Caporegime
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Invest in youth?
** Summer Transfer Window 2011/12 Season Rumours/Signings **
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Caporegime
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I still think Benzema could be a good signing.
Caporegime
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Not for Arsenal, for a manager thats completely abandoned 4-5-1, has offered a 100k a week contract to a winger whose only effective in the box and centrally, and have 5 actual first team squad strikers and 2 promising youth strikers.
It does sound like Wenger though, french player, doing badly after moving to a new club, for a position we don't need and he won't use, for a stupid price.
4-5-1, RVP obvious first choice, where does Benzema fit in at any price? We got Chamakh on a free, for a position we didn't have available, and he now sits on the bench sucking 4mil a year. Do we need to spend 25mil, on a guy who will be on 5-6mil a year minimum, sitting on the bench?
Great noise coming out of Wenger this year, before whatever game it was "I won't change my philosophy, we're in the title race, its working", lose "ok, its not working, maybe we do need a change, maybe we need experience". Few days ago, "some random rubbish", lose to Stoke, badly , afterwards "I really don't know where it went wrong, maybe I'll spend some money and buy some experience".
His mentality changed completely after the Utd defeat in the 49 game run, we've been an entirely different side with a completely different manager since then. Now, in the space of weeks he's gone from arrogant, and completely wrong manager, to completely broken manager who doesn't have a clue what went wrong. If you don't know what went wrong, how can he be trusted to fix it?
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For a man that claimed to know nothing about transfers and wages at his own club, it's surprising how much 'Arry knows about City's transfer dealings and wages.
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...-Harry-Redknapp-has-warned-article733956.html
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...-Harry-Redknapp-has-warned-article733956.html
Arry was convinced that Joe Cole was signing for United this past summer only for Fergie to confirm that it was never on the cards so maybe he shouldn't take what people tell him as gospel.
I dont doubt City will spend loads again but the key for me is even with all the new signings how well they do if Tevez isn't there, City hardly play like a team as it is but Tevez has managed to carry them through most of the season if he's gone then they can sign all the players they want but they'll probably just be a bunch of individuals rather than a collective unit.
I dont doubt City will spend loads again but the key for me is even with all the new signings how well they do if Tevez isn't there, City hardly play like a team as it is but Tevez has managed to carry them through most of the season if he's gone then they can sign all the players they want but they'll probably just be a bunch of individuals rather than a collective unit.
Whether 'Arry knows anything in detail or not, City will spend big and with CL football they'll be able to attract better players too.
Anybody that doesn't take City seriously next season would be foolish imo. They might be a bit of a mess at the moment but they're going to improve. Previously they've had a choice of signing players not quite good enough or ones with questionable motives/attitudes. That won't be the case from next season.
The main question mark for me would be Mancini. At times they're too negative (not as bad as some make out though) and his selections/tactics sometimes just seemed odd; although the balance of their squad (too many central players, not enough width)(which ispartly down to him)) has't helped.
Anybody that doesn't take City seriously next season would be foolish imo. They might be a bit of a mess at the moment but they're going to improve. Previously they've had a choice of signing players not quite good enough or ones with questionable motives/attitudes. That won't be the case from next season.
The main question mark for me would be Mancini. At times they're too negative (not as bad as some make out though) and his selections/tactics sometimes just seemed odd; although the balance of their squad (too many central players, not enough width)(which ispartly down to him)) has't helped.
I disagree, As things stand I dont think the level of players City will be able to attract will be any different from those from past two transfer windows even with Champions League football. Unfortunately it looks odds on that they'll get Sanchez great prospect but look at his current position/club, whereas Sneijder who they're also being linked with I cant see having his head turned simply at the prospect of more money not when he's at a club like Inter known throughout world football with Champions League football almost guaranteed every season.
City will continue to sign the latest flavour of the month (i.e. Dzeko, Sanchez) and or whoever is surplus to requirements at their current club (i.e. Y.Toure, Balotelli), they'll probably pick up some good players along the way like Sanchez but without the very best I dont see them finishing higher than 3rd/4th lower if Tevez goes.
Right now I'd say they need a RB, a CB, a LB, a wide right player, a top striker if Tevez goes and maybe most importantly a top class centre midfielder, a lot of what they have in their starting XI at the moment I'd say are squad players rather than those that playing week in week out will win you the title.
City will continue to sign the latest flavour of the month (i.e. Dzeko, Sanchez) and or whoever is surplus to requirements at their current club (i.e. Y.Toure, Balotelli), they'll probably pick up some good players along the way like Sanchez but without the very best I dont see them finishing higher than 3rd/4th lower if Tevez goes.
Right now I'd say they need a RB, a CB, a LB, a wide right player, a top striker if Tevez goes and maybe most importantly a top class centre midfielder, a lot of what they have in their starting XI at the moment I'd say are squad players rather than those that playing week in week out will win you the title.
Agreeing to disagree on the calibre of player City will attract but I'd like to know why City couldn't finish above 3rd without having 'the very best'? No side has 'the very best' in every position on the pitch.
City have an excellent squad as it is; it's slightly unbalanced and has a few too many questionable characters in their but overall it's very strong. Their biggest failings have come from Mancini imo.
If Mancini learns from his mistakes this season, even without bringing in better players, I can see them getting a lot closer to the top next season.
City have an excellent squad as it is; it's slightly unbalanced and has a few too many questionable characters in their but overall it's very strong. Their biggest failings have come from Mancini imo.
If Mancini learns from his mistakes this season, even without bringing in better players, I can see them getting a lot closer to the top next season.
Simple, United, Chelsea and Arsenal aren't a collection of individuals, they have a team ethic much like the likes of Liverpool, Spurs and Everton also. Mancini has been in the job 18 months now and still hasn't created that if anything I'd argue that even with the additions of Toure & Silva they were a more effective unit when Mark Hughes was in charge
Mancini wont change his philosophy either he'll still look to draw the big games rather than win them which is all very well and good when you have top players that can change the game in your favour like Tevez but lose him and stick to those tactics and I dont see a team that will challenge for the title especially the while United and Chelsea are just a cut above everyone else at the moment consistency wise
Well Mancini's collection of individuals have done better than Hughes's team did and win tomorrow and they'll be just 2 points behind Arsenal and 5 behind Chelsea so they're clearly not too far away.
As I said, City probably do have a few too many questionable characters in their squad but you could argue that from a 'team ethic' point of view, City can only improve. Add that to any personnel improvements that they'll make and they're only going to get stronger.
While I agree that Mancini has been too negative at times in big games (you're exaggerating imo), he's hardly the first manager to set-up that way. Mourinho's Chelsea side was based on not conceding with the hope/expectance that they've got enough to pinch a goal on the break.
As yet, Mancini hasn't found a settled system and that's his single biggest failing. A lot of that is down to the balance of their squad and the lack of width and creativity in attack, however Mancini's acknowledged this and possible with Sanchez, he's beginning to correct it.
If City can make a few improvements to their squad this squad (both ability and mentality) this summer, they'll be a serious threat next season.
As I said, City probably do have a few too many questionable characters in their squad but you could argue that from a 'team ethic' point of view, City can only improve. Add that to any personnel improvements that they'll make and they're only going to get stronger.
While I agree that Mancini has been too negative at times in big games (you're exaggerating imo), he's hardly the first manager to set-up that way. Mourinho's Chelsea side was based on not conceding with the hope/expectance that they've got enough to pinch a goal on the break.
As yet, Mancini hasn't found a settled system and that's his single biggest failing. A lot of that is down to the balance of their squad and the lack of width and creativity in attack, however Mancini's acknowledged this and possible with Sanchez, he's beginning to correct it.
If City can make a few improvements to their squad this squad (both ability and mentality) this summer, they'll be a serious threat next season.
Really? How have you come to that conclusion? Mansour only took charge of City late in Hughes first summer in charge giving him very little time to buy that summer, the following season before he was sacked his team scored 4 against Arsenal at home, was the better team and scored twice at Anfield scored 3 at OT and beat Chelsea at home. Compare that with Mancini's team who were beat at home by Arsenal, barely registered an effort at goal against United and were comfortably beaten by Liverpool at Anfield.
In terms of league positioning you simply cannot compare the two given Hughes had to build the squad from scratch whereas Mancini was brought in with most of the ground work already having been done.
And as I said you cant just think about who they'll bring in not when they're facing the very real possibility that they're best player by a mile wont be there next season
Really what have I said that's exaggerated?
I wouldn't mind getting Benzema. We need to offload another one or two of our strikers though, be it Vela, Chamakh or Bender. Personally goalkeeper wise I think we are fine now. Wojzech is solid. We would need to get rid of Almunia though, it is just a waste of money keeping him around.
The two issues for Arsenal are letting in stupid goals at the back and not being able to score up front. Not lots of goals, but stupid ones which experienced defenders would stop. A Mertesaker/Tasic/Cahill would go along nicely with Vermaelen. Finally Jan Vertonghen would be a perfect holding midfielder, with Song covering. Benzema may help with the scoring as long as we don't let Wenger teach him that shooting is bad. An out and out striker is a necessity if we want to start killing off games. A bit controversial here but I really think Peter Odemwinge would do well.
Soldato
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25m could be spent elsewhere.. but Arsenal really do need more attacking options buuuut other areas need improving more imo.. If RVP stayed injured, Arsenal would have be ****ed. You don't lose a 4-0 lead with strikers.
Caporegime
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No idea, people are being idiotic, completely, Benzema would give us another option? Wenger plays 4-5-1, what other option does he give us, different pace of player, SITTING ON THE BENCH? Why not rent a clown, no, not Diaby/Denilson/Song, I mean an actual clown, thats a different option and he could go on the bench aswell.
The wrong manager who BY HIS OWN ADMISSION doesn't know whats gone wrong, can not be responsible for buying the right players to improve the team. He even managed to, while saying he doesn't know whats gone wrong, said we've conceded more goals from set pieces than open play.
New defensive coach, actually practicing set pieces would be nice, teaching Sagna/Clichy how to cross would be welcome, Sagna might get good defensively with a new defensive coach. Squillaci/Koscielny haven't shown anything yet but with a better defensive unit might actually be good, who knows.
But unless Wenger concedes defensive coaching to someone else, it won't matter who he buys.
Wenger's completely lost his ability to, get the best out of his players, stick to a formation, buy the right player for the right job, mostly buy the right player, make the right subs, etc, etc.
Arsenal fans have a go at our other strikers, Bendtner the most despite ignoring firstly his goal scoring record is very good, secondly, goals scored without comparing how much they've played is ridiculous. Some moron on the Sun in a Bendtner might leave laughing because he's averaged 7 goals a season at Arsenal, true, awful for a guy playing 40 games plus a season, pretty decent for a guy averaging 15 starts a season, incredibly for a guy playing 3 games a season.
Bendtner, Vela, Eduardo, Chamakh(since RVP's been back), JET, without game time how can anyone call them bad strikers, its laughable.
The way to improve a team is not keep replacing guys who don't play, with new guys who don't play. But replace the weakest members of the team who actually consistantly start games. Its really not rocket science. Lets say Eboue is crap, we replace him with I dunno, a really really good player, that new guy then procedes to start 4 games in the season, what improvement have we really made?
Now take Song, he is crap, sell him, buy a decent player, and you've replaced someone who starts most games in the season, a significant change.
Whats our biggest change over last season, Gallas for a worse CB. We've replaced Eduardo, who didn't play, for another guy who now doesn't play.
For the record Bendtner has played 480 minutes, or 5.3 games with 2 goals, 2 assists in the league this year.
Last year he played 1234 minutes, or 13 games, with 6 goals, 6 assists.
Year before, 1765 minutes or just under 20 games, with 9 goals, 2 assists, year before that, 945 minutes, or 10.5 games, with 5 goals, 3 assists.
Factor in he's used more as a sub than a starter, and almost never played in his best position or even as a striker, mostly as a winger, those are VERY good stats. So basically a SUB winger, has maintained a 1 goal in 2 games strike ratio, yet is called bad? While Nasri is hailed as a great player despite playing on the wing, getting 10 goals, 1 assist in 25.5 games this season, last season he played 21 games with 2 goals, 4 assists, the year before 26.5 games with 6 goals, 2 assists. This is a first team player, playing much closer to his favoured position, yet has a worse assist and scoring rate than Bendtner.
I've said before now THIS squad with a different manager could and should have won this league this year. 4-4-2 with bendtner/Vela/Theo/RVP rotated upfront, Wilshire/Fabregas in the middle, Nasri/Rosicky/Bendtner/Arshavin playing the wings. The only thing that cost us was lack of playing a second striker, of which we have 4-5 almost completely unused ones.
I do still take great enjoyment that Arsenal have never quite got over that
Arsenal have, Wenger hasn't, the problem is Wenger can't see how much his management has changed. he still bangs the, I will not move from my philosphy, drum, yet, he's done it frequently.
Pret 49 game run, 4-4-2, all out attack, nothing more or less, since then, 4-5-1, defensive, at home to the worst teams in the league, still 4-5-1, away to Barca, 4-5-1, brief spell we beat Barca in, 20 mins in the second half at hime, 4-4-2, with two strikers.
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Caporegime
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We don't even know who will be sold in the summer, I expect a few to go though. I doubt people like Squillaci will leave, and I still haven't made up my mind about him, he's got a lot of experience and it's his first season in a league he's never played in so I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Like DM says Bendtner shouldn't be chucked on the wing for 15 minutes at the end of a game, he should be starting alongside RVP in a formation that has two strikers, this lone front man thing isn't working at all in my opinion.
We also need a lot of work on set pieces, both offensive and defensive, we waste so many corners and we conceded so many goals from corners, long throws and free kicks that something needs to change. Personally I don't think we need to go out and spend £25,000,000 on someone, we have the players already apart from one or two who I would sell and maybe bring in better replacements. I can see what DM is saying, but you also don't get anywhere with a great starting 11 and then utter crap back up players, Diaby, Eboue, Denilson are the ones I'm looking at.
We also need a lot of work on set pieces, both offensive and defensive, we waste so many corners and we conceded so many goals from corners, long throws and free kicks that something needs to change. Personally I don't think we need to go out and spend £25,000,000 on someone, we have the players already apart from one or two who I would sell and maybe bring in better replacements. I can see what DM is saying, but you also don't get anywhere with a great starting 11 and then utter crap back up players, Diaby, Eboue, Denilson are the ones I'm looking at.
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