Our Rivals' squads next year - Manchester City (2016/2017)

Wumminator

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So I've recently had a few people asking me to do these threads. I do like doing them and notice Man City haven't had a 2016/2017 thread yet.

Obviously the biggest change so far is in management. But lets look at their playing squad. These are the players who will have to be registered next year.

1. Joe Hart
2. Bacary Sagna
3. Vincent Kompany
4. Pablo Zabaleta
5. Fernando
6. Samir Nasri
7. Raheem Sterling
8. Nolito
9. Sergio Aguero
10. Aleksandar Kolarov
11. Willy Caballero
12. Wilfried Bony
13. Jesus Navas
14. Ilkay Gundogan
15. Kevin De Bruyne
16. Fabian Delph
17. Eliaquim Mangala
18. David Silva
19. Gaël Clichy
20. Fernandinho
21. Yaya Toure
22. Nicolas Otamendi

Notable under 21 players include:
Kelechi Iheanacho

Transfers In:
Nolito 13.8m
Ilkay Gundogan £20m


Transfers Out:

Martin Demichelis Released
Richard Wright Released

Now what is interesting is that as far as I can tell Man City only have five players that count as home gown (indicated by italics) which means that they will have to leave three spaces for "home grown" players in their squad (You have a maximum of 25 players and eight have to be home grown. For every number under eight, you have to eliminate a player from the squad)


Questions I have.

1. How much difference will Guardiola make? With the appointment being announced so far ago it almost seems to have lost impact, but he has a brilliant record.

2. Can they rely on Aguero as a striker if they are going to compete on all fronts?

3. Can they rely on Kompany as a starting centre back? Or is his time as captain done?

4. Raheem Sterling failed to impress last year, what do we think he will do this season.

5. Is there any weaknesses you can see in the squad that you think need to be addressed?
 
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BTW - they have a new shit badge.

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They will be buying a few Full backs. Kolarov and Zabaleta look to be on the way out.
 
Hammerfell said:
Gundogan wasn't free, was he?
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Sky Sports say that Gundogan was £21m

On-topic, Their biggest issue will be the age of the squad. With every passing season, Yaya and Kompany get less consistant and more injury prone, combine that with Aguero's injury record and I think fielding a consistent team will be the biggest challenge. Still probably favourites though. Certainly favourites on paper.

Personally I am hoping Joe Hart will recapture his England form this season.
 
Raheem is 21 at the start of the season would he have to be registered in the 25 man squad?

Even so they need to sell some of their players if they plan on buying anyone else over 21 thats not homegrown. Stones would be invaluable to them.
 
ChaddyP said:
Raheem is 21 at the start of the season would he have to be registered in the 25 man squad?

Even so they need to sell some of their players if they plan on buying anyone else over 21 thats not homegrown. Stones would be invaluable to them.
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I think so. Does he not have to be under 21?

Couldn't really find the rules anywhere with regards to dates.
 
Twigginater said:
Questions I have.

1. How much difference will Guardiola make? With the appointment being announced so far ago it almost seems to have lost impact, but he has a brilliant record.

2. Can they rely on Aguero as a striker if they are going to compete on all fronts?

3. Can they rely on Kompany as a starting centre back? Or is his time as captain done?

4. Raheem Sterling failed to impress last year, what do we think he will do this season.

5. Is there any weaknesses you can see in the squad that you think need to be addressed?
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1. Guardiola will make a huge difference. We'll play with purpose, we will no longer be tactically naive, and we should be a lot more competitive in Europe. As much as I loved Mancini and regard Pellegrini as a good manager, Pep will be our first truly top class manager since the takeover. With a big budget and plenty of time to have planned for the season ahead, I'm as excited as I can remember for this season.

2. Yes and no. If he is fit, then certainly. But as with Kompany, it's at the stage where Pep needs to plan as if they will not always be available. Iheanacho is an excellent prospect but whether he could consistently take Aguero's burden, especially in the big games, is asking an awful lot for someone his age, not that I doubt his capacity to perform against anyone. Bony will leave I imagine and we'll sign a forward to replace him, no idea who though at this stage.

3. No, unfortunately. Same as Aguero but he is even more prone to injury. While we can put some faith in Aguero's ability to stay fit there can be no expectancy put in Kompany or we risk having another season with a shaky defence. If he is fit I stand by the view he is the best CB in the league and he can make the likes of Mangala and Otamendi up their game as well. Everyone looks better next to him. He'll remain our captain for sure, whether he's fit or not. Can't see him leaving even if his problems persist.

4. Sterling is a tough one. He has to show signs of improvement this season or I really fear for him. Normally he would be young enough to still have another couple of average seasons and be able to develop into a world class player, but he seems like he lets the criticism affect him. A poor season under a manager of Pep's quality and the press will have a field day. That said, if anyone can revitalise his career, it is Pep. I'm expecting him to be better than last season but without being spectacular.

5. A keeper to challenge Hart and with better distribution. Rulli seems to be closest and he is already owned by some sort of City investment group I believe. A RB to replace Zabaleta, Peres seems most likely. Possibly a LB to replace Kolarov, depending on how Angelino does in pre-season. Another CM to bring some more energy there, especially with a question mark over Gundogan's fitness. A striker to replace Bony. Another winger, Sane seems a done deal to address that. And obviously one or two CBs. If Kompany keeps fit we only need one, but as we can't rely him on two will probably be needed. Stones will almost certainly sign (and will add another HG place to the squad), and Bonucci looks a slim possibility. Denayer has the potential but I feel needs another loan deal before he is ready, hopefully to another Premier League side.
 
BobbyManc said:
... A keeper to challenge Hart and with better distribution. Rulli seems to be closest and he is already owned by some sort of City investment group I believe. A RB to replace Zabaleta, Peres seems most likely. Possibly a LB to replace Kolarov, depending on how Angelino does in pre-season. Another CM to bring some more energy there, especially with a question mark over Gundogan's fitness. A striker to replace Bony. Another winger, Sane seems a done deal to address that. And obviously one or two CBs. If Kompany keeps fit we only need one, but as we can't rely him on two will probably be needed. Stones will almost certainly sign (and will add another HG place to the squad), and Bonucci looks a slim possibility. Denayer has the potential but I feel needs another loan deal before he is ready, hopefully to another Premier League side.
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With signings already made this summer, that's a lot of squad turnover you've listed, not to mention a new manager with a new playing style to instil. Are you worried that it'll take too much time this season for it all to gell together - i.e. that City might get off to too much of a slow start to mount a title challenge?
 
Twigginater said:
Questions I have.

1. How much difference will Guardiola make? With the appointment being announced so far ago it almost seems to have lost impact, but he has a brilliant record.

2. Can they rely on Aguero as a striker if they are going to compete on all fronts?

3. Can they rely on Kompany as a starting centre back? Or is his time as captain done?

4. Raheem Sterling failed to impress last year, what do we think he will do this season.

5. Is there any weaknesses you can see in the squad that you think need to be addressed?
Click to expand...

Who cares??? :confused:

So long as Mourinho does what we know he is capable of, these questions will be irrelevant and of no consequence. I'm more interested in what Jose is going to do for us rather than what the 3rd best manager will do at Manchester's second club.
 
GlastonSpur said:
With signings already made this summer, that's a lot of squad turnover you've listed, not to mention a new manager with a new playing style to instil. Are you worried that it'll take too much time this season for it all to gell together - i.e. that City might get off to too much of a slow start to mount a title challenge?
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That's always a concern with making so many new signings. The simple truth is they have to be made though. Given how devoid of energy, quality and motivation the team displayed last season, I feel bringing in fresh faces and shipping out some old ones, coupled with the arrival of a manager of Guardiola's ilk, should counterbalance the need to gel. Obviously it will take some time for all the players to adapt to his style and the new signings to settle, but with the quality in the squad we should be able to pick up points without playing at our best. We still have key players like Silva, Aguero and de Bruyne who are all familiar with the league. Plus, United and Chelsea, the two biggest rivals on paper, will be in a similar situation.
 
RedPed said:
Who cares??? :confused:

So long as Mourinho does what we know he is capable of, these questions will be irrelevant and of no consequence. I'm more interested in what Jose is going to do for us rather than what the 3rd best manager will do at Manchester's second club.
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Why did you come to this thread then?
 
RedPed said:
Who cares??? :confused:

So long as Mourinho does what we know he is capable of, these questions will be irrelevant and of no consequence. I'm more interested in what Jose is going to do for us rather than what the 3rd best manager will do at Manchester's second club.
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United fans turning into billy big bollocks with Mourinho.
 
RedPed said:
Who cares??? :confused:

So long as Mourinho does what we know he is capable of, these questions will be irrelevant and of no consequence. I'm more interested in what Jose is going to do for us rather than what the 3rd best manager will do at Manchester's second club.
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What's that then, getting humiliated by Guardiola's Barcelona 5-0? Boasting a mighty 18% win record in games against his teams?
 
Pep will not be happy with the squad as it is now, signings are needed
 
BobbyManc said:
What's that then, getting humiliated by Guardiola's Barcelona 5-0? Boasting a mighty 18% win record in games against his teams?
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You and your City brethren have a lot of faith in a manager that has no experience in the English Premier League. Just amazes me how you all assume that he's going to be an instant hit and lead you to the land of milk and honey?? His Barcelona stats count for nothing now.

I'm happy to state Jose's PL stats compared to Pep's.
 
BobbyManc said:
1. Guardiola will make a huge difference. We'll play with purpose, we will no longer be tactically naive, and we should be a lot more competitive in Europe. As much as I loved Mancini and regard Pellegrini as a good manager, Pep will be our first truly top class manager since the takeover. With a big budget and plenty of time to have planned for the season ahead, I'm as excited as I can remember for this season.

2. Yes and no. If he is fit, then certainly. But as with Kompany, it's at the stage where Pep needs to plan as if they will not always be available. Iheanacho is an excellent prospect but whether he could consistently take Aguero's burden, especially in the big games, is asking an awful lot for someone his age, not that I doubt his capacity to perform against anyone. Bony will leave I imagine and we'll sign a forward to replace him, no idea who though at this stage.

3. No, unfortunately. Same as Aguero but he is even more prone to injury. While we can put some faith in Aguero's ability to stay fit there can be no expectancy put in Kompany or we risk having another season with a shaky defence. If he is fit I stand by the view he is the best CB in the league and he can make the likes of Mangala and Otamendi up their game as well. Everyone looks better next to him. He'll remain our captain for sure, whether he's fit or not. Can't see him leaving even if his problems persist.

4. Sterling is a tough one. He has to show signs of improvement this season or I really fear for him. Normally he would be young enough to still have another couple of average seasons and be able to develop into a world class player, but he seems like he lets the criticism affect him. A poor season under a manager of Pep's quality and the press will have a field day. That said, if anyone can revitalise his career, it is Pep. I'm expecting him to be better than last season but without being spectacular.

5. A keeper to challenge Hart and with better distribution. Rulli seems to be closest and he is already owned by some sort of City investment group I believe. A RB to replace Zabaleta, Peres seems most likely. Possibly a LB to replace Kolarov, depending on how Angelino does in pre-season. Another CM to bring some more energy there, especially with a question mark over Gundogan's fitness. A striker to replace Bony. Another winger, Sane seems a done deal to address that. And obviously one or two CBs. If Kompany keeps fit we only need one, but as we can't rely him on two will probably be needed. Stones will almost certainly sign (and will add another HG place to the squad), and Bonucci looks a slim possibility. Denayer has the potential but I feel needs another loan deal before he is ready, hopefully to another Premier League side.
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How is Silva doing? I'm under the impression he had a mixed season last year and blew pretty cold in the euros, is he alright or lucky to be escaping the kind of criticism Sterling is getting?
 
ChaddyP said:
Your contribution wasn't that great either to be honest :lol:
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Hey mine had more words! :lol: At least I expressed an opinion. Just because people don't agree with an opinion they go off on one!
 
Think it's going to be a struggle for them this season. They will have a real fight trying to keep in the top 4.

Pep or no Pep the squad needs major rebuilding & i assumed they'd be spending £200 - £300 million getting in the likes of Pogba & Laporte. I can't see Pep having much of an impact with the players they currently have. They seem to be struggling to attract any quality signings.
 
BobbyManc said:
1. Guardiola will make a huge difference. We'll play with purpose, we will no longer be tactically naive, and we should be a lot more competitive in Europe. As much as I loved Mancini and regard Pellegrini as a good manager, Pep will be our first truly top class manager since the takeover. With a big budget and plenty of time to have planned for the season ahead, I'm as excited as I can remember for this season.
Click to expand...


Peps biggest issue is trying to implement a style of play that has been tried and failed in the epl by many a coach most notably LVG. Im not saying he cant do it but playing against tight defenses that dont care about having the ball 70 percent of the time and will kill u with pace on the counter is what kicked us in the nuts . Obviously as a united fan i hope its more of the same. I do hold Pep in higher regard in terms of tactical nous over your former Managers you are correct there. I just hope it takes him as long as it took LVG to implement the possession style of play to the EPL or even longer.
 
I think Pep will give them a distinct style which they might build on in a year or so. But it may take a bit of time which could drive the fecker mental. Great coach though and will definitely improve City.
 
Gol123 said:
I don't want a whole new team. Just a CM and CB will do.

He wants a RB, LB, CB, CM, Striker, LW and a new goalkeeper.
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All our full-backs are over the age of 30. Kompany is injury prone, Demichelis has left, Otamendi and Mangala are not world class. All our CMs are either old (Toure, Fernandinho) or not very good (Delph, Fernando). Bony will be leaving, as will Caballero most likely. It's not about what I want, it's about what the team needs. Any other signings would be a bonus.

Parry Gallister said:
How is Silva doing? I'm under the impression he had a mixed season last year and blew pretty cold in the euros, is he alright or lucky to be escaping the kind of criticism Sterling is getting?
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He played last season with a pain in his ankle and injuries meant we couldn't afford to rest him. He's had surgery and should be ok next season. He was poor last year but given the circumstances it was understandable. Sterling does not deserve the criticism he is getting, and Silva does not deserve anything similar either.

ChaddyP said:
Peps biggest issue is trying to implement a style of play that has been tried and failed in the epl by many a coach most notably LVG. Im not saying he cant do it but playing against tight defenses that dont care about having the ball 70 percent of the time and will kill u with pace on the counter is what kicked us in the nuts . Obviously as a united fan i hope its more of the same. I do hold Pep in higher regard in terms of tactical nous over your former Managers you are correct there. I just hope it takes him as long as it took LVG to implement the possession style of play to the EPL or even longer.
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Just labelling Guardiola's style of football as 'possession' does him a major disservice though. It's not as simple as that, and people forget given the quality of the Bayern Munich and Barcelona sides it doesn't matter who is in charge, they will be having at least 60% possession in most matches. Using van Gaal as an example of possession football not working is like asking Cameron Jerome to play as a false nine and then using his inevitable failure to to claim the position will never work in the league.
 
Their FB options suck. Hart sucks. Aguero is injury prone so the striker position is in doubt. De Bruyne is good, Silva is good, Sterling will probably be back to his best under Pep. Nolito is good. Their CM/DM players are mediocre. Toure doesn't care anymore and Fernandinho is not the same fella as in 13/14. Fernando is crap. Gundogan is fantastic if he stays fit.
 
ChaddyP said:
Raheem is 21 at the start of the season would he have to be registered in the 25 man squad?

Even so they need to sell some of their players if they plan on buying anyone else over 21 thats not homegrown. Stones would be invaluable to them.
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It's under 21 on the first day of the year (1st January) in which the season starts so anyone born on or after 1st January 1995 don't have to be registered.

So Sterling will have to be registered.
 
BobbyManc said:
. Using van Gaal as an example of possession football not working is like asking Cameron Jerome to play as a false nine and then using his inevitable failure to to claim the position will never work in the league.
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that's unfair. LVG is one of the father's of possession football. Let's not forget that he was a coach of peps at barca. Lvg has had great success with his possession football everywhere he has went Except in the premiere league. totally out of order to compare him how you did. He and pep are the biggest proponents of possession football
 
Panther said:
It's under 21 on the first day of the year (1st January) in which the season starts so anyone born on or after 1st January 1995 don't have to be registered.

So Sterling will have to be registered.
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Ahh thanks for clearing that up
 
ChaddyP said:
that's unfair. LVG is one of the father's of possession football. Let's not forget that he was a coach of peps at barca. Lvg has had great success with his possession football everywhere he has went Except in the premiere league. totally out of order to compare him how you did. He and pep are tow of the biggest proponents of possession football
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Perhaps, it was a tongue in cheek comment. Obviously van Gaal is a much better manager than Jerome is a footballer. Having said that, there is no denying van Gaal's football was ridiculously cautious and insipid. Nothing like the way Guardiola has his teams set-up. Possession with purpose, not possession for the sake of it, plus City's personnel are better suited to it even before Pep get the players he wants.
 
Twigginater said:
I think so. Does he not have to be under 21?

Couldn't really find the rules anywhere with regards to dates.
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You probably found the rules somewhere, as he is correctly included as far as i can see. Rule is that if he is under 21 on January 1st the year in which the season starts, he will be counted as under 21 for the whole season. Since Sterling turned 21 on December 8th last year, he'll have to be registered. HG though, so doesn't really matter if he is u21 or not atm in their squad :lol:
 
The problem they have is that the spine/Core of their team is now old. They've had their day - Hart (not old but has declined badly), Kompany, Toure are not what they used to be. Guardiola needs to do a rebuilding job and sign the kind of quality he was getting in at Bayern - which he has already started and I'm sure will manage. They will be up their next season.
 
BobbyManc said:
Perhaps, it was a tongue in cheek comment. Obviously van Gaal is a much better manager than Jerome is a footballer. Having said that, there is no denying van Gaal's football was ridiculously cautious and insipid. Nothing like the way Guardiola has his teams set-up. Possession with purpose, not possession for the sake of it, plus City's personnel are better suited to it even before Pep get the players he wants.
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People forget that LVG was pretty Gung-ho at the start of his tenure. We were scoring goals for fun. We were playing a diamond and were creating chances left and right. And then Leicester match happened. Went 3-1 up and then the house of cards went down. Ever since then he has been trying to find the balance with defense and offence for this league. The problem was always pace and power on the counter in the EPL. One wrong move and u can get yourself being 2 v 3 on counter. Its very difficult to get the balance as teams are much more tactically astute these days and as LVG rightly said its easier to defend with 10 men behind a ball than to break down 10 men and score. Its why second season he went double pivot DMs. Barca can find the balance because they have the best players in the world in attack. Bayern are by far the most talented side in the Bundesliga and dont have to play against EPL defenders ever game. Its not as simple as it seems. At least thats how i played it out in my head :lol:
 
ChaddyP said:
People forget that LVG was pretty Gung-ho at the start of his tenure. We were scoring goals for fun. We were playing a diamond and were creating chances left and right. And then Leicester match happened. Went 3-1 up and then the house of cards went down. Ever since then he has been trying to find the balance with defense and offence for this league. The problem was always pace and power on the counter in the EPL. One wrong move and u can get yourself being 2 v 3 on counter. Its very difficult to get the balance as teams are much more tactically astute these days and as LVG rightly said its easier to defend with 10 men behind a ball than to break down 10 men and score. Its why second season he went double pivot DMs. Barca can find the balance because they have the best players in the world in attack. Bayern are by far the most talented side in the Bundesliga and dont have to play against EPL defenders ever game. Its not as simple as it seems. At least thats how i played it out in my head :lol:
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Comparing Van Gaal and Pep is like comparing chalk and cheese. It may look similar from afar but if you eat a piece of chalk you're left with dust in your mouth.
 
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