MoroccanBlue

Need a big game from Higuain tonight

You are honestly underestimating Fernandinho. He has always been a technically gifted player. His passing and ability on the ball eclipses Kante's. There is zero argument there. But that is Sarri's style. A holding midfielder being able to retain possession vs an all out ball winner. Pep was fortunate to have Fernandinho who has both qualities. Pep didn't adjust anything. Fernandinho was always his first choice DM. Even Fernandinho left a lot of space his first season with Pep when teams countered them on the break. City upgraded his fullbacks and the new players had a full preseason with Pep, and now they look fantastic.

Maybe when you are on holiday, but not during the final stretch of the fucking season when top 4 and Europa is on the line.

I still don't see how Pep changed his system? It's the same philosophy with the same game plan and the same ideas. Just because Fernandinho isn't Busquets, doesn't mean it changed his entire blueprint. There are rumors because Fernandinho is going to be 34 in May.

West Ham also have nothing to play for so literally no excuses here.

Guardiola never adapted his style since the day he stepped into the premier league. His style requires technical players in every position. Especially fullbacks. His fullbacks are arguably his most important piece to the jigsaw. We saw it at Bayern. He has his fullbacks push up and play inward sharing the space with his DM. This helps them in transition, pressing, and retaining possession. This also gives more freedom to their wingers, as they operate in much more space when they hug the touchline. His first season at City, he had Zabaleta and Kalorov playing there. It's no wonder it failed miserably, not to mention his players were getting caught on the break given they hadn't mastered their press yet. The board back him with upgrades, get signings done before August so they have a full preseason with Pep, and next thing you know they are dominating the league playing his style.

Expand on this

Don't believe any of it. Outside sources already reporting we are making moves as if we expect the ban to withhold. Watch on April 11th the ban gets lifted, and L'Equipe look like dickheads

The RW has been an issue for years. I'm fully behind giving CHO the #10 kit and our starting LW, but we need a direct replacement Hazard's influence. Pulisic is still very raw and Pedro/Willian offer next to nothing consistently. Pepe from Lille is the only player I'd like us to bring in using Hazard's funds.

So terms have been agreed. Just not price.

Class comeback to be fair. Should of had a penalty as well

Fuck

CHO our new #10 then

Salah can't amount to the pressure of a title race me thinks

I remember the first real criticism of Emenalo happened coincidentally the season after Gourlay left. That summer, we failed to strengthen after a title win whilst in the meantime brought in utter gash in Rahman, Kenedy, Hector, Miazga, Djilobodji, Pato + Falco on loan, etc. Just bizarre signings that in no way improved us. Major outcry given we finished 10th.

I remember reading somewhere that Lukaku, Courtois, and KDB were scouted by Piet De Visser before he left the club. Not Emenalo. Hazard was the hottest prospect on the planet at the time and only chose us because we were European Champions. (maybe Joe Cole's influence as well) Gourlay was heavily responsible in bringing Mata, Cesc, and Costa to the side. It's no surprise as soon as he left, our board room started to capitulate. The only signing I would give credit to Emenalo was Azpilicueta. Bargain.

Emenalo vs Campos though.

For all we know, appointing a DOF could solve almost all of our concerning issues. IIt's a fair argument saying Radcliffe may come here and not even want to spend.

Anything that will keep Jorginho on his toes

In an ideal world, him doing well and taking over Dave would be great. However, I am still adamant in saying that there will always be pressure put on the manager to play players that were invested on. I fully expect us to tap into the market or keep Zappacosta vs promoting James and giving him game time. Even with good performances.

Come on.

Looks like a Kovacic replacement or Jorginho rotation option

West Ham Giroud Hazard-----------CHO RLC---Kante Jorginho Emerson---Luiz----Christensen----Dave Kepa Slavia Higuain Willian-------------Pedro Barkley----Kante Kovacic Alonso---Luiz---Rudiger--Zappa Kepa