I know it has been a couple of days since the match and most City fans will be trying hard to push it from their minds by a Tuesday lunchtime, so I will be brief.
Firstly, a wildly unpopular theory. The conditions. I am not saying it is why City lost - far from it. But I would say it had a good part to play in our disjointed passing and, as such, made a lacklustre performance look even worse. I shivered my way through the first half and watched a man behind me go from scarf, to hat, to gloves, into full winter clothing on this late summer afternoon! I have far less ability than the players on show, but when you can hardly walk down to the concourse for the wind blowing you back, I can't imagine what it would be like to play a forty yard pass. A lot of groans around me were for the apparent inability to do the simple things - so whilst it was the same for Sunderland and therefore fair in the grand scheme of the game, I don't think we've suddenly lost the passing verve and power in possession that won us the other two games this past week.
So, why then? A failure to put away chances tells only part of the story, but you can't help but think things would've been very different if certain chances were tucked away. Sunderland defended very well throughout the game and were set up, on Bruce's admission, to stop City. If City had scored after 18 minutes, Sunderland would've been forced to chase the game and the resultant opening up would have made things easier for us. We did have our chances and Mignolet made great saves from Adebayor and Yaya Toure, but City didn't respond well enough in the second half to win the game.
Our attacking trio of Tevez, Milner and Johnson (in particular) were ineffective. Milner doesn't look that comfortable on the left and Mancini will eventually have to choose one of the midfield three to make way if he is to use Milner to his best.
It will be a long two weeks for the team as they wait to put things right against Blackburn on the 11th September.
I actually spent the Bank Holiday weekend in the North-East and went to see Hartlepool vs Sheffield Wednesday on the Saturday - watching Nicky Weaver keep a clean sheet as Wednesday put five past the hosts. With Wednesday top and Oldham not too far behind, our heroes of that division, Weaver and Dickov, are ruling it once again. Weaver had little to do, but still managed to make most saves look spectacular.
Of course, today is also Transfer Deadline Day, and whilst City have completed all their in-coming transfers (or so we believe!), there are still a number of situations to be resolved. Latest rumours include:
Robinho set to seal a move to AC Milan
Adebayor to Tottenham to join Spurs's hated recruit with Gallas?
Boyata to Norwich, Newcastle or Leeds on loan
Michael Johnson to find match-fitness at Portsmouth
... and something for Santa Cruz to do!
Should be an interesting day!
Tuesday 31 August 2010
Friday 27 August 2010
City to play Juventus, Salzburg and Lech Posnan
City have been drawn into a fairly strong group for the Europa League, with Group A providing one of the ties of the round when City meet Juventus.
Juventus, one of the biggest names in Europe, have undergone major changes since their disappointing campaign last year. Luigi Del Neri, the manager who took Sampdoria to Champions League qualification (only for them to lose the play-off to Werder Bremen this week), is the new man in charge and with him have come a host of home-grown players: Bonucci, Pepe, Aquilani, Motta, Storari and possibly Di Natale to follow, if Italian paper speculation is to be trusted. On top of this, Milos Krasic, the Serbian winger, has arrived to try and succeed where Diego (now departed to Wolfsburg after a torrid one season at Juve) failed.
After heavy changes, Juve will be expected, under the weight of their history, to succeed again this season - and the pressure, which saw regular protest fires spring up within the stands last year, will be on Del Neri.
Gianluigi Buffon has taken it upon himself to mock City in recent weeks and it would be a source of great pleasure to see him crumble at Eastlands when the tie comes around!
FC Salzburg, as they are known in European competition to avoid their heavily branded official name, FC Red Bull Salzburg, are more of an unknown to me. They have won the Austrian Bundesliga three out of the last four seasons. They lost 4-3 on aggregate in their Champions League qualification play-off this season against Hapoel Tel-Aviv, and got to the round of 32 in the Europa League last season, losing to Standard Liege in a run that saw them beat Lazio, Villareal and Levski Sofia (no mean scalps).
Lech Posnan are also the reigning champions of their domestic league in Poland and went through to the third round of last year's competition only to be knocked out by Udinese, after finishing above AS Nancy and, 2001-2002 winners, Feyenoord in the group stages. They also boast the best support in Poland, says my source... [I should say that two of the three teams in this group may have required a quick bit of research on a well-known online encyclopedia!]
So, largely on the count of Juventus, it will not be the easiest group to win, although I think that is within City's capabilities. But there are a few interesting ties to come on course to a competition Mancini wants City to go all the way in.
Juventus, one of the biggest names in Europe, have undergone major changes since their disappointing campaign last year. Luigi Del Neri, the manager who took Sampdoria to Champions League qualification (only for them to lose the play-off to Werder Bremen this week), is the new man in charge and with him have come a host of home-grown players: Bonucci, Pepe, Aquilani, Motta, Storari and possibly Di Natale to follow, if Italian paper speculation is to be trusted. On top of this, Milos Krasic, the Serbian winger, has arrived to try and succeed where Diego (now departed to Wolfsburg after a torrid one season at Juve) failed.
After heavy changes, Juve will be expected, under the weight of their history, to succeed again this season - and the pressure, which saw regular protest fires spring up within the stands last year, will be on Del Neri.
Gianluigi Buffon has taken it upon himself to mock City in recent weeks and it would be a source of great pleasure to see him crumble at Eastlands when the tie comes around!
FC Salzburg, as they are known in European competition to avoid their heavily branded official name, FC Red Bull Salzburg, are more of an unknown to me. They have won the Austrian Bundesliga three out of the last four seasons. They lost 4-3 on aggregate in their Champions League qualification play-off this season against Hapoel Tel-Aviv, and got to the round of 32 in the Europa League last season, losing to Standard Liege in a run that saw them beat Lazio, Villareal and Levski Sofia (no mean scalps).
Lech Posnan are also the reigning champions of their domestic league in Poland and went through to the third round of last year's competition only to be knocked out by Udinese, after finishing above AS Nancy and, 2001-2002 winners, Feyenoord in the group stages. They also boast the best support in Poland, says my source... [I should say that two of the three teams in this group may have required a quick bit of research on a well-known online encyclopedia!]
So, largely on the count of Juventus, it will not be the easiest group to win, although I think that is within City's capabilities. But there are a few interesting ties to come on course to a competition Mancini wants City to go all the way in.
City 2 - 0 Timisoara: Match report and player ratings
Such is the strength of City's squad that Mancini believes we can progress to the final using the depth at our disposal:
"It is an important trophy. I think the Europa League is difficult because you play more games. But if we can change some players every game, I think we can arrive at the end and play in the final."
Looking at the sort of line-up we can put out by making seven changes, it is hard to argue with him. Of course, City will come up against sterner tests than Timisoara as the tournament progresses (with the group stages being drawn this lunchtime), but we didn't have to labour too much for this result.
Timisoara put everyone behind the ball in the first half, which made it tight in the final third, and despite a lot of possession (70% on the night) City had to be patient to carve openings.
Set loose by the entrenched Timisoara, our deep-lying midfielders Patrick Vieira and Nigel de Jong were outstanding. If anyone is foolish enough to doubt de Jong's commitment, to watch his workrate and tackling against a lesser opponent last night was a joy. There were some newspaper reports over the summer suggesting that de Jong's days were numbered at City after the arrival of Yaya Toure and James Milner but, as the games go on, he is proving himself irreplaecable.
Vieira, thriving under the time and space he was given, completely ran the show. His passing and little dinks over the top were our main sources of threat in the first half - typified by his pass for Shauny's goal - and it continued in the second once the game had opened up a bit.
The official man of the match, Dedryck Boyata, who looked so much more assured and confident than he has done, didn't put a foot wrong - and managed to grab a goal for his efforts. He was the last man most of the match and therefore had more defending to do than his counterparts, but still had a relatively small amount to do. It was a top performance and hopefully he can stay this season, rather than go on loan, as I imagine he will be a regular choice in Cup games at the least - and if he can continue to develop a partnership with his fellow countryman, Kompany, then it should be good news for the future of the club.
Just a quick note to say well done to the Timisoara fans who, despite watching a fairly unambitious performance in small numbers, made quite a bit of noise. And a number of the Timisoara players returned our clapping from the corner, which was a nice touch... It's so easy to be gracious when you win comfortably!
Player ratings:
Hart 6; Richards 7, Boyata 8, Kompany 7, Zabaleta 7; De Jong 8 (Cunningham 6), Vieira 8; SWP 7, Silva 7, Jo 6; Adebayor 5.
Man of the match: Patrick Vieira
"It is an important trophy. I think the Europa League is difficult because you play more games. But if we can change some players every game, I think we can arrive at the end and play in the final."
Looking at the sort of line-up we can put out by making seven changes, it is hard to argue with him. Of course, City will come up against sterner tests than Timisoara as the tournament progresses (with the group stages being drawn this lunchtime), but we didn't have to labour too much for this result.
Timisoara put everyone behind the ball in the first half, which made it tight in the final third, and despite a lot of possession (70% on the night) City had to be patient to carve openings.
Set loose by the entrenched Timisoara, our deep-lying midfielders Patrick Vieira and Nigel de Jong were outstanding. If anyone is foolish enough to doubt de Jong's commitment, to watch his workrate and tackling against a lesser opponent last night was a joy. There were some newspaper reports over the summer suggesting that de Jong's days were numbered at City after the arrival of Yaya Toure and James Milner but, as the games go on, he is proving himself irreplaecable.
Vieira, thriving under the time and space he was given, completely ran the show. His passing and little dinks over the top were our main sources of threat in the first half - typified by his pass for Shauny's goal - and it continued in the second once the game had opened up a bit.
The official man of the match, Dedryck Boyata, who looked so much more assured and confident than he has done, didn't put a foot wrong - and managed to grab a goal for his efforts. He was the last man most of the match and therefore had more defending to do than his counterparts, but still had a relatively small amount to do. It was a top performance and hopefully he can stay this season, rather than go on loan, as I imagine he will be a regular choice in Cup games at the least - and if he can continue to develop a partnership with his fellow countryman, Kompany, then it should be good news for the future of the club.
Just a quick note to say well done to the Timisoara fans who, despite watching a fairly unambitious performance in small numbers, made quite a bit of noise. And a number of the Timisoara players returned our clapping from the corner, which was a nice touch... It's so easy to be gracious when you win comfortably!
Player ratings:
Hart 6; Richards 7, Boyata 8, Kompany 7, Zabaleta 7; De Jong 8 (Cunningham 6), Vieira 8; SWP 7, Silva 7, Jo 6; Adebayor 5.
Man of the match: Patrick Vieira
Thursday 26 August 2010
Reshuffled line-up for Timisoara: Europa League preview
With only two days passed since the heroics against Liverpool on Monday night, Mancini is likely to call upon our squad strength for the tie against Timisoara tonight. As the game against Sunderland is only another two days break from here, a large number of the 25 will see action this week. Three games in six days, with barely a breath in between, shows why it may not be as difficult to keep the players happy as has been suggested.
Monday night benchwarmers Adebayor, Wright-Phillips, Vieira, Silva, Jo and Zabaleta are all thought to be in with a starting chance. Whilst I am sure they all wanted to be involved against Liverpool from the off, they will get their chances to stake a claim to Sunday's starting line-up, and this should ensure that City retain a high-level of performance and therefore take out the possibility of underestimating the opposition. Such is the beauty of the competition for places, that players will be forced to seize the opportunities they get.
The ever interesting training scouts on the forums, and Daniel Taylor of The Guardian, spotted that Mancini took aside ten outfield players who could make up the line-up tonight. Whilst the goalkeeper remains a mystery in this scenario - with thoughts that it will hinge on Mancini's meeting with Given yesterday - the possible team would look like this:
Hart
Richards, Boyata, Kompany, Zabaleta
SWP, Vieira, De Jong, Silva
Jo, Adebayor
With seven changes from the team that faced Liverpool, this would really flaunt our squad strength. Milner was not registered in time for these ties and, the star of the away leg, Mario Balotelli is still suffering from a knee injury and is hoping to be fit for his league debut on Sunday.
Jo has been rewarded for his pre-season displays with an official vote of confidence from Mancini yesterday:
"I have been able to see Jô close-up in the last two months and what I have seen makes me think he's a good player. I can also remember seeing him play for CSKA [Moscow] a few years ago when I was with Internazionale and he's a good striker. We want to keep him."
It is early to say whether he will finally find his feet at City, but he must find it reassuring to finally be under a manager who believes in him. Jo's young career was mishandled by the uncertainty during Sven and Thaksin's final months at City. Already singled out by Sven as a high-priority target, Jo arrived under the newly appointed Mark Hughes, who inherited him rather than necessarily wanting him. Whilst this doesn't excuse his less than professional attitude during his early City career - maybe a settled, maturing Jo could finally fulfil some of the potential that brought him here for what was a club record fee. If he scores a couple tonight, he may start to seem a better piece of business than Roque Santa Cruz was for a similar fee!
Anything other than a loss will see City through tonight but, with the momentum from Monday night, we will be hoping to do it with a bit of a flourish.
Monday night benchwarmers Adebayor, Wright-Phillips, Vieira, Silva, Jo and Zabaleta are all thought to be in with a starting chance. Whilst I am sure they all wanted to be involved against Liverpool from the off, they will get their chances to stake a claim to Sunday's starting line-up, and this should ensure that City retain a high-level of performance and therefore take out the possibility of underestimating the opposition. Such is the beauty of the competition for places, that players will be forced to seize the opportunities they get.
The ever interesting training scouts on the forums, and Daniel Taylor of The Guardian, spotted that Mancini took aside ten outfield players who could make up the line-up tonight. Whilst the goalkeeper remains a mystery in this scenario - with thoughts that it will hinge on Mancini's meeting with Given yesterday - the possible team would look like this:
Hart
Richards, Boyata, Kompany, Zabaleta
SWP, Vieira, De Jong, Silva
Jo, Adebayor
With seven changes from the team that faced Liverpool, this would really flaunt our squad strength. Milner was not registered in time for these ties and, the star of the away leg, Mario Balotelli is still suffering from a knee injury and is hoping to be fit for his league debut on Sunday.
Jo has been rewarded for his pre-season displays with an official vote of confidence from Mancini yesterday:
"I have been able to see Jô close-up in the last two months and what I have seen makes me think he's a good player. I can also remember seeing him play for CSKA [Moscow] a few years ago when I was with Internazionale and he's a good striker. We want to keep him."
It is early to say whether he will finally find his feet at City, but he must find it reassuring to finally be under a manager who believes in him. Jo's young career was mishandled by the uncertainty during Sven and Thaksin's final months at City. Already singled out by Sven as a high-priority target, Jo arrived under the newly appointed Mark Hughes, who inherited him rather than necessarily wanting him. Whilst this doesn't excuse his less than professional attitude during his early City career - maybe a settled, maturing Jo could finally fulfil some of the potential that brought him here for what was a club record fee. If he scores a couple tonight, he may start to seem a better piece of business than Roque Santa Cruz was for a similar fee!
Anything other than a loss will see City through tonight but, with the momentum from Monday night, we will be hoping to do it with a bit of a flourish.
Tuesday 24 August 2010
City 3 - 0 Liverpool: Match report and player ratings
If we can do any small thing to repay Sheikh Mansour for transforming the fortunes of our club, then our biggest win since 1937 against the most successful English football team in history, on his first visit to a rain-sodden Manchester, probably isn't a bad offering. The last time Liverpool lost by three clear goals in the league was against our neighbours in the March of 2008. The last time we beat them was in 2005 thanks to an injury time flying left-foot volley from one Kiki Musampa. But then, the times are a-changing.
When the team was announced, I was worried about the seemingly defensive selection Mancini put out: it looked to my untrained eye that we were giving Liverpool too much respect - but it was precisely our five man midfield that kept our stronghold on the game. Yaya Toure played as a supporting striker at times and with Tevez seemingly under instruction to remain upfront, we kept our shape a lot better than against Tottenham last weekend.
Along with everything else, it was a commited team performance of the sort many have doubted our 'newly assembled side' is capable of producing. Yet only two new signings featured here - and one has played with five of his teammates on international duty.
The industry and quality that typified City's performance was all to see in the debutant James Milner. He must have been secretly rueing his declaration that he would 'play anywhere' when he found himself lining up on the left wing, but it is a measure of his professionalism and his attitude (sadly missing in the man who went the opposite way) that he produced the performance that he did. Adaptability, energy, industry, skill and creativity were all there to see in our new signing.
It was pleasing to see such a core of English players in the team and not many sides across the Premiership can boast six native starters this weekend. Barry, Hart, Johnson and Milner, in particular, were outstanding, and Richards and Lescott didn't do themselves any harm either. If City can develop with this core of young English players then it will not only be good for City, but good for England as well. 'Ruining the English game' indeed!
It is entertaining to see the swift about-turn that the media can make after one game - writing us off after the Tottenham game, writing us up after the Liverpool game - but Mancini was wise to play down the hysteria that was brewing. With players absent and time to develop, there is a chance that things will get even better, but it is important to keep that in sight and to stoke up that winning mentality to avoid slip-ups against lesser names such as Timisoara on Thursday and Sunderland on Sunday. The enjoyment from nights such as last night is for us and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nayhan!
Player ratings:
Hart 8; Richards 7, Kolo Toure 7, Kompany 8, Lescott 7; De Jong 8; Milner 8, Barry 9, Yaya Toure 7, A. Johnson 8; Tevez 7.
Man of the match: Gareth Barry
When the team was announced, I was worried about the seemingly defensive selection Mancini put out: it looked to my untrained eye that we were giving Liverpool too much respect - but it was precisely our five man midfield that kept our stronghold on the game. Yaya Toure played as a supporting striker at times and with Tevez seemingly under instruction to remain upfront, we kept our shape a lot better than against Tottenham last weekend.
Along with everything else, it was a commited team performance of the sort many have doubted our 'newly assembled side' is capable of producing. Yet only two new signings featured here - and one has played with five of his teammates on international duty.
The industry and quality that typified City's performance was all to see in the debutant James Milner. He must have been secretly rueing his declaration that he would 'play anywhere' when he found himself lining up on the left wing, but it is a measure of his professionalism and his attitude (sadly missing in the man who went the opposite way) that he produced the performance that he did. Adaptability, energy, industry, skill and creativity were all there to see in our new signing.
It was pleasing to see such a core of English players in the team and not many sides across the Premiership can boast six native starters this weekend. Barry, Hart, Johnson and Milner, in particular, were outstanding, and Richards and Lescott didn't do themselves any harm either. If City can develop with this core of young English players then it will not only be good for City, but good for England as well. 'Ruining the English game' indeed!
It is entertaining to see the swift about-turn that the media can make after one game - writing us off after the Tottenham game, writing us up after the Liverpool game - but Mancini was wise to play down the hysteria that was brewing. With players absent and time to develop, there is a chance that things will get even better, but it is important to keep that in sight and to stoke up that winning mentality to avoid slip-ups against lesser names such as Timisoara on Thursday and Sunderland on Sunday. The enjoyment from nights such as last night is for us and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nayhan!
Player ratings:
Hart 8; Richards 7, Kolo Toure 7, Kompany 8, Lescott 7; De Jong 8; Milner 8, Barry 9, Yaya Toure 7, A. Johnson 8; Tevez 7.
Man of the match: Gareth Barry
Sunday 22 August 2010
Media darlings; red cards and drinks trolleys; Milner and Balotelli; Monday preview
As opening games go, when you are coming to terms with the new animosity from the country's press and rival fans, to play teams managed by Harry Redknapp and Roy Hodgson do not make it any easier. Both are at the zenith of their popularity. Both are adored by the media. Redknapp for his straight-forward, entertaining character; Hodgson for defying the financial importance of modern football to succeed with Fulham, and to appear to charm with his gentleness at the same time (this last aspect was always tainted for me by less than gracious interviews after a defeat, but I think I may be alone in that!). But regardless of the opposition or the popularity of the manager, everyone is looking for City to lose at the moment - and although it is a fairly new sensation, in reality all the top teams get the same treatment from footballing neutrals.
Hodgson's Liverpool are a little bit of an unknown at this stage of the season, as are most teams. So far we have seen them battle well with ten men against Arsenal and almost come away with all three points, and secure a slender lead from their home tie in the Europa league. They expect Torres to return upfront ahead of David Ngog, and with Mascherano nearing fitness, they should be able to call on a full strength side.
One exception to this is Joe Cole who, following the trend of City's full-backs, has not had an ideal start to his Liverpool career. A red-card and a penalty-miss to show from this week will mean he misses tomorrow night's game. City will be without both Kolarov and Boateng for up to a month after injuries. Boateng collided with a drinks trolley on an aeroplane, but at least Kolarov managed about five minutes of fully fit football for City before limping through forty White Hart Lane minutes.
Supersub Super Mario is thought to have shrugged off his knock and will be available for selection - but with no pre-season behind him and the knock fresh in the mind of Mancini, a bench role may be in store for him again, before he gets more game time against Timisoara on Thursday.
Another player in line for his debut is James Milner. Mancini has said he will play in the centre of midfield - and if City continue to play with three in there, it is no longer as hard to make five go into three. In Daniel Taylor's match report from the Timisoara game, for The Guardian, he said the team appeared to be made up of eight defensively minded players (including Joe Hart) plus Tevez, Silva and Adebayor. Yaya Toure showed he was willing to get forward, but the introduction of Milner into the team should ensure a bit more thrust from the central positions. Ironically, for his first game, I could see him replacing Gareth Barry in the 4-3-3/4-1-2-1-2 formation that has been favoured so far.
Possible team:
Hart; Zabaleta, Kolo Toure, Kompany, Lescott; De Jong; Milner, Yaya Toure; Silva; Tevez, Adebayor.
This is the team I hope for, but then there is also the possibility that Mancini may seek to conserve to start with, as against Tottenham, with Tevez leading the line and a wide player coming in for Adebayor, only to change to a more attacking solution when the legs are tiring.
Five of the last seven Premier League meetings between us and Liverpool have ended in draws, with not many goals in there either, but City will be looking to set up a strong home record if we are to break into the top four this season.
'Citysquare' will open before the match as well, so it will be interesting to see what has happened to that area since the Valencia game - fancy food and big screens are promised!
Hodgson's Liverpool are a little bit of an unknown at this stage of the season, as are most teams. So far we have seen them battle well with ten men against Arsenal and almost come away with all three points, and secure a slender lead from their home tie in the Europa league. They expect Torres to return upfront ahead of David Ngog, and with Mascherano nearing fitness, they should be able to call on a full strength side.
One exception to this is Joe Cole who, following the trend of City's full-backs, has not had an ideal start to his Liverpool career. A red-card and a penalty-miss to show from this week will mean he misses tomorrow night's game. City will be without both Kolarov and Boateng for up to a month after injuries. Boateng collided with a drinks trolley on an aeroplane, but at least Kolarov managed about five minutes of fully fit football for City before limping through forty White Hart Lane minutes.
Supersub Super Mario is thought to have shrugged off his knock and will be available for selection - but with no pre-season behind him and the knock fresh in the mind of Mancini, a bench role may be in store for him again, before he gets more game time against Timisoara on Thursday.
Another player in line for his debut is James Milner. Mancini has said he will play in the centre of midfield - and if City continue to play with three in there, it is no longer as hard to make five go into three. In Daniel Taylor's match report from the Timisoara game, for The Guardian, he said the team appeared to be made up of eight defensively minded players (including Joe Hart) plus Tevez, Silva and Adebayor. Yaya Toure showed he was willing to get forward, but the introduction of Milner into the team should ensure a bit more thrust from the central positions. Ironically, for his first game, I could see him replacing Gareth Barry in the 4-3-3/4-1-2-1-2 formation that has been favoured so far.
Possible team:
Hart; Zabaleta, Kolo Toure, Kompany, Lescott; De Jong; Milner, Yaya Toure; Silva; Tevez, Adebayor.
This is the team I hope for, but then there is also the possibility that Mancini may seek to conserve to start with, as against Tottenham, with Tevez leading the line and a wide player coming in for Adebayor, only to change to a more attacking solution when the legs are tiring.
Five of the last seven Premier League meetings between us and Liverpool have ended in draws, with not many goals in there either, but City will be looking to set up a strong home record if we are to break into the top four this season.
'Citysquare' will open before the match as well, so it will be interesting to see what has happened to that area since the Valencia game - fancy food and big screens are promised!
Sunday 15 August 2010
Balotelli: Parallels with Rooney; misquotes; video
So, on Friday Balotelli finally sealed his move to City and I have written on a number of occasions why I think he is worth 'the gamble', so I won't go into detail again here. To quote Chris Whyatt on the BBC instead:
"Firstly, the base ingredients: lightning-quick, strong as an ox, good with both feet, impeccable technique, Balotelli - who, but for citizenship issues, may have been snapped up by Barcelona when he was younger - possesses rare if raw gifts."
Balotelli has sensational ability and, as he has only recently turned twenty, there is plenty of time for him to concentrate his temperament on becoming 'one of the world's best footballers' as Mancini suggested. How many of the truly great footballers have had that fiery temperament?
A bad environment has developed around him in Italy - whether it be the rascism, a declining relationship with Inter, or the media focus - and it is a widely held view that Balotelli will thrive under the change given by a new environment.
Football Italia blogger Steve Wilson has hit back at people who argue he is unproven (a strange thing to level at a nineteen/twenty year old anyway), comparing his record to Rooney's when United shelled out on him. His main point is of English ignorance of foreign football. Whilst countries such as Italy and Spain love their leagues the most, in a lot of cases they are also avid followers of the other big leagues - in England, that is the reserve of the fanatics.
An example of this was when Mancini was announced after the Sunderland game. I was listening to Radio Manchester and Nigel Gleghorn said, in a fit of pique, 'what has he ever won?' Which, as good as he occasionally is on the radio, is a bit surprising from someone who earns their living talking about football.
The other issue that has irritated me about the signing has been the instant report of 'Balotelli wanted to stay in Italy'. His statement to his personal website read as follows:
"I'm sorry that I'm leaving Inter and Italy because I would have preferred to continue my career in my own country.
"I'm going where I hope to find the space I need to play which is very important to me: I need to play, to make mistakes, to learn and to play again. As well as a calm environment around me.
"It's been a difficult year. I've recognised my mistakes, but I think I've often been under pressure and on the receiving end of criticism that at times has irritated me.
"Now all I'm thinking about is playing well for my new club and in the Premier League. I really want to give it my best try!"
To me, this reads 'it is a shame I have to leave Italy but it is best for my career'. Which is hardly the same as saying 'I wish I was staying put'. Let's give him a chance before we label him with the same 'difficult character' tag that he has brought with him from Italy.
Balotelli is another player who could 'write the future' of the club - if it all clicks, we have a sensational talent on our hands - and at a reported £22.5m, it really could be a snip for one of the most highly rated young players in Europe.
"Firstly, the base ingredients: lightning-quick, strong as an ox, good with both feet, impeccable technique, Balotelli - who, but for citizenship issues, may have been snapped up by Barcelona when he was younger - possesses rare if raw gifts."
Balotelli has sensational ability and, as he has only recently turned twenty, there is plenty of time for him to concentrate his temperament on becoming 'one of the world's best footballers' as Mancini suggested. How many of the truly great footballers have had that fiery temperament?
A bad environment has developed around him in Italy - whether it be the rascism, a declining relationship with Inter, or the media focus - and it is a widely held view that Balotelli will thrive under the change given by a new environment.
Football Italia blogger Steve Wilson has hit back at people who argue he is unproven (a strange thing to level at a nineteen/twenty year old anyway), comparing his record to Rooney's when United shelled out on him. His main point is of English ignorance of foreign football. Whilst countries such as Italy and Spain love their leagues the most, in a lot of cases they are also avid followers of the other big leagues - in England, that is the reserve of the fanatics.
An example of this was when Mancini was announced after the Sunderland game. I was listening to Radio Manchester and Nigel Gleghorn said, in a fit of pique, 'what has he ever won?' Which, as good as he occasionally is on the radio, is a bit surprising from someone who earns their living talking about football.
The other issue that has irritated me about the signing has been the instant report of 'Balotelli wanted to stay in Italy'. His statement to his personal website read as follows:
"I'm sorry that I'm leaving Inter and Italy because I would have preferred to continue my career in my own country.
"I'm going where I hope to find the space I need to play which is very important to me: I need to play, to make mistakes, to learn and to play again. As well as a calm environment around me.
"It's been a difficult year. I've recognised my mistakes, but I think I've often been under pressure and on the receiving end of criticism that at times has irritated me.
"Now all I'm thinking about is playing well for my new club and in the Premier League. I really want to give it my best try!"
To me, this reads 'it is a shame I have to leave Italy but it is best for my career'. Which is hardly the same as saying 'I wish I was staying put'. Let's give him a chance before we label him with the same 'difficult character' tag that he has brought with him from Italy.
Balotelli is another player who could 'write the future' of the club - if it all clicks, we have a sensational talent on our hands - and at a reported £22.5m, it really could be a snip for one of the most highly rated young players in Europe.
Spurs 0 - 0 City: Match report and player ratings
On the way back from the game yesterday we stopped at Beaconsfield services (close enough to London to still get their local news) and on the ITV London bulletin they described the first half in the following words: "City are meant to be title contenders this season, but they were made to look like relegation candidates by Tottenham." Which, whilst City were overrun by Spurs in the first half, is still a bit of an exaggeration. Despite all my initial irritation at this and at other similar sentiments, in a way, it is flattering. From the outside people appear to think City are good enough to be going to White Hart Lane, the home of a Champions League side who we never beat (we have lost more times to Tottenham in the Premier League than to any other club), and to come away with something.
Then comes the constant refrain: "yes, but with the money you've spent..." There were never more than three new signings on the pitch yesterday compared to the side that lost abysmally there last season - and one, Kolarov, limped through forty minutes of those. So for all Spurs' first half domination and Joe Hart's heroics, this was still a marked improvement. On the face of it, a clean sheet and a point at White Hart Lane is a commendable start to the season.
The story of the game is Joe Hart. Mancini had left the goalkeeping debate open as late as the Friday morning press-conference, but Joe set about instantly vindicating Mancini's choice. City's tough core - with defensive midfielders protecting the back four - means the main threat City will face this season, as last season, is from outwide - Shay's weakness, Hart's strength. This was my main reason for backing Joe, but in forty-five minutes against Tottenham yesterday he showed that his shot-stopping is equal to the task also, with some exceptional reactions and one-on-one foiling.
Ahead of Joe, both Kompany and Kolo Toure were excellent - with both producing heroic blocks at crucial moments. The main danger came from Bale who, as possibly the best left-winger in the Premiership at the moment, was always going to give Micah problems. Lennon, on the otherside, is always dangerous on account of his pace but never gives the impression that he knows what he is doing.
Captain Carlos was a bundle of energy and was always looking to be involved in play, but I don't believe he can play as the lone striker. There were many times that he would come back and pick up the ball alongside De Jong, only to look up and find no forward option. He plays the second striker role perfectly, but he needs a partner to make the runs beyond the defence. Perhaps Super Mario is destined to be this man. Saying that, I don't think there is a better defensive partnership than King and Dawson in the Premiership, and Tottenham must only be hoping they could rely on their fitness in order to re-launch their own assault on the top-four.
The second half was a distinct improvement and a point from White Hart Lane is a good start to the campaign.
Player ratings:
Hart 9, Richards 6, Kolo Toure 8, Kompany 8, Kolarov 6 (Zabaleta 6), de Jong 7, Yaya Toure 7, Barry 7, Wright-Phillips 5 (Johnson 6), Silva 7, Tevez 7 (Adebayor 6).
Man of the match: Joe Hart
Then comes the constant refrain: "yes, but with the money you've spent..." There were never more than three new signings on the pitch yesterday compared to the side that lost abysmally there last season - and one, Kolarov, limped through forty minutes of those. So for all Spurs' first half domination and Joe Hart's heroics, this was still a marked improvement. On the face of it, a clean sheet and a point at White Hart Lane is a commendable start to the season.
The story of the game is Joe Hart. Mancini had left the goalkeeping debate open as late as the Friday morning press-conference, but Joe set about instantly vindicating Mancini's choice. City's tough core - with defensive midfielders protecting the back four - means the main threat City will face this season, as last season, is from outwide - Shay's weakness, Hart's strength. This was my main reason for backing Joe, but in forty-five minutes against Tottenham yesterday he showed that his shot-stopping is equal to the task also, with some exceptional reactions and one-on-one foiling.
Ahead of Joe, both Kompany and Kolo Toure were excellent - with both producing heroic blocks at crucial moments. The main danger came from Bale who, as possibly the best left-winger in the Premiership at the moment, was always going to give Micah problems. Lennon, on the otherside, is always dangerous on account of his pace but never gives the impression that he knows what he is doing.
Captain Carlos was a bundle of energy and was always looking to be involved in play, but I don't believe he can play as the lone striker. There were many times that he would come back and pick up the ball alongside De Jong, only to look up and find no forward option. He plays the second striker role perfectly, but he needs a partner to make the runs beyond the defence. Perhaps Super Mario is destined to be this man. Saying that, I don't think there is a better defensive partnership than King and Dawson in the Premiership, and Tottenham must only be hoping they could rely on their fitness in order to re-launch their own assault on the top-four.
The second half was a distinct improvement and a point from White Hart Lane is a good start to the campaign.
Player ratings:
Hart 9, Richards 6, Kolo Toure 8, Kompany 8, Kolarov 6 (Zabaleta 6), de Jong 7, Yaya Toure 7, Barry 7, Wright-Phillips 5 (Johnson 6), Silva 7, Tevez 7 (Adebayor 6).
Man of the match: Joe Hart
Friday 13 August 2010
Here at last. Spurs preview
And so it is back to the nitty gritty of the actual game! Such is this era of supporting City that we no longer enter a season wracked with trepidation and doubt - we enter it fresh with dreams and confidence - perhaps the highly desired "winning mentality" is reaching us too? My excitement for the trip down to London tomorrow morning is bubbling up just writing about it.
As first games of the season go, it couldn't be much tougher for City. This fixture last season (the one that sealed Hughes' fate) was perhaps the most outplayed we'd been all season. We looked blunt, hopeless and out-fought all over the pitch. So, where better to test our mettle.
It should be more open than the Champions League decider - where a top defensive display courtesy of King and Dawson snuffed out City's threat. Yet, City's failings that day have been addressed - a lack of creativity has been answered by Silva (should he be ready), someone to change defence into attack has been answered in Yaya Toure, and some flank protection has been facilitated by Kolarov and Boateng.
Mancini gave a small hint that the team that started the Valencia game would be the one to face Tottenham, but it depends a little on the fitness of the late arrivals: Silva, Boateng, de Jong and Tevez. Rather unhelpfully, Spain's friendly was played in Mexico on Wednesday night (with Silva scoring the last minute equaliser), so whilst he would naturally be first choice at the head of the diamond, his fitness may delay his competitive debut.
The BBC are tipping Given to win the battle for number one, however it seems quite open to me at the moment and difficult to call. Given is the established player, but Mancini has spoken a lot about the importance of a group of young players growing with the club - and Hart would obviously fit this mould. He would also answer our weakness on crosses - as he displayed ably for England this week. Hart seems to be the overwhelming fan's favourite on the many polls across the internet, but obviously this guarantees him nothing.
Possible team, 4-1-2-1-2:
Hart
Richards, Boateng, Kompany, Kolarov
De Jong
Yaya Toure, Barry
Silva
Tevez, Adebayor
This is the team that started against Valencia and should offer us the solidity needed for the Tottenham game. If Silva is not fit, I think we could see a change of system, with Adam Johnson playing in a wide role. There is obviously also scope for Boateng to play at right-back, with club-captain Kolo Toure coming in for Micah.
It is a stern test to start the season but, whatever happens, it is great to be back!
As first games of the season go, it couldn't be much tougher for City. This fixture last season (the one that sealed Hughes' fate) was perhaps the most outplayed we'd been all season. We looked blunt, hopeless and out-fought all over the pitch. So, where better to test our mettle.
It should be more open than the Champions League decider - where a top defensive display courtesy of King and Dawson snuffed out City's threat. Yet, City's failings that day have been addressed - a lack of creativity has been answered by Silva (should he be ready), someone to change defence into attack has been answered in Yaya Toure, and some flank protection has been facilitated by Kolarov and Boateng.
Mancini gave a small hint that the team that started the Valencia game would be the one to face Tottenham, but it depends a little on the fitness of the late arrivals: Silva, Boateng, de Jong and Tevez. Rather unhelpfully, Spain's friendly was played in Mexico on Wednesday night (with Silva scoring the last minute equaliser), so whilst he would naturally be first choice at the head of the diamond, his fitness may delay his competitive debut.
The BBC are tipping Given to win the battle for number one, however it seems quite open to me at the moment and difficult to call. Given is the established player, but Mancini has spoken a lot about the importance of a group of young players growing with the club - and Hart would obviously fit this mould. He would also answer our weakness on crosses - as he displayed ably for England this week. Hart seems to be the overwhelming fan's favourite on the many polls across the internet, but obviously this guarantees him nothing.
Possible team, 4-1-2-1-2:
Hart
Richards, Boateng, Kompany, Kolarov
De Jong
Yaya Toure, Barry
Silva
Tevez, Adebayor
This is the team that started against Valencia and should offer us the solidity needed for the Tottenham game. If Silva is not fit, I think we could see a change of system, with Adam Johnson playing in a wide role. There is obviously also scope for Boateng to play at right-back, with club-captain Kolo Toure coming in for Micah.
It is a stern test to start the season but, whatever happens, it is great to be back!
Thursday 12 August 2010
Season Preview: Is this our year?!
The Brief
A call for steady, gradual improvement means the official line is Champions League qualification and a cup of any order.
Chances
The chances are decent enough for many people to talk up our title prospects. Settling and harmony are the watchwords - but they were last season and we set our best ever Premier League start. We showed with our results against the previous 'top four' that we can compete at the very top of the league, so an increased consistency and ruthlessness, coupled with the quality that has been added over the summer should see us in a better condition to sustain a Champions League challenge.
The Team
Strong in all areas and arguably the strongest squad in the league - no team can call on the depth City can. There has been creativity added in David Silva, dynamism in Yaya Toure, and defensive solidity (with an attacking option) in Kolarov and Boateng.
Mancini's Task
He has already added a steely factor to a leaky defence and has now had the chance to put his stamp on the team. The big thing will be to keep everyone happy, but in reality every player who is registered should play a part this season - and Mancini has already said it would be in the best interests of the rest to leave. Being sure of his best eleven will be difficult, but if he can find the right mix, we have the talent to succeed. Squad rotation is being mooted, and it will be essential with the sheer volume of games, and the depth at Mancini's disposal will mean he can pick the players for the occasion.
Who plays?!
The big debate! As I have just mentioned, I think this will vary according to the opposition. Mancini experimented with many systems over pre-season, but it seems that the main two will be the 4-2-3-1 of last season, with width, and a 4-1-2-1-2 diamond formation as evidenced in the Valencia game. The Hart/Given debate rages on and one will be left discontented - and the number of players in midfield causes further headaches - but the two formations could be serviced as follows:
4-2-3-1:
Hart; Boateng, K. Toure, Kompany, Kolarov; Y. Toure, Barry; Silva, Tevez, A. Johnson; Adebayor.
4-1-2-1-2:
Hart; Richards, Boateng, Kompany, Kolarov; De Jong; Barry, Y. Toure; Silva; Tevez, Adebayor.
But then, even in the next few hours, this selection may be further complicated by the arrival of James Milner!
A big season for... Micah Richards
It's a big season for every player on the fringe of the starting eleven, but this is the time for Micah. A few seasons of regression have pushed him out of international contention and out of the City team. He showed signs of improving under Mancini last season but a few injuries hampered the end of his campaign. You get the feeling that if Micah is to make it at City, this is his season to push on. He performed well in pre-season and has reacted well to comments by Mancini about his concentration. Unlike a couple of his contemporaries, he seems determined to stake his claim at City and is unphased by the competition of Jerome Boateng. If he turns pre-season signs into commited performances in the Premier League, it may not be long til he makes the right-back position his own, for club and country!
What the papers say
"they are one season away from catching and overhauling Chelsea and United but this will be the year they make it to a cup final and reach the Champions League." Daniel Taylor, The Guardian (The Guardian writers combine to predict City for 2nd)
"Can this squad win the Premier League this season? Certainly, it could. Will it? It's unlikely." Ian Ladyman, The Daily Mail
"Manchester City could surprise everyone this year and finish in second place, ahead of title favourites Chelsea." Dean Maynard, FourFourTwo
"There is no scope for excusing lapses in form on the grounds that City are a work in progress." Kevin McCarra, The Guardian
"I think their fans are entitled to talk about possibly winning the title this season." Jamie Redknapp, FourFourTwo
"I wonder if Man Utd will be able to cope with their ageing players so well. Could this be the moment their neighbours break into the top four and overtake them?" Ben Clissett, Daily Telegraph Head of Sport (as quoted on the BBC website)
Whatever happens, it is an exciting time to be a City fan. Less than 48 hours to go til kick-off!
A call for steady, gradual improvement means the official line is Champions League qualification and a cup of any order.
Chances
The chances are decent enough for many people to talk up our title prospects. Settling and harmony are the watchwords - but they were last season and we set our best ever Premier League start. We showed with our results against the previous 'top four' that we can compete at the very top of the league, so an increased consistency and ruthlessness, coupled with the quality that has been added over the summer should see us in a better condition to sustain a Champions League challenge.
The Team
Strong in all areas and arguably the strongest squad in the league - no team can call on the depth City can. There has been creativity added in David Silva, dynamism in Yaya Toure, and defensive solidity (with an attacking option) in Kolarov and Boateng.
Mancini's Task
He has already added a steely factor to a leaky defence and has now had the chance to put his stamp on the team. The big thing will be to keep everyone happy, but in reality every player who is registered should play a part this season - and Mancini has already said it would be in the best interests of the rest to leave. Being sure of his best eleven will be difficult, but if he can find the right mix, we have the talent to succeed. Squad rotation is being mooted, and it will be essential with the sheer volume of games, and the depth at Mancini's disposal will mean he can pick the players for the occasion.
Who plays?!
The big debate! As I have just mentioned, I think this will vary according to the opposition. Mancini experimented with many systems over pre-season, but it seems that the main two will be the 4-2-3-1 of last season, with width, and a 4-1-2-1-2 diamond formation as evidenced in the Valencia game. The Hart/Given debate rages on and one will be left discontented - and the number of players in midfield causes further headaches - but the two formations could be serviced as follows:
4-2-3-1:
Hart; Boateng, K. Toure, Kompany, Kolarov; Y. Toure, Barry; Silva, Tevez, A. Johnson; Adebayor.
4-1-2-1-2:
Hart; Richards, Boateng, Kompany, Kolarov; De Jong; Barry, Y. Toure; Silva; Tevez, Adebayor.
But then, even in the next few hours, this selection may be further complicated by the arrival of James Milner!
A big season for... Micah Richards
It's a big season for every player on the fringe of the starting eleven, but this is the time for Micah. A few seasons of regression have pushed him out of international contention and out of the City team. He showed signs of improving under Mancini last season but a few injuries hampered the end of his campaign. You get the feeling that if Micah is to make it at City, this is his season to push on. He performed well in pre-season and has reacted well to comments by Mancini about his concentration. Unlike a couple of his contemporaries, he seems determined to stake his claim at City and is unphased by the competition of Jerome Boateng. If he turns pre-season signs into commited performances in the Premier League, it may not be long til he makes the right-back position his own, for club and country!
What the papers say
"they are one season away from catching and overhauling Chelsea and United but this will be the year they make it to a cup final and reach the Champions League." Daniel Taylor, The Guardian (The Guardian writers combine to predict City for 2nd)
"Can this squad win the Premier League this season? Certainly, it could. Will it? It's unlikely." Ian Ladyman, The Daily Mail
"Manchester City could surprise everyone this year and finish in second place, ahead of title favourites Chelsea." Dean Maynard, FourFourTwo
"There is no scope for excusing lapses in form on the grounds that City are a work in progress." Kevin McCarra, The Guardian
"I think their fans are entitled to talk about possibly winning the title this season." Jamie Redknapp, FourFourTwo
"I wonder if Man Utd will be able to cope with their ageing players so well. Could this be the moment their neighbours break into the top four and overtake them?" Ben Clissett, Daily Telegraph Head of Sport (as quoted on the BBC website)
Whatever happens, it is an exciting time to be a City fan. Less than 48 hours to go til kick-off!
Wednesday 11 August 2010
Nedum and Ireland set to leave
The inevitable, overstated exodus of players at City seems set to claim it's two biggest names yet: Nedum Onuoha and Stephen Ireland. Nedum on loan to Sunderland and Ireland to Villa as part of a deal for James Milner. Onuoha's move to Sunderland is thought to be imminent, whilst The Guardian suggest, in keeping with Mancini's words after the Valencia game, that the Milner/Ireland deal will be finalised tomorrow - allowing both to make their debuts at the weekend.
Critics will suggest this is the casualty of high levels of investment - that the youth products will be squeezed out by ready-made imports. With these deals freshly in people's minds, they would obviously have grounds to do so, but I don't think it is the whole picture. These two cases are very much about the individuals involved.
Ever since Nedum's interview on Soccer AM earlier this summer, it was obvious that he has given up on his dreams for City. To many City fans this came as a huge shame. He has always been dressed up as 'one of us out there on the pitch', and this desire to see the best for City, coupled with his immense physical talent, turned him into a fan favourite for many years/the games he was fit. The joy on the faces all around me when he scored his brace (or one if you ask Carlos Tevez) against Birmingham was testament to this.
Often out of the team through injury, he has had to fight on numerous occasions to gain the favour of incoming managers - but this fight appears to have been one too many for him. As the squad stands, although he may have been frustrated to see Boyata in ahead of him in the centre, I think he would be in as one of four registered centre backs (if Boateng is thought to be a right-back) - with the registered defensive positions as follows:
RB: Richards, Boateng.
CB: K. Toure, Kompany, Lescott, Onuoha
LB: Kolarov, Bridge.
(with Zabaleta included as a utility man/right-back)
Obviously it wouldn't have been as simple as him being fourth-choice there - as Boateng, Richards, Boyata and even possibly Yaya Toure could be considered ahead of him - but he is as far down the pecking order as he has been in the past. But it is that time of his career (coming up to his 24th birthday) that he really should be playing regular first-team football.
The loan move means it keeps it open for him to return at the end of the season - and whether he can return a contender for City's starting eleven depends on one thing: injuries. Either we will have a player who has impressed the league with displays of the level we know he can produce, or we will get a player who has played a handful of games and struggled for fitness. Form says it will be the latter but I hope all City fans wish him luck and success there (and that City insert a clause that stops him playing against his parent club!).
Ireland is, as we all know, a more complicated case - and I am uneasy about letting him go just because of what might happen. I have written at length about him before, so will not go into huge detail here. As a neighbour said to me yesterday, 'if he had the head, he would be one of the best footballers in the Premiership', and that is what it boils down to.
When I blogged about this in May, a reader posted that he should use a sports psychologist and, for a player teetering on the brink of the form of 2008/2009 and last season, this could be the answer for him in the long run. The most frustrating thing about Ireland's recent performances is our knowledge of the Ireland of 2008/2009. Without that season, the Ireland of last campaign would not have surprised many - capable of exquisite pieces of vision but ultimately tip-tapping his way around the peripheries of the game - this is what we knew. We know he is open to alternative forms of training, as was documented on the City site with his hill running and martial arts, so accepting what I think is now marketed as 'mind training' could restore his form.
Either way, we will have to watch from afar to see what becomes of his career. He was the missing piece of the jigsaw last season - a creative central midfield player - and I think we would need an Ireland at full tilt more than we need Milner at the moment, but as City cannot be assured of which Ireland will turn up, the drive for players with the mentality to succeed at the place City want to go is why Milner should be more valuable in the long term. I tentatively say 'should' there because it belies my fear - the potential for Ireland is huge and I will certainly be sad to see him go, but only the future will tell how much City may or may not regret this move.
Critics will suggest this is the casualty of high levels of investment - that the youth products will be squeezed out by ready-made imports. With these deals freshly in people's minds, they would obviously have grounds to do so, but I don't think it is the whole picture. These two cases are very much about the individuals involved.
Ever since Nedum's interview on Soccer AM earlier this summer, it was obvious that he has given up on his dreams for City. To many City fans this came as a huge shame. He has always been dressed up as 'one of us out there on the pitch', and this desire to see the best for City, coupled with his immense physical talent, turned him into a fan favourite for many years/the games he was fit. The joy on the faces all around me when he scored his brace (or one if you ask Carlos Tevez) against Birmingham was testament to this.
Often out of the team through injury, he has had to fight on numerous occasions to gain the favour of incoming managers - but this fight appears to have been one too many for him. As the squad stands, although he may have been frustrated to see Boyata in ahead of him in the centre, I think he would be in as one of four registered centre backs (if Boateng is thought to be a right-back) - with the registered defensive positions as follows:
RB: Richards, Boateng.
CB: K. Toure, Kompany, Lescott, Onuoha
LB: Kolarov, Bridge.
(with Zabaleta included as a utility man/right-back)
Obviously it wouldn't have been as simple as him being fourth-choice there - as Boateng, Richards, Boyata and even possibly Yaya Toure could be considered ahead of him - but he is as far down the pecking order as he has been in the past. But it is that time of his career (coming up to his 24th birthday) that he really should be playing regular first-team football.
The loan move means it keeps it open for him to return at the end of the season - and whether he can return a contender for City's starting eleven depends on one thing: injuries. Either we will have a player who has impressed the league with displays of the level we know he can produce, or we will get a player who has played a handful of games and struggled for fitness. Form says it will be the latter but I hope all City fans wish him luck and success there (and that City insert a clause that stops him playing against his parent club!).
Ireland is, as we all know, a more complicated case - and I am uneasy about letting him go just because of what might happen. I have written at length about him before, so will not go into huge detail here. As a neighbour said to me yesterday, 'if he had the head, he would be one of the best footballers in the Premiership', and that is what it boils down to.
When I blogged about this in May, a reader posted that he should use a sports psychologist and, for a player teetering on the brink of the form of 2008/2009 and last season, this could be the answer for him in the long run. The most frustrating thing about Ireland's recent performances is our knowledge of the Ireland of 2008/2009. Without that season, the Ireland of last campaign would not have surprised many - capable of exquisite pieces of vision but ultimately tip-tapping his way around the peripheries of the game - this is what we knew. We know he is open to alternative forms of training, as was documented on the City site with his hill running and martial arts, so accepting what I think is now marketed as 'mind training' could restore his form.
Either way, we will have to watch from afar to see what becomes of his career. He was the missing piece of the jigsaw last season - a creative central midfield player - and I think we would need an Ireland at full tilt more than we need Milner at the moment, but as City cannot be assured of which Ireland will turn up, the drive for players with the mentality to succeed at the place City want to go is why Milner should be more valuable in the long term. I tentatively say 'should' there because it belies my fear - the potential for Ireland is huge and I will certainly be sad to see him go, but only the future will tell how much City may or may not regret this move.
Sunday 8 August 2010
The pre-season revelation that is Jo - a surprise dash for the twenty-five?
As is typical of any pre-season campaign, this one has been full of experiments: of formation, of players, of youth. So despite all the worries that have surfaced about City's performances (excluding yesterday's display), there is never any need to place too great an importance on the results.
As my dad said yesterday, the two teams with the worst pre-season form, City and Chelsea, could well be numbers one and two in the league this season! In recent days I saw a post on the Bluemoon Forum that reminded people of 1995. In our pre-season tour of Scandinavia and Germany that summer we won every game, and our world-beating performances filled everyone with confidence for the season ahead... We were relegated.
So, if there is not too much to be taken from the results, the big surprise of this pre-season has been the regular inclusion and success of City's forgotten man, Jo. Whatever happens with the ins and outs before September comes, our previous record signing has come off pre-season with the distinction of being top-goalscorer. Goals against Portland Timbers, New York Red Bulls, Borussia Dortmund, Valencia and a cool penalty in the shoot-out against Club America has left him looking like our most prolific striking option beyond Carlos Tevez.
Whether this is the eventual maturing of the party-loving layabout that had to be sent on loan in the interests of 'dressing room harmony', or just the fruits of a desire to work himself into the shop window, will be seen in the coming weeks or months - but a seeming change of attitude would be enough, at the very least, for us to get more out of what has been ranked up with the biggest of transfer flops.
On the evidence of pre-season, his movement inside the box is intelligent and his eye for goal is sharper than I remember it. Maybe, just maybe, Jo has decided to knuckle down and try to be part of what is happening at Manchester City, rather than wasting his young career on the basis of the good early reputation that earned him his Brazil caps and a big money move.
If, as seems likely, Roque Santa Cruz is to leave the club and Mario Balotelli is to arrive, there are grounds for him being included in the twenty-five. The bonus of Balotelli is his age - he is twenty this week and therefore would not need to be registered for the season. If we go on the basis of two players for every position, having Adebayor and Balotelli for the centre-forward role would leave a space for another player to be registered. Not many incoming players would accept being the third in line for one position (especially considering Tevez, Bellamy or a number of youngsters could also be moved in to lead the line), so Jo, with goals on his side and a point to prove, could be the man.
If there aren't any additions beyond Milner and Balotelli, I would not be overly surprised to see Jo included in the first twenty-five (that is before it is allowed to be re-adjusted in January) - and hopefully he can start repaying some of the lost years with a few Cup and European goals!
As my dad said yesterday, the two teams with the worst pre-season form, City and Chelsea, could well be numbers one and two in the league this season! In recent days I saw a post on the Bluemoon Forum that reminded people of 1995. In our pre-season tour of Scandinavia and Germany that summer we won every game, and our world-beating performances filled everyone with confidence for the season ahead... We were relegated.
So, if there is not too much to be taken from the results, the big surprise of this pre-season has been the regular inclusion and success of City's forgotten man, Jo. Whatever happens with the ins and outs before September comes, our previous record signing has come off pre-season with the distinction of being top-goalscorer. Goals against Portland Timbers, New York Red Bulls, Borussia Dortmund, Valencia and a cool penalty in the shoot-out against Club America has left him looking like our most prolific striking option beyond Carlos Tevez.
Whether this is the eventual maturing of the party-loving layabout that had to be sent on loan in the interests of 'dressing room harmony', or just the fruits of a desire to work himself into the shop window, will be seen in the coming weeks or months - but a seeming change of attitude would be enough, at the very least, for us to get more out of what has been ranked up with the biggest of transfer flops.
On the evidence of pre-season, his movement inside the box is intelligent and his eye for goal is sharper than I remember it. Maybe, just maybe, Jo has decided to knuckle down and try to be part of what is happening at Manchester City, rather than wasting his young career on the basis of the good early reputation that earned him his Brazil caps and a big money move.
If, as seems likely, Roque Santa Cruz is to leave the club and Mario Balotelli is to arrive, there are grounds for him being included in the twenty-five. The bonus of Balotelli is his age - he is twenty this week and therefore would not need to be registered for the season. If we go on the basis of two players for every position, having Adebayor and Balotelli for the centre-forward role would leave a space for another player to be registered. Not many incoming players would accept being the third in line for one position (especially considering Tevez, Bellamy or a number of youngsters could also be moved in to lead the line), so Jo, with goals on his side and a point to prove, could be the man.
If there aren't any additions beyond Milner and Balotelli, I would not be overly surprised to see Jo included in the first twenty-five (that is before it is allowed to be re-adjusted in January) - and hopefully he can start repaying some of the lost years with a few Cup and European goals!
Friday 6 August 2010
The continuing problem of Robson de Souza
Robinho's loan spell with his beloved Santos has now come to an end and unless either he or the club can find anything more suited to him, he will now face the task of performing under the terms of his contract for Manchester City.
Under ordinary circumstances, I would be against keeping a player at a club against his will - afterall, a player with no desire for the shirt is usually a hindrance on the pitch. However, the City management will be wary of Robinho setting a precedent for 'superstar' players at City - and at the moment, Robinho represents the ugly side of player power.
I am a huge fan of him on the football field and I will never tire of his flair and ability - and a Robinho at full tilt is right up there with the world's most exciting footballers. However, a fan will always baulk at a player who doesn't seem to show the same commitment to the club as they do. Of course, a player with the same commitment is rare, but a couple of examples in particular tarnish all the magic Robinho has performed at Eastlands.
The first instance, and the moment that some people began to turn against him, was the abject performance he gave at Fratton Park, fresh off a scintillating, energetic display for Brazil against Italy at the Emirates. It was the juxtaposition of these entirely different displays that made people question just how much Robinho wanted to be on the South coast of England that day.
Secondly, and perhaps the most irksome, was the Santos management's surprise at the condition they received Robinho - unfit, overweight, and in need of some basic fitness training before he was ready to start in their regional championships. This from a player who was in the midst of a season in allegedly one of the most physically demanding leagues in the world.
You would expect a little more professionalism from someone who is being paid astronomical amounts of money to do his job.
Robinho has vowed to respect his City contract if we want to retain him:
"I have to talk to Manchester City about what will happen with me in the future. I have a contract with them and that has to be respected. My heart is with Santos, but if Manchester City don't want me to stay here, I have to respect that."
I really would love him to return the player we had during his first months here, but he really has to respect the contract in all its meanings - not just taking the money in, but working hard to get into shape and get into the team. Yet, as much as I would like it to happen, I would be very surprised to see it so. It is strange to think that a player who was one of Brazil's stand-out players in the World Cup this summer will most likely be completely ineffective for City, but this is what it has come to.
Unlike some people, I don't take huge offence to his constant pandering to Santos. All the comments about how much he loves Santos are a little reminiscent of his 'I want to stay here for ten years' interview he did for Football Focus just before he left for his homeland. They are probably more firmly based in truth but, as a return may not happen, he loses nothing setting up this amicable farewell to them.
The coming weeks then determine if his performances at the World Cup have convinced any suitors - I heard a satisfying rumour of Dynamo Kiev - or whether he will be 'forced' under duress of something near £160,000 per week to train at City until he agitates for another holiday on the beaches of Brazil...
Under ordinary circumstances, I would be against keeping a player at a club against his will - afterall, a player with no desire for the shirt is usually a hindrance on the pitch. However, the City management will be wary of Robinho setting a precedent for 'superstar' players at City - and at the moment, Robinho represents the ugly side of player power.
I am a huge fan of him on the football field and I will never tire of his flair and ability - and a Robinho at full tilt is right up there with the world's most exciting footballers. However, a fan will always baulk at a player who doesn't seem to show the same commitment to the club as they do. Of course, a player with the same commitment is rare, but a couple of examples in particular tarnish all the magic Robinho has performed at Eastlands.
The first instance, and the moment that some people began to turn against him, was the abject performance he gave at Fratton Park, fresh off a scintillating, energetic display for Brazil against Italy at the Emirates. It was the juxtaposition of these entirely different displays that made people question just how much Robinho wanted to be on the South coast of England that day.
Secondly, and perhaps the most irksome, was the Santos management's surprise at the condition they received Robinho - unfit, overweight, and in need of some basic fitness training before he was ready to start in their regional championships. This from a player who was in the midst of a season in allegedly one of the most physically demanding leagues in the world.
You would expect a little more professionalism from someone who is being paid astronomical amounts of money to do his job.
Robinho has vowed to respect his City contract if we want to retain him:
"I have to talk to Manchester City about what will happen with me in the future. I have a contract with them and that has to be respected. My heart is with Santos, but if Manchester City don't want me to stay here, I have to respect that."
I really would love him to return the player we had during his first months here, but he really has to respect the contract in all its meanings - not just taking the money in, but working hard to get into shape and get into the team. Yet, as much as I would like it to happen, I would be very surprised to see it so. It is strange to think that a player who was one of Brazil's stand-out players in the World Cup this summer will most likely be completely ineffective for City, but this is what it has come to.
Unlike some people, I don't take huge offence to his constant pandering to Santos. All the comments about how much he loves Santos are a little reminiscent of his 'I want to stay here for ten years' interview he did for Football Focus just before he left for his homeland. They are probably more firmly based in truth but, as a return may not happen, he loses nothing setting up this amicable farewell to them.
The coming weeks then determine if his performances at the World Cup have convinced any suitors - I heard a satisfying rumour of Dynamo Kiev - or whether he will be 'forced' under duress of something near £160,000 per week to train at City until he agitates for another holiday on the beaches of Brazil...
Tuesday 3 August 2010
'Money won't win the title - City aren't even stronger this time'
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.
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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