The mancityfans.net football forum

Otamendi
Mangala
Zabba
Clichy
Fernando
Navas
Kolarov
Clichy
Bony

are all mid table players, don't know why it only just dawned on me but maybe we overestimate the quality of our squad and 4-6th is exactly where we belong

Fidel Castro wrote:Otamendi
Mangala
Zabba
Clichy
Fernando
Navas
Kolarov
Clichy
Bony

are all mid table players, don't know why it only just dawned on me but maybe we overestimate the quality of our squad and 4-6th is exactly where we belong

Totally agree with this. They're squad players to compliment our spine of superstars. Unfortunately they have had to make up the spine too often this season.

I would add Delph and Sagna to that list as well.

personally I would say Fernando or Bony should not be anywhere near premier league let alone mid table but otherwise I agree

I'd like to add I also think that very few clubs in the world really has top class players for every position. At most clubs their superstars drag them over the line most of the time so having lot of "squad players" in our squad is not a problem too many. We do need to improve tho make no mistake about that!

Fidel Castro wrote:Otamendi
Mangala
Zabba
Clichy
Fernando
Navas
Kolarov
Clichy
Bony

are all mid table players, don't know why it only just dawned on me but maybe we overestimate the quality of our squad and 4-6th is exactly where we belong

Maybe because it was brought to your attention ;-)

Jeeze we're riding our luck. Edit - massively offside anyway.

Fidel Castro wrote:Otamendi
Mangala
Zabba
Clichy
Fernando
Navas
Kolarov
Clichy
Bony

are all mid table players, don't know why it only just dawned on me but maybe we overestimate the quality of our squad and 4-6th is exactly where we belong

Out of that list, I'd say Zabba and either Clichy or Kolarov (Clichy for versatility, Kolarov for ability to change a game as a sub) still have a part to play in our squad. Beside them, either Otamendi or Mangala could be retained next season, depending on who Pep plans to bring in. I expect to see everyone else sold, apart from Bony and the CB not retained, who will more likely be loaned out.

You can't call out Zaba, you just can't. No need to pick Clichy twice either! I do agree with your general point though. Delph and Fernando BANG average but maybe ok to have one as squad back up. Some money spent on the otter, Mangala and Bony, all during MPs reign. You could add MP to that list.

South Stand Balti wrote:You can't call out Zaba, you just can't. No need to pick Clichy twice either! I do agree with your general point though. Delph and Fernando BANG average but maybe ok to have one as squad back up. Some money spent on the otter, Mangala and Bony, all during MPs reign. You could add MP to that list.

Delph is far from average.

Some players don't hit the ground running when they return from injury.

Zaba and Kolarov have both played a huge pat in us winning titles and trophies, they are genuine attacking full backs of high quality. Including them is plainly wrong. Delph also looks the part. I'll give you the rest. The DoF has made more duff signings than good ones and must come under serious scrutiny.

Apart from his stupid fucking whoopsie midweek, I think Fernando has been pretty good these past 2-3 months.

Fidel Castro wrote:Otamendi
Mangala
Zabba
Clichy
Fernando
Navas
Kolarov
Clichy
Bony

are all mid table players, don't know why it only just dawned on me but maybe we overestimate the quality of our squad and 4-6th is exactly where we belong

Whilst many of our current squad are no more effective than mid table players, what makes them so ineffective is not a lack of talent, but a lack of effort. When we see so little effort and desire to put the body on the line for the cause, then the talent can't really ever shine through properly.

We either need to do better psychological profiling on recruits for mental resilience and leadership, or we need a manager who won't stand for half arsed performances. Arguably, a top club has both.

If it was not for the first five games that is exactly were we would be.

Slim wrote:

South Stand Balti wrote:You can't call out Zaba, you just can't. No need to pick Clichy twice either! I do agree with your general point though. Delph and Fernando BANG average but maybe ok to have one as squad back up. Some money spent on the otter, Mangala and Bony, all during MPs reign. You could add MP to that list.

Delph is far from average.

Some players don't hit the ground running when they return from injury.

I'd defo keep Zab's and Delph.

Fidel Castro wrote:don't know why it only just dawned on me but maybe we overestimate the quality of our squad and 4-6th is exactly where we belong

I've always thought of it this way: who at City would top clubs actually try to pay us big money for? the answer is now only 2: Aguero and Kevin. last season it was one: Aguero. that's all you need to know.
(that's not to say Silva isn't good, but a top side wouldnt pay a lot for him)

look at Real, Bayern, Barca, PSG. they all have at least 4.

Can't agree with all these. Zaba, Delph and clichy are all good enough to be top club squad players. Delph may get better, the other two I only say squad players cos they're now too old to bomb on the way they did and still recover on a regular basis. Top clubs have older players, we just have too many and an injury prone spine.

There are a few players on that list with proper management and coaching could give a bit more.

Alioune DVToure wrote:Apart from his stupid fucking whoopsie midweek, I think Fernando has been pretty good these past 2-3 months.

I agree. He did well today also. He's been either saving us from giving away goals or helping create chances through his well timed tackles and pressing.

Fernando is wank.

You can add other players to your midtable list too, but they're midtable players based on what they do. How many Leicester players would you say were midtable before the season started? Probably more than are here.

The table doesn't lie.

Slim wrote:

South Stand Balti wrote:You can't call out Zaba, you just can't. No need to pick Clichy twice either! I do agree with your general point though. Delph and Fernando BANG average but maybe ok to have one as squad back up. Some money spent on the otter, Mangala and Bony, all during MPs reign. You could add MP to that list.

Delph is far from average.

Some players don't hit the ground running when they return from injury.

i agree. i think he will flourish under pep if he stays healthy. Flourish.

cheers