Txiki intensive talks for Jovetic

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

Not so fast imho, we might have a 4-4-2 there.

Malaga played 4-4-2 away and 4-3-3 home last season.

Don't let NQDP see this. He'll swear black and blue that it's a 4-2-2-2, you'll argue and then he'll challenge you to a sail off around the world.

Come think of it, Antti!!!!!! Look at this!!

I said he PREFERS 4-2-2-2. I saw Malaga only handfull of times last season but they were definitely playing two up front every time. Of course no modern manager sticks to one system every game. Didn't see hint of three up front though it doesn't mean they never used it once in their other 45 or so games I didn't see.

Anyway none of these aquisitions point towards three up front. And if someone says Navas I swear they have never seen him play. Puts great crosses in but couldn't hit cows arse with a banjo in front of goal.

I think it will mostly be Dzeko/Negredo partnered with Jovetic/Aguero playing off former. I'd guess that ideal line up behind them would be Yaya and Fernandinho in the bottom of the midfield with Navas on the right and Silva on the left.

[Blue Blood]

Not so fast imho, we might have a 4-4-2 there.

Malaga played 4-4-2 away and 4-3-3 home last season.

Don't let NQDP see this. He'll swear black and blue that it's a 4-2-2-2, you'll argue and then he'll challenge you to a sail off around the world.

Come think of it, Antti!!!!!! Look at this!!

I said he PREFERS 4-2-2-2. I saw Malaga only handfull of times last season but they were definitely playing two up front every time. Of course no modern manager sticks to one system every game. Didn't see hint of three up front though it doesn't mean they never used it once in their other 45 or so games I didn't see.

Anyway none of these aquisitions point towards three up front. And if someone says Navas I swear they have never seen him play. Puts great crosses in but couldn't hit cows arse with a banjo in front of goal.

I think it will mostly be Dzeko/Negredo partnered with Jovetic/Aguero playing off former. I'd guess that ideal line up behind them would be Yaya and Fernandinho in the bottom of the midfield with Navas on the right and Silva on the left.

This is how I see it too. The signings we have made certainly suggest we are not adopting a 4-3-3.

However if we were to sign Eduardo Salvio, as is being suggested in the papers, I haven't got a clue how we will play, 4-3-3 would be a viable option then....

*In Txiki we trust*

[ant london]

Cannot believe Jo Jo can take this much of Tricky's pressing chat game.....possession chat at its most prolonged

[Slim]

Not so fast imho, we might have a 4-4-2 there.

Malaga played 4-4-2 away and 4-3-3 home last season.

Don't let NQDP see this. He'll swear black and blue that it's a 4-2-2-2, you'll argue and then he'll challenge you to a sail off around the world.

Come think of it, Antti!!!!!! Look at this!!

I said he PREFERS 4-2-2-2. I saw Malaga only handfull of times last season but they were definitely playing two up front every time. Of course no modern manager sticks to one system every game. Didn't see hint of three up front though it doesn't mean they never used it once in their other 45 or so games I didn't see.

Anyway none of these aquisitions point towards three up front. And if someone says Navas I swear they have never seen him play. Puts great crosses in but couldn't hit cows arse with a banjo in front of goal.

I think it will mostly be Dzeko/Negredo partnered with Jovetic/Aguero playing off former. I'd guess that ideal line up behind them would be Yaya and Fernandinho in the bottom of the midfield with Navas on the right and Silva on the left.

This is how I see it too. The signings we have made certainly suggest we are not adopting a 4-3-3.

However if we were to sign Eduardo Salvio, as is being suggested in the papers, I haven't got a clue how we will play, 4-3-3 would be a viable option then....

*In Txiki we trust*

We could play a 4-5-1 or a 4-4-1-1 which are just versions of 4-3-3 with width. However we have no natural left winger and only one right winger who will stay outside and cross the ball, so saying we know where he is going with this squad right now is a bit like playing darts in the dark.

I think we'll be looking at a 4-4-1-1 with Silva/Nasri and Navas/Milner wide, with Aguero/JoJo behind Negredo/Dzeko.

[Blue Blood]

Not so fast imho, we might have a 4-4-2 there.

Malaga played 4-4-2 away and 4-3-3 home last season.

Don't let NQDP see this. He'll swear black and blue that it's a 4-2-2-2, you'll argue and then he'll challenge you to a sail off around the world.

Come think of it, Antti!!!!!! Look at this!!

I said he PREFERS 4-2-2-2. I saw Malaga only handfull of times last season but they were definitely playing two up front every time. Of course no modern manager sticks to one system every game. Didn't see hint of three up front though it doesn't mean they never used it once in their other 45 or so games I didn't see.

Anyway none of these aquisitions point towards three up front. And if someone says Navas I swear they have never seen him play. Puts great crosses in but couldn't hit cows arse with a banjo in front of goal.

I think it will mostly be Dzeko/Negredo partnered with Jovetic/Aguero playing off former. I'd guess that ideal line up behind them would be Yaya and Fernandinho in the bottom of the midfield with Navas on the right and Silva on the left.

This is how I see it too. The signings we have made certainly suggest we are not adopting a 4-3-3.

However if we were to sign Eduardo Salvio, as is being suggested in the papers, I haven't got a clue how we will play, 4-3-3 would be a viable option then....

*In Txiki we trust*

We could play a 4-5-1 or a 4-4-1-1 which are just versions of 4-3-3 with width. However we have no natural left winger and only one right winger who will stay outside and cross the ball, so saying we know where he is going with this squad right now is a bit like playing darts in the dark.

I think we'll be looking at a 4-4-1-1 with Silva/Nasri and Navas/Milner wide, with Aguero/JoJo behind Negredo/Dzeko.

All sounds viable. Hopefully the upcoming friendlies will give us a clearer picture!

[Slim]

Hong Kong next isn't it? This 4 team cup thing?

Spurs, Sunderland and South China FC I think, hopefully we get to play Spurs at some point to get a real test. I honestly have no idea what the format is.

[I Just Blue Myself]

We could play a 4-5-1 or a 4-4-1-1 which are just versions of 4-3-3 with width. However we have no natural left winger and only one right winger who will stay outside and cross the ball, so saying we know where he is going with this squad right now is a bit like playing darts in the dark.

I think we'll be looking at a 4-4-1-1 with Silva/Nasri and Navas/Milner wide, with Aguero/JoJo behind Negredo/Dzeko.

There's no reason why our shape couldn't end up being lopsided with Navas hugging the touchline on the right flank & his left sided equivalent cutting inside leaving the space for Clichy/Kolarov to bomb into. It's basically what Spain do when they bring on Navas, as they don't have a tradish left winger either. Well, technically they do, but he's deployed as a left back.

[Slim]

We could play a 4-5-1 or a 4-4-1-1 which are just versions of 4-3-3 with width. However we have no natural left winger and only one right winger who will stay outside and cross the ball, so saying we know where he is going with this squad right now is a bit like playing darts in the dark.

I think we'll be looking at a 4-4-1-1 with Silva/Nasri and Navas/Milner wide, with Aguero/JoJo behind Negredo/Dzeko.

There's no reason why our shape couldn't end up being lopsided with Navas hugging the touchline on the right flank & his left sided equivalent cutting inside leaving the space for Clichy/Kolarov to bomb into. It's basically what Spain do when they bring on Navas, as they don't have a tradish left winger either. Well, technically they do, but he's deployed as a left back.

Well that is sort of the point isn't it?

If you're left sided winger is spending all his time inside the box, you won't watch him cluttered with two many bodies in the middle, having a striker who drops deeper will allow them space and isolation to run into.

And I trust Kolarov to do fucking nothing, I wish we could get shut of him right now and replace him with literally anyone on the planet. Anyone, seriously....Mike, what are you doing next season?

[Blue Blood]

We could play a 4-5-1 or a 4-4-1-1 which are just versions of 4-3-3 with width. However we have no natural left winger and only one right winger who will stay outside and cross the ball, so saying we know where he is going with this squad right now is a bit like playing darts in the dark.

I think we'll be looking at a 4-4-1-1 with Silva/Nasri and Navas/Milner wide, with Aguero/JoJo behind Negredo/Dzeko.

There's no reason why our shape couldn't end up being lopsided with Navas hugging the touchline on the right flank & his left sided equivalent cutting inside leaving the space for Clichy/Kolarov to bomb into. It's basically what Spain do when they bring on Navas, as they don't have a tradish left winger either. Well, technically they do, but he's deployed as a left back.

I agree with that, Pelles teams traditionally get their width from the wing backs not the wide mids. All a bit like Spain/Barca.

Clichy, Kola, Richards and Zabba will be key figures to our success this year.

[I Just Blue Myself]

We could play a 4-5-1 or a 4-4-1-1 which are just versions of 4-3-3 with width. However we have no natural left winger and only one right winger who will stay outside and cross the ball, so saying we know where he is going with this squad right now is a bit like playing darts in the dark.

I think we'll be looking at a 4-4-1-1 with Silva/Nasri and Navas/Milner wide, with Aguero/JoJo behind Negredo/Dzeko.

There's no reason why our shape couldn't end up being lopsided with Navas hugging the touchline on the right flank & his left sided equivalent cutting inside leaving the space for Clichy/Kolarov to bomb into. It's basically what Spain do when they bring on Navas, as they don't have a tradish left winger either. Well, technically they do, but he's deployed as a left back.

Well that is sort of the point isn't it?

If you're left sided winger is spending all his time inside the box, you won't watch him cluttered with two many bodies in the middle, having a striker who drops deeper will allow them space and isolation to run into.

And I trust Kolarov to do fucking nothing, I wish we could get shut of him right now and replace him with literally anyone on the planet. Anyone, seriously....Mike, what are you doing next season?

Of course, but usually, with a symmetrical formation, you have the option to mix it up a bit, switching the 'narrow' & the 'wide' sides, where the player on the other side of the ball will tuck in. With a lopsided formation you are a bit limited in that respect, but I suppose it's all about getting the best out of the available players.

And don't hate on Kola (in this particular instance), as that is actually the one thing (apart from set pieces) that he is quite capable of. Running into space (where he doesn't have to beat a man... or defend) & whipping in a sharp cross.

I agree with that, Pelles teams traditionally get their width from the wing backs not the wide mids. All a bit like Spain/Barca.

Clichy, Kola, Richards and Zabba will be key figures to our success this year.

Sounds familiar...

[Wonderwall]

Hong Kong next isn't it? This 4 team cup thing?

Spurs, Sunderland and South China FC I think, hopefully we get to play Spurs at some point to get a real test. I honestly have no idea what the format is.

Spurs v mackems up first then we follow straight after it v south china FCC.

Then winners v winners and losers v losers

[CTID Hants]

Hong Kong next isn't it? This 4 team cup thing?

Spurs, Sunderland and South China FC I think, hopefully we get to play Spurs at some point to get a real test. I honestly have no idea what the format is.

Spurs v mackems up first then we follow straight after it v south china FCC.

Then winners v winners and losers v losers

Is this more like a proper comp i.e. will we be restricted to the usual 3 subs rather swapping the whole side at HT like in Africa?

I didn't bother with last nights game as the first one didn't tell us much.

I am rather hoping to see a team that is likely to actually start a game next season. Is it too early in pre-season for that, should I be waiting until the German tourno?

[Dameerto]

He is no.8 for club and country.....is nasri going to give up the number?

Is Nasri going to be a City player next season? We are running out of regular 1st team spots and while I think he is very talented, Nasri really has failed to perform consistently.

I fookin hope not Mr. Slim. I'm sick to death of the French Pretender.

[DoomMerchant]

Well that is sort of the point isn't it?

If you're left sided winger is spending all his time inside the box, you won't watch him cluttered with two many bodies in the middle, having a striker who drops deeper will allow them space and isolation to run into.

And I trust Kolarov to do fucking nothing, I wish we could get shut of him right now and replace him with literally anyone on the planet. Anyone, seriously....Mike, what are you doing next season?

I am willing to play left back of it benefits the team, though it isn't my natural position.

[Slim]

Well that is sort of the point isn't it?

If you're left sided winger is spending all his time inside the box, you won't watch him cluttered with two many bodies in the middle, having a striker who drops deeper will allow them space and isolation to run into.

And I trust Kolarov to do fucking nothing, I wish we could get shut of him right now and replace him with literally anyone on the planet. Anyone, seriously....Mike, what are you doing next season?

I am willing to play left back of it benefits the team, though it isn't my natural position.

There are two requirements for being a defensive midfielder, are you left footed?

[DoomMerchant]

Well that is sort of the point isn't it?

If you're left sided winger is spending all his time inside the box, you won't watch him cluttered with two many bodies in the middle, having a striker who drops deeper will allow them space and isolation to run into.

And I trust Kolarov to do fucking nothing, I wish we could get shut of him right now and replace him with literally anyone on the planet. Anyone, seriously....Mike, what are you doing next season?

I am willing to play left back of it benefits the team, though it isn't my natural position.

There are two requirements for being a defensive midfielder, are you left footed?

i hand you a "natural position" gag on a plate, as your straight man, and you fucking wiff. Sort it out vacation boy.

cheers

[Slim]

Well that is sort of the point isn't it?

If you're left sided winger is spending all his time inside the box, you won't watch him cluttered with two many bodies in the middle, having a striker who drops deeper will allow them space and isolation to run into.

And I trust Kolarov to do fucking nothing, I wish we could get shut of him right now and replace him with literally anyone on the planet. Anyone, seriously....Mike, what are you doing next season?

I am willing to play left back of it benefits the team, though it isn't my natural position.

There are two requirements for being a defensive midfielder, are you left footed?

i hand you a "natural position" gag on a plate, as your straight man, and you fucking wiff. Sort it out vacation boy.

cheers

Did you get that I said there were two requirements but only listed one?

Did you get that it was a bald joke?

Oh come on now, it's not gonna work if I have to explain it.

[xavi6]

He's updated his Twitter bio, good sign!

https://twitter.com/StevanJovetic8

Stevan Jovetic
@StevanJovetic8

23 years old. Football player for Manchester City and the Montenegro National Squad. ⚽Подгорица, Црна Гора

Too Many Places

[DoomMerchant]

Well that is sort of the point isn't it?

If you're left sided winger is spending all his time inside the box, you won't watch him cluttered with two many bodies in the middle, having a striker who drops deeper will allow them space and isolation to run into.

And I trust Kolarov to do fucking nothing, I wish we could get shut of him right now and replace him with literally anyone on the planet. Anyone, seriously....Mike, what are you doing next season?

I am willing to play left back of it benefits the team, though it isn't my natural position.

There are two requirements for being a defensive midfielder, are you left footed?

i hand you a "natural position" gag on a plate, as your straight man, and you fucking wiff. Sort it out vacation boy.

cheers

Did you get that I said there were two requirements but only listed one?

Did you get that it was a bald joke?

Oh come on now, it's not gonna work if I have to explain it.

I surrender. Fuck, yr good. Yr playing chess, and i'm playing checkers. Apologies.

cheers

[zuricity]

There are two requirements for being a defensive midfielder, are you left footed?

You shouldn't bring religion into debates.