The European Competitions Thread

[Rmpr 8,977]

If Pellegrini starting with 2 STs wasn't naive enough, it's probably even more ridiculous that he did not rectify their problems in midfield at HT when City were only 1-0 down by getting another midfielder on. Had Mancini still been in charge, yesterday's humiliation probably wouldn't have happened.

I agree with your criticism towards Pellegrini, but to say Mancini would have done a better job is untrue...

The Chilean is playing at a high risk with the approach he is taking at ManCity, but that goes both ways, it can be a hit or a miss. But when they do hit the sweetspot, they look incredible. The thing is Pellegrini is trying to implement a very offensive team in a new league, so that obviously takes a lot of adjustment time.

The Italian might not have been trashed by Bayern or any other team, but he wouldnt have steamrolled United also (talking about last year). He was doing a great job until he decided to change the system and focus on defence abd midfield, acting somewhat like a coward. Being more caution, Mancini avoided both ends, but that doesnt mean he was doing a good job (not in the slightest).

Roberto in 2012 is a much worse manager than Manuel is right now. They have very different mentalities, but Mancini was completely losing it last year. City were drawing and looking very bad, but now they have looked very good (although they seem to play until 1-0 and then stop).

[Special Juan 28,141]

They had to get someone on Lahm, Silva was the man, just a shame it took Pellegrini a while to see it.

[Jase 43,479]

I agree with your criticism towards Pellegrini, but to say Mancini would have done a better job is untrue...

The Chilean is playing at a high risk with the approach he is taking at ManCity, but that goes both ways, it can be a hit or a miss. But when they do hit the sweetspot, they look incredible. The thing is Pellegrini is trying to implement a very offensive team in a new league, so that obviously takes a lot of adjustment time.

The Italian might not have been trashed by Bayern or any other team, but he wouldnt have steamrolled United also (talking about last year). He was doing a great job until he decided to change the system and focus on defence abd midfield, acting somewhat like a coward. Being more caution, Mancini avoided both ends, but that doesnt mean he was doing a good job (not in the slightest).

Roberto in 2012 is a much worse manager than Manuel is right now. They have very different mentalities, but Mancini was completely losing it last year. City were drawing and looking very bad, but now they have looked very good (although they seem to play until 1-0 and then stop).

Pellegrini may be implementing a new style of play at City but it's one thing trying to play attacking football and another be a tad more streetwise in the approach against certain teams. Mourinho has arguably been trying to change our style of play and implement a new one but yet, he's still adaptable in his approach in setting us up differently for certain games, even though we have probably suffered a bit from it.

As for Mancini, am just looking at his approach and suitability against Bayern specifically, not the overall situation with him and Pellegrini at City.

[Rmpr 8,977]

Pellegrini may be implementing a new style of play at City but it's one thing trying to play attacking football and another be a tad more streetwise in the approach against certain teams. Mourinho has arguably been trying to change our style of play and implement a new one but yet, he's still adaptable in his approach in setting us up differently for certain games, even though we have probably suffered a bit from it.

I get that, but the thing is City played well in every game (besides yesterday's UCL match). But they stop performing after they make 1-0, as if they had won already. So, the problem is not how Pellegrini sets up the team nor how he approaches the games, it is in their mebtal strength and focus during the course of the game...

To be quite honest, I mock many people who think EPL experience is the most important thing in the world, but I think Manuel is suffering in that area. He seems to still be in La Liga, where a small team gives up after being down against the big two, something that clearly doesnt happen in UK. And another problem he has due to the lack of EPL experience is the subs, he always make typical Spanish subs (putting the team foward when not necessary), but doesnt protect the results too much.

So, overall, I dont think Pellegrini's game plans can be questioned. But there are definitely other areas where he has been horrible!

As for Mancini, am just looking at his approach and suitability against Bayern specifically, not the overall situation with him and Pellegrini at City.

Oh ok, sorry!

[Jase 43,479]

I get that, but the thing is City played well in every game (besides yesterday's UCL match). But they stop performing after they make 1-0, as if they had won already. So, the problem is not how Pellegrini sets up the team nor how he approaches the games, it is in their mebtal strength and focus during the course of the game...

To be quite honest, I mock many people who think EPL experience is the most important thing in the world, but I think Manuel is suffering in that area. He seems to still be in La Liga, where a small team gives up after being down against the big two, something that clearly doesnt happen in UK. And another problem he has due to the lack of EPL experience is the subs, he always make typical Spanish subs (putting the team foward when not necessary), but doesnt protect the results too much

The thing is, City may have been doing well, but the warning signs were already there for City this season in that midfield and defensively as a team. Their away games in the Premier League, especially, have illustrated that. They are lacking the control in midfield with only 2 players in there and teams have found it easy at times to play around there and mind you, despite thrashing United in the derby, there were massive gaps in between City's defence and midfield which Rooney exploited it but to no avail thanks the rubbishness of his team that day. And yet despite all of this, Pellegrini did not look tighten things up yesterday.

Also it wasn't just about the lack of mental strength and focus yesterday, the key issue was the setup. Any team playing a 4-4-2 against that Bayern team is extremely suicidal, even for a team with quality and/or with great mental strength and concentration. And again, am only focusing at the game alone yesterday. So, don't get why you are suddenly looking into other aspects of Pellegrini.

[Korea 734]

On a side note, was Joe Hart part of a hyped England machince or was he really as good as he was made out to be??

[kellzfresh 7,229]

The thing is, City may have been doing well, but the warning signs were already there for City this season in that midfield and defensively as a team. Their away games in the Premier League, especially, have illustrated that. They are lacking the control in midfield with only 2 players in there and teams have found it easy at times to play around there and mind you, despite thrashing United in the derby, there were massive gaps in between City's defence and midfield which Rooney exploited it but to no avail thanks the rubbishness of his team that day. And yet despite all of this, Pellegrini did not look tighten things up yesterday.

Also it wasn't just about the lack of mental strength and focus yesterday, the key issue was the setup. Any team playing a 4-4-2 against that Bayern team is extremely suicidal, even for a team with quality and/or with great mental strength and concentration. And again, am only focusing at the game alone yesterday. So, don't get why you are suddenly looking into other aspects of Pellegrini.

And people thought mourinho was stupid to make mata improve his defensive side. Mourinho is not naïve like pelegrini and would never allow a 3 vs 2 midfield, never.

That's what puts him above benitez, pellegrini and many other good managers

[NishC300 1,865]

Saw bits of the 1st half of City and a tiny bit of Donetsk-United. Playing two strikers up top vs Bayern is quite brave (or just downright stupid), it must be quite tragic to get outplayed like that in your own stadium.

[Rmpr 8,977]

The thing is, City may have been doing well, but the warning signs were already there for City this season in that midfield and defensively as a team. Their away games in the Premier League, especially, have illustrated that. They are lacking the control in midfield with only 2 players in there and teams have found it easy at times to play around there and mind you, despite thrashing United in the derby, there were massive gaps in between City's defence and midfield which Rooney exploited it but to no avail thanks the rubbishness of his team that day. And yet despite all of this, Pellegrini did not look tighten things up yesterday.

Also it wasn't just about the lack of mental strength and focus yesterday, the key issue was the setup. Any team playing a 4-4-2 against that Bayern team is extremely suicidal, even for a team with quality and/or with great mental strength and concentration. And again, am only focusing at the game alone yesterday. So, don't get why you are suddenly looking into other aspects of Pellegrini.

But I dont agree with this notion that their midfield and defense are weak (or have been). Because when they actually focus, they looked very solid...What I am saying is their problems dont lie on preparations or tactics or whatever. It lies on their weak mentality!

If it was what you say, they would look bad and not dominate until they score. If it was Pellegrini's lineup, they would not play great until a certain point, they would just be flat out bad. You even used the perfect word, the problem is concentration and not take things for granted.

I know you were only referring to the last game (hence why I started by saying I agree with you), but when you brought the fact Mancini wouldnt have let Bayern humiliate them due to his approach I decided to quote you to 'defend' Manuel's style and/or line of thought...

[Jase 43,479]

But I dont agree with this notion that their midfield and defense are weak (or have been). Because when they actually focus, they looked very solid...What I am saying is their problems dont lie on preparations or tactics or whatever. It lies on their weak mentality!

If it was what you say, they would look bad and not dominate until they score. If it was Pellegrini's lineup, they would not play great until a certain point, they would just be flat out bad. You even used the perfect word, the problem is concentration and not take things for granted.

Being focus is one thing but that's just one part of the problem! They have quality players from back to front but there are flaws generally in that team simply because of the system and that problem was totally exposed against Bayern.

I know you were only referring to the last game (hence why I started by saying I agree with you), but when you brought the fact Mancini wouldnt have let Bayern humiliate them due to his approach I decided to quote you to 'defend' Manuel's style and/or line of thought...

I'm not even questioning Pellegrini's style. Am just looking at the problems of his system and setup of the City team generally and against Bayern..

[NishC300 1,865]

Is this the season where Barcelona don't reach the semis?

[Milan 17,957]

oh the irony

[Sidzeret 2,257]

Istanbul painted with old Blue

[NishC300 1,865]

2000 Dortmund fans arrive for the game before Kick off

http://www.101greatgoals.com/pictures/2000-dortmund-fans-were-inside-the-emirates-45-minutes-before-kick-off/

[NishC300 1,865]

#Dortmundfacts trending on Twitter.

Here's one from me:

Signal Iduna Park is the 8th Wonder of the World.

[Milan 17,957]

1. Dortmund 6 points

2. Arsenal 6 points

3. Napoli 6 points

Thats some group! Arsenal now travelling to Germany, or rather to hell.

BTW Herrera from Porto - 5th minute yellow card, 6th minute BOOM second yellow

[Special Juan 28,141]

Big Bang I just heard was arsenal coming back to earth.

[NishC300 1,865]

Big Bang I just heard was arsenal coming back to earth.

Dan Jermy ™ ‏@danyu118

@GarethBale22 The world wasn't created by the Big Bang, it was created by Dortmund fans after Oktoberfest #Dortmundfacts

[NishC300 1,865]

#Dortmundfacts The slang #Greek word for awesome, Borussiakos. Was created because of Borussia Dortmund

Another one I thought of (or Borussiakos is Cypriot dialect not sure)

[Milan 17,957]

Wilshere worry for Arsenal as midfielder hobbles off during Dortmund clash

here it starts, here it comes...