Salomon Kalou has joined a number of Premier League 'heroes' who have dismissed City's assault on the upper reaches of the competition this season. Whilst he is undoubtedly right that 'money doesn't guarantee anything', it does show a little wilful amnesia about the very recent history of his own club.
Kalou says, "Just because you bring in 10 new players every year doesn't mean you are going to finish top of the table.
"City did the same thing last season and finished fifth and I am not sure if they'll be any stronger this time."
Which represents the misconception at the heart of all these criticisms this summer. Of course the transfer window isn't over, and I expect maybe one or two additions before the end of August, but at the moment City have signed four players. It is true that this has been a very quiet transfer window for the other Premier League clubs so far but, over past summer transfer windows, to sign four players would hardly raise any eyebrows.
Obviously the sums involved are what sparks a certain controversy, but this is not what keeps being levelled at City. Continuity and stability are the watchwords here. Didi Hamann was probably the most vocal in this respect - saying that constant chopping and changing always lands a club back at square one. I agree that the level of changes made last season meant that it would take some time for the required degree of understanding to bed in - a relationship that continues to grow throughout the seasons (hence the importance of stability) - but at this stage, despite being linked to what must be near a thousand players, the four players we have brought in should not affect the balance of the squad too much.
For one thing, the full-backs will be coming into positions that were unsettled last season - with Zabaleta and Micah sharing one side, and Bridge regularly absent on the other - so whilst an understanding will have to develop quickly, they are not starting too far behind the current incumbents.
I know more signings are to come, and sales will undoubtedly follow them, but at the moment the core of last season's side is still intact - so the stability is there. This alone should make us stronger than last season. The signings we have made have been considered, fulfill something that was lacking last season, and are a genuine step up in quality on what is already there. So, all things considered, despite Kalou's doubts, we are certainly better equipped going into this season. Whether this translates itself into success on the pitch is something we will only begin to find out in a couple of weeks time!
One thing that can be taken from all these players discussing City's title prospects is that it is at least a question that needs posing. With all the best will in the world, I haven't heard Fabio Aurelio denounce Blackpool's title chances. Further proof, if we need any, that City are being taken seriously by the clubs at the top.
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