right, will post later in the week.
Laters,
Macca
This is exactly why I believe Man City will again struggle to mount a genuine challenge on Chelsea and Man Utd. They have the talent within the squad to win the games against these teams, but not the team to mount a season long challenge.
ReplyDeleteThe interest in Joe Cole is a prime example of how this 'Homegrown' rule will affect teams like Man City. The decent English players are tied down and not available, and whilst I rate Milner I don't think he's worth what Man City are willing to pay for him but they are desperate for some English players who can hold a place amongst the 'illustrious' names that Man City boast.
Even if the homegrown rule doesn't actually achieve is=ts aim of promoting young English players (Fabregas is considered homegrown!), at least it starts to counter certain clubs ability to buy a trophy.