Mangala interview

[twosips]

I enjoyed this...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footba ... oblem.html

Daily Mail link. Apologies.

He actually requested that interview to talk about his form and how he feels he's adapting which is very rare - quite admirable in my opinion. He seems a very intelligent player - he actually talks about the game like Vinny does which can only be a very, very good thing.

I know the club does a lot more research into a player's mental well being these days and only wants to sign the most serious of professionals and this does indicate that too. Mangala seems like someone that has his head screwed on and will hopefully be around for many, many years. There will be no Balotellis, Tevez's or players that'll rock the boat I reckon.

[aaron bond]

Thanks for sharing.

I think he's turning into a very good player. There was always going to be a learning curve and he has made mistakes, but he likes to get involved in the action so there will be mistakes made. Compare him to Nastasic who did his absolute best to avoid getting involved in any defending whatsoever.

The fee for Mangala was high so that's always going to be a focus for a lot of people. But he is becoming more comfortable with life in Premier League and seems able to partner well with either Kompany or Demichelis.

[Mase]

They had to get the rags in the article straight away though didn't they...

[Ted Hughes]

Good piece. Cheers.

I'm amazed people don't 'get' this when we sign players, especially defenders, to play in the Premier League. It's very likely they are going to struggle. More likely than not. It's just whether they can overcome it quick enough to be usefull in the short term, or whether it takes longer.

If you have all the right attributes, like Mangala & Fernando, then you have a better chance long term, than those who don't (Nastasic).

[Slim]

Good piece. Cheers.

I'm amazed people don't 'get' this when we sign players, especially defenders, to play in the Premier League. It's very likely they are going to struggle. More likely than not. It's just whether they can overcome it quick enough to be usefull in the short term, or whether it takes longer.

If you have all the right attributes, like Mangala & Fernando, then you have a better chance long term, than those who don't (Nastasic).

I think we all 'got' it, doesn't make it any less frustrating watching him acclimatize.

And for those that missed it, our best defender MDM took 6 months to get it right.