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

sammyvine said:
They did win it but there were not where near the level of Pep's Barcs team. That team was one of the best of all time.
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I am just answering your post about Real and their managers.
I also asked you about Luis Enrique...Is he the best manager in the world now because his Barca side are again terrorizing and destroying everyone and he matched Pep's success in his first two years? And what about Rijkaard? Was he one of the best managers in the world because his Barca were again a very very good side that won everything.
The bottom line is that Barca had the best footballing generation in the history of football. I can argue that Heynkes's Bayern were terrific to watch and destroyed everything in their way and Guardiola did not build on that- quite the opposite...
 
Slavkov said:
I am just answering your post about Real and their managers.
I also asked you about Luis Enrique...Is he the best manager in the world now because his Barca side are again terrorizing and destroying everyone and he matched Pep's success in his first two years? And what about Rijkaard? Was he one of the best managers in the world because his Barca were again a very very good side that won everything.
The bottom line is that Barca had the best footballing generation in the history of football. I can argue that Heynkes's Bayern were terrific to watch and destroyed everything in their way and Guardiola did not build on that- quite the opposite...
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They had some fantastic results against Barca & Juventus, but only went through on aggregate against Arsenal and very narrowly won the final. It's extremely difficult winning the Champions League, and judging a managers success from that competition is harsh beyond measure.
 
We'veGotDeleAlli said:
They had some fantastic results against Barca & Juventus, but only went through on aggregate against Arsenal and very narrowly won the final. It's extremely difficult winning the Champions League, and judging a managers success from that competition is harsh beyond measure.
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I absolutely agree with that. In my opinion, winning the Champions League nowadays depends mostly on luck. It is not accidental that no team have won it 2 years in a row, not even that outrageous Barca team in the last 10 years. I have just used this as an example.
 
Slavkov said:
Well I do think that there are like 100 managers in the world who would do exactly the same with his Barca team (is Luis Enrique now the best manager in the world?) and his Bayern team and around 30 managers that could do better with his Bayern team...
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That's not what I was commenting on. Him saying Inter did not have a huge advantage over the other teams in the league was complete nonsense.

But yes, your '100 managers' comment is condescending and stupid, too.
 
bungdan said:
:lol: The sheer arrogance of United fans never fails to astound me.
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Pretty sure there's this option of logging off and not coming back if you've such a problem...
 
Brwned said:
:confused:

They played what looked like a fairly run-of-the-mill 4231/433 today. Fernando and Kolarov played at centre back because they had no-one else available, and understandably they were a bit vulnerable. Actually that's not true, they did have one other option - some kid called Adarabioyo who presumably is a natural centre back but clearly not ready for this level because he got subbed on and fell to pieces.

They definitely need at least one proper ball-playing centre back though. In fact their entire back 5 needs to be revamped to fit his way of playing. Good luck to 'em is all I can say.
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They had Denayer available and ready in squad. Many City fans are bemused as to why he isn't playing.

Their transfer work has been strange, it's all good buying future prospects but their defense is quite average and Hart seems to have deteriorated as a player too.
 
bungdan said:
That's not what I was commenting on. Him saying Inter did not have a huge advantage over the other teams in the league was complete nonsense.

But yes, your '100 managers' comment is condescending and stupid, too.
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Who are you to say what is stupid and what not? I have my opinion and only time will show whether I ak right or not...For me he is overrated. I do not know what is stupid and what not but the fact that some people do not understand hunour, hyperboles, metaphores probably speaks a lot about them.
Finally Mourinho's Inter and Porto and the scousers in 2005 were the weakest teams to win the Champions league.

Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Walter, Zanetti/Chivu, Thiago Motta, Cambiasso, Snejder, Pandev, Eto'o, Millito.

That is the most talented squad in the world of football. Some of these players were not startera for their teams in the previous year. 70% of them were above 30 and 40% were above 32...

But what do I know??? I want to ask you just one question...Which of these players would start for Barcelona that same year? (do not say Eto'o because they sold him..)
 
Slavkov said:
First of all I was of course not talking literally.
Secondly, look at what Real have won in the last 20 years with the number of managers they had.
Thirdly, Real won the Champions League with Zidane 3 months ago if I am not mistaken...
Lastly, is Luis Enrique the best manager in the world at the moment because he is matching what Guardiola did with Barca...
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But he isn't matching what Pep did with Barca. He arguably has a better starting 11 now and hasn't won a treble.
 
Cityfaninpeace said:
But he isn't matching what Pep did with Barca. He arguably has a better starting 11 now and hasn't won a treble.
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Well in my opinion he certainly does not have a better starting eleven now. Messi is not as influential now as he used to be because he has almost lost his pace for one, I can state another 5-6 players but there is no point in doing that. As far as dominance is concerned they thrashed almost everything in their way for 15 months- the calendar 2015 and the first three months of 2016, they humiliated Real in Madrid and something just happened for one month, probably their lack of squad depth took its toll, the players were very tired and they crashed. Nevertheless I think they are definitely matching Pep's Barcelona in terms of dominance as well. That is what I meant when I used the metaphor for the 30 coaches, 100 coaches, etc. Rijkaard's Barca was terrific and was dominating then Guardiola's Barca was terrific and was dominating and now Luis Enrique's Barca is terrific and is dominating. They even played one year without a coach... I am not saying Big Sam will win everything with them,ffs but I am saying that almost every intelligent manager who just lets those players play their game will win the lot with this team. Luis Enrique was average before he took them and his teams were never that good. Rijkaard has failed everywhere else apart from Barcelona and Guardiola only took the best team in the world in the most one-sided league in the world (apart from Ligue 1 after the sheikh) and he did not do that good in Europe. He had 8 important matches as Bayern's coach in Europe and he was tactically outsmarted and outplayed in every single one of them...
 
Messi not as influential now? :wenger:

I don't think you actually watch the teams you're discussing.
 
Bob Loblaw said:
Messi not as influential now? :wenger:

I don't think you actually watch the teams you're discussing.
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Of course not. He's saying that because he doesn't score as many goals, completely ignoring the fact that because Barcelona now have two other excellent goalscoring threats, Messi has taken on the role of chief creator in the side. If anything he's more influential, not as explosive or exciting to watch perhaps, which is why some people think he's declined.
 
We'veGotDeleAlli said:
They had some fantastic results against Barca & Juventus, but only went through on aggregate against Arsenal and very narrowly won the final. It's extremely difficult winning the Champions League, and judging a managers success from that competition is harsh beyond measure.
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Well let's not mention Barca robbing Chelsea of 4 penalties to scrape their way to the 2009 final.

Or the ridiculous red card they needed to get past Arsenal in 2011 and the red card and disallowed goal against Madrid in the semis..
 
Dominos said:
Well let's not mention Barca robbing Chelsea of 4 penalties to scrape their way to the 2009 final.

Or the ridiculous red card they needed to get past Arsenal in 2011 and the red card and disallowed goal against Madrid in the semis..
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The red card was right though
Pepe's challenge was dangerous
 
Red Bug said:
I actually think we have a better squad on paper than City now and it's been a while since I have thought that.
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According to Jamie Carragher on SSN City still have the strongest squad in the league. I can only assume he's going off how much players in the squad have cost rather than how good they actually are at football.
 
namco said:
According to Jamie Carragher on SSN City still have the strongest squad in the league. I can only assume he's going off how much players in the squad have cost rather than how good they actually are at football.
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City need major improvements all over the park.

GKs are all bang average.

Defence is dog chod. Kompany is injury prone. Mangala and Otamendi are mistakes waiting to happen.

Midfield is ok. Gundogen is injury prone. Fernando is rubbish. Birthday Cake Boy's legs have gone.

Attack is good. Although when Aguero is injured, which always happens, Nolito needs to step up.

Key players: De Bruyne, Silva (who isn't the player he was these days) and Aguero.
 
Their attack is very good. They'll outscore everyone again this year. Maybe Klopp's extremely attacking Liverpool can match them with 4-0, 0-4 results all year.
 
Red Bug said:
City need major improvements all over the park.

GKs are all bang average.

Defence is dog chod. Kompany is injury prone. Mangala and Otamendi are mistakes waiting to happen.

Midfield is ok. Gundogen is injury prone. Fernando is rubbish. Birthday Cake Boy's legs have gone.

Attack is good. Although when Aguero is injured, which always happens, Nolito needs to step up.

Key players: De Bruyne, Silva (who isn't the player he was these days) and Aguero.
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I think you are being a bit harsh but I do agree with some of what you said. I think Man City will still be strong contenders to get into the top 4 this season but this will be a transitional year for them so I do not fancy their chances at winning the title. Next year will be a different story but this is not going to be an easy year for them.
 
What's exciting this season, similar to last, is that every team has its flaw and holes. No one is the stand out contender.
 
City will be good to watch if Pep adjusts to the EPL etc
Utd will be a well oiled machine under Jose
Chelsea hard to beat
Arsenal same old.

Will be out of Jose, pep or conte for title and itll be close
 
salford_ said:
City will be good to watch if Pep adjusts to the EPL etc
Utd will be a well oiled machine under Jose
Chelsea hard to beat
Arsenal same old.

Will be out of Jose, pep or conte for title and itll be close
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I don't agree with many of your posts but you're spot on here!
 
I hope City stick with their current squad.

It'll be comical watching their defence and gk come under pressure and doing stupid things like 3 at the back all of which are midfielders etc. They'll score for fun but they'll also let in a lot also.
 
Who have the signed this summer? any more expected incomings?

Ive barely heard anything on Guardiola or City this summer.
 
sammsky1 said:
Who have the signed this summer? any more expected incomings?

Ive barely heard anything on Guardiola or City this summer.
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Gundogan top signing if stays fit. Nolito i dont think was needed as such, Sane only seen really in tournaments and odd CL game. Potential he is i suspect. Gabriel Jesus only read about, Marlos Moreno i think will barely play, outside of cup games when he arrives
 
salford_ said:
Gundogan top signing if stays fit. Nolito i dont think was needed as such, Sane only seen really in tournaments and odd CL game. Potential he is i suspect. Gabriel Jesus only read about, Marlos Moreno i think will barely play, outside of cup games when he arrives
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Jesus won't join until January and Moreno is one for the future too, he's on loan at Deportivo for a year and Zinechenko is another one for the future. Gundogan, Nolito and Sane are our first team signings this season. I'm guessing we will see a CB by the end of the window too. City definitely seem to be planning for the next 3-5 years rather than the now which I'm personally pleased with but I do think it puts us at a disadvantage for at least the first season under Pep when it will inevitably take time to implement his system.
 
Cityfaninpeace said:
Jesus won't join until January and Moreno is one for the future too, he's on loan at Deportivo for a year and Zinechenko is another one for the future. Gundogan, Nolito and Sane are our first team signings this season. I'm guessing we will see a CB by the end of the window too. City definitely seem to be planning for the next 3-5 years rather than the now which I'm personally pleased with but I do think it puts us at a disadvantage for at least the first season under Pep when it will inevitably take time to implement his system.
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forgot about the Ukranian lad. Stones will join eventually, of that im certain.
 
All the teams challenging for the title this year will depend on the form of the key players and there has never been as many question marks surrounding the top stars or teams as there has this year. You normally know what you are going to get from the top players and what they will do in the forthcoming season.

United for example, many people have said they will win the league if Ibra turns up, it's an IF because he's 33/34 and he's new to the league. There is question marks over Mkhi as he took a while to adapt in Dortmund and it could be the same situation here. Rooney is returning to a more attacking position, will that bring a return to form or will he be kept in the side despite being our worst player, and will Martial have second season syndrome and have an average season. The only guarantee to deliver world class performance is De Gea.

For Chelsea, Hazard is the main men and if he's firing then Chelsea will be up there but he was terrible last season and bought into his own hype however he was surrounded by a lot of stars not performing as well. Costa only started playing well towards the end of the season, but now he's been linked with a move away. Fabregas blew hot and cold & needs the right players around him to perform. Kante 2nd season in the Prem for a new club. If those 4 replicate their best form that they have produced in the last 3 years then you would fancy them.

City have the best squad for me but also the biggest question marks as well. Hart doesn't suit Pep's style and had a terrible Euro's, Kopmany while being top class is a crock likewise Gundogan, can Yaya produce the goods for one more season, likewise with Silva. Will Sterling show some sort of consistency and end product, and will Aguero stay fit all season?
 
salford_ said:
Gundogan top signing if stays fit. Nolito i dont think was needed as such, Sane only seen really in tournaments and odd CL game. Potential he is i suspect. Gabriel Jesus only read about, Marlos Moreno i think will barely play, outside of cup games when he arrives
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Thanks!


Gundogan
Nolito
Sane
Gabriel Jesus

Vs

Ibra
Bailly
Mhiki
Pogba


Hmm. Underwhelming to say the least.
 
SambaBoy said:
United for example, many people have said they will win the league if Ibra turns up, it's an IF because he's 33/34 and he's new to the league
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He's 34, and turns 35 in 2 months.

City do worry me a lot for some reason. Have a horrible feeling they're going to smash everyone this year.
 
Kentonio said:
He's 34, and turns 35 in 2 months.

City do worry me a lot for some reason. Have a horrible feeling they're going to smash everyone this year.
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I feel the same about Chelsea to be honest! I think having less games will also be a blessing for you boys. Your first 11 is up there with anyone's so if you can keep key players fit I think you could surprise everyone.
 
I'm not worried about City at all. Nolito is bang average, Sane is still a kid, Jesus looks average & won't join till January, Silva is in decline, Gundogan/Aguero are both injury prone & they haven't improved their goalkeeper or backline. De Bruyne & Pep are brilliant but that isn't enough.

I think United are favourites as thing stand. Elite goalkeeper, one of the better defences, Pogba addition should bolster the midfield & have a well balanced combo of youth (Martial, Rashford, Lingard) & experience (Ibra, Rooney, Mkhitaryan, Mata) in attack.

I think the only threat to them would be Chelsea with them playing once a week, Hazard alone looks even better than before & will carry them into a Top 4 spot & the Kante signing was huge but the lack of defensive signings is a massive worry. If the Koulibaly signing gets completed & another fullback can be brought in then they should be a threat.
 
Their attack is best in the league.

But their other departments I don't think a lot of other teams in the top 6 teams would want to trade centre midfielders, defenders or goalkeepers with theirs. Kompany and Gundogan could be great when they aren't injured. But the rest of the spine is average. Spending £50m on Stones isn't going to be the solution also.
 
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