Manchester City 2014-15: Now With as Many Top Flight Titles as Wednesday

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LTF

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On Route 93, the breakdown lanes are open for traffic during rush hour. For reasons I'm not quite sure of, the breakdown lane is typically empty during my evening commute. So I when I move into this lane and see all the space in front of me, I floor it and pretend I'm Zabs bombing down the right flank, penetrating deep into the opposing club's territory, leaving defenders in my wake. 
 
And then I sprout a boner.
 

teddykgb

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Presumably, that boner is harder than Jaap Stam.
 
I'm still just really enjoying the title win, but the club has been busy in the days since.
 
City accepted a settlement on FFP while releasing a club statement http://mcfc.co.uk/News/Club-news/2014/May/Club-statement-16-May that was pretty terse and essentially said we accepted the settlement because the settlement does us no harm.
 
Nonetheless, it places a cap on transfer budget and it is still unclear if it really puts a squeeze on roster construction for the CL (Does City need 4 HG and 4 HG+Club trained).  
 
It seems like Fernando is very hot again, and while Mangala also looked likely he's quoted in today's papers saying he'd like to play at Chelsea because it's in London.  Some strange rumors about also about Benatia, which I would love, but I bet every team's fans start making links to him this summer.
 
Overall, I think that an upgrade on Garcia may be necessary, although he was very strong late in the season.  Backup for Zabaleta is essential, and certainly we could use a CB.  Outside of that, another AM would be nice in case Silva and/or Nasri get injured again, but I think City will try to maintain its attack and solidify some of the defensive areas.  Pantilimon making way for an English backup keeper is probably a sure bet.
 

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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27484318

Yaya not happy with how the club and it's owners treated him on his birthday.

Yaya Toure's agent has criticised Manchester City's attempts to mark the midfielder's birthday with a tweet, describing their efforts as "a joke".

"He got a cake but when it was Roberto Carlos's birthday, the president of Anzhi gave him a Bugatti," Seluk told BBC Sport.
"I don't expect City to present Yaya with a Bugatti, we only asked that they shook his hand and said 'we congratulate you'. It is the minimum they must do when it is his birthday and the squad is all together.
 

PedroSpecialK

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Really weird stuff... he followed that up saying he was joking, then went back to being pissed off about it.
 
https://twitter.com/Toure_yaya42/status/468752594631143424
 


yaya toure ‏@Toure_yaya42
Everything dimitry said is true . He speaks for me . I will give an interview after world cup to explain
 

PedroSpecialK

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And somehow, it's getting even weirder. Touré's agent Dimitry Seluk goes on SSN and comes across as a psycho/drunk/both
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypsEW7oafjE
 
and somehow there's a record of what MCFC did for Touré on his birthday. Go to 2:39
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlsJIymDVxo
 

teddykgb

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Fernando is a done deal:  http://mcfc.co.uk/News/Team-news/2014/June/City-sign-Fernando
 
Sagna already happened.  
 
Not huge splashes, but I love both moves.  Solid, smart signings that add depth to the squad.  Fernando, Fernandinho, and Yaya are a ton of steel in midfield and I think Fernando is precisely what we were lacking in Europe to match some of the athleticism on display.  Garcia was OK at the end of the season but we were in dire need of a defensive midfielder with all kinds of range.
 
Sagna and Zaba will give City a tremendous RB pairing.  Zaba is immense for us, but an injury to him last season would have been a disaster.  Pellegrini should be able to rest him now and Sagna has quite a cross in him, I could see he and Dzeko forming quite a tandem.
 
Aguero is apparently out of the WC entirely with yet another hamstring injury.  At this point, his fitness is beyond worrisome, he can't manage to stay on the pitch.  I hope the club shut him down for a substantial amount of time, he just needs to get better.
 
Finally, Yaya is continuing to be insane.  He's now blaming the club for not letting him take leave to visit his sick brother, who has since died.  The club are pretty forcefully refuting this and it seems like this is going to come to a head.  I can't believe he's going this low to force his way out, but he's a footballer.  May need to prepare for life after Yaya sooner than we had anticipated.
 

teddykgb

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In the interests of continuing my conversation with myself in this thread...
 
Nasri has signed a new 5 year deal:  http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Team-news/2014/July/Nasri-agrees-new-deal  .  I'm happy to have him, although I do think we need someone with more tricks in his bag to supplement Samir.  Nonetheless, he was fantastic last season until he was scythed from behind and hopefully he continues to mature as a player under Pellegrini.  
 
Because I'm a grown man who still wears soccer shirts, I was anxious to see what Nike did with our shirt this season.  They haven't removed that godawful shield around our badge, but I'm OK with the kits although less enamored with the away kit.  I also hate the sky blue shorts, City should be in blue and white and they're fucking up the Zabaleta song:
 


 
 
 
 
 
Speaking of Zabaleta, everything looks better with him involved:
http://www.mcfc.co.uk/~/media/Images/Home/News/Team%20News/2013-2014%20season/July/DO%20NOT%20PUBLISH%20UNTIL%207AM%2010%20JULY%20kit%20pics/zabaleta%20new%20kit%20embed%20cropped.ashx
 

Jimy Hendrix

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So, Manchester City is playing AC Milan later this month in that US exhibition tournament near me. Any idea if it'd be worth going? As we don't even have MLS here in Pittsburgh, I am intrigued at the opportunity to see some high level soccer live sans road trip, but don't wanna spend a chunk of change if it's super half-assed or none of the names play.
 

soxfan121

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Many of the "names" will not play. 
 
That said, the "names" that do play are going to be excellent players and while a friendly exhibition will not replicate the intensity of a World Cup match (spring training vs. World Series), it will be an enjoyable experience for fans. 
 

teddykgb

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Jimy Hendrix said:
So, Manchester City is playing AC Milan later this month in that US exhibition tournament near me. Any idea if it'd be worth going? As we don't even have MLS here in Pittsburgh, I am intrigued at the opportunity to see some high level soccer live sans road trip, but don't wanna spend a chunk of change if it's super half-assed or none of the names play.
 
I've been to a few of these.  They're usually goalfests because the players aren't exactly killing themselves to track back and cover every run.  
 
MCFC may bring a surprisingly strong squad because some of our better players weren't called into the WC or were eliminated early.  But it will undoubtedly include a bunch of youth as well.  Plus you might get to see Balotelli.  I'd go if I were you but lower your expectations...it's more just a pretty good time than an intense soccer match.
 

Jimy Hendrix

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teddykgb said:
I've been to a few of these.  They're usually goalfests because the players aren't exactly killing themselves to track back and cover every run.  
 
MCFC may bring a surprisingly strong squad because some of our better players weren't called into the WC or were eliminated early.  But it will undoubtedly include a bunch of youth as well.  Plus you might get to see Balotelli.  I'd go if I were you but lower your expectations...it's more just a pretty good time than an intense soccer match.
Yeah, I wasn't expecting defensive intensity either way, just wanted to know if these tend to be more early spring training games or late spring training games.

Don't mind seeing U23s or whatever, but if it was only them, that'd affect how much I am willing to shell out.
 

LTF

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Home kit is meh. I liked how Reebok and Le Coq Sportif struck a balance: keeping the sky blue template while incorporating new shit (i.e., pinstripes, white sleeves, bum flaps for Joey Barton). More important than anything else is the sock design. City hasn't had good socks since the 2010-11 season when it had those kick-ass feet mittens with the crimson-and-white trim at the top. I bought a pair and made them my official jizz socks.
 

Dehere

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LTF said:
Anyone going to the Toilet for the match against Liverpool? I will be there with all sorts of kids.
Yeah I am. I guess if you're with a bunch of kids you won't be drinking before the match but if you happen to hear where the City supporters will be pre-gaming please post.
 

soxfan121

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So...Yaya gonna force a move in August? Doesn't sound like he's very happy about [insert Yaya Toure Camp complaint here].
 

teddykgb

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Yeah, he has said he's staying at City.  The fans will surely sing Happy Birthday to him at the Community Shield and hopefully he scores a boatload of goals again this season.
 

DLew On Roids

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Dehere said:
Yeah I am. I guess if you're with a bunch of kids you won't be drinking before the match but if you happen to hear where the City supporters will be pre-gaming please post.
 
You don't know LTF, do you?
 

teddykgb

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I'm just getting to the second half on my DVR but City fans should check out the match versus KC last night to see Kelechi Ihenacho, a Nigerian 17 year old we've unoffically signed because he can't sign before 18 years old.  He was magnificent and it's fun to prospect hump.  Bruno Zuculini has impressed in preseason as well.
 

teddykgb

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I'm really excited by Lopes.  I had hoped they'd keep him around as cover for Nasri and Silva but a loan to Lille should allow him to develop quite a bit.  I think he's going to be a major contributor for City very soon (assuming he doesn't push for a transfer)
 

teddykgb

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For us it is. Fernandinho, silva, and Aguero would be in this match if it mattered.

Nonetheless, the defenders are probably not even at that level with Clichy out of position and Boyata on the pitch
 

teddykgb

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You guys just love rooting for players who fall down.
 
After a snoozefest in the Community shield, better news today.  The seemingly neverending Mangala transfer is finally complete.  The fee is very high, hopefully he justifies a place next to Kompany and the back line can be a strength.  Pretty much everyone we saw yesterday won't be playing in any match that matters, but it would be wonderful to see a dominant CB pairing take this squad to the next level.
 
Javi Garcia seems to be headed to Zenit after Rodwell left for sunderland.  I have no idea how we managed to get 20+m for those two players, but it's certainly good news from a FFP perspective.  City's spend will end up being far below the cap that was imposed, maybe Wenger will eventually shut up about this (just kidding no he won't)
 

teddykgb

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The British media love making up numbers for transfers in general and for City in particular, so I highly doubt it went that high.  City gave up on both Hazard and Isco over these types of fees to other parties and this transfer took literally the entire summer to complete.  I think there's almost no shot that they ended up paying their way out of this problem, especially with all the noise about Benatia a few months ago.  The fee has always been about 30-32m, I'd be very surprised if it were realistically any higher.
 

Morgan's Magic Snowplow

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teddykgb said:
The British media love making up numbers for transfers in general and for City in particular, so I highly doubt it went that high.  City gave up on both Hazard and Isco over these types of fees to other parties and this transfer took literally the entire summer to complete.  I think there's almost no shot that they ended up paying their way out of this problem, especially with all the noise about Benatia a few months ago.  The fee has always been about 30-32m, I'd be very surprised if it were realistically any higher.
 
I don't know.  Porto has an official communication out saying that they received 30.5M euros for the 56.67% of the player that they owned.
 

DLew On Roids

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The fee seems awfully high for someone who doesn't get that much time against top-top clubs (don't hate me, VT) and couldn't force his way into the France World Cup side.  Is the City fan consensus that he brings something special, or are you paying the City premium of sellers knowing you have deep pockets?
 

teddykgb

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Sorting out third party ownership is a delicate affair, but most trusted people I've read are adamant that City paid about 32m pounds -- how much of that Porto kept and how much of it went to SL and 3rd party ownership I can't really figure out.
 
Either way, the fee is high for a pretty unproven player, although I'm not sure I trust Deschamps ability to spot a defender.  Mangala is clearly a physical freak, all kinds of athleticism, seems quick and powerful, but he's not the finished product.  I liked when we were linked with Benatia more, but I think the idea may be that Kompany is a very aggressive defender anyway and we may see Mangala taking a deeper position and using his speed and power to clean up.  
 
I think the Luiz deal really exploded the market.  If he fetches what he got, then Mangala is so young and seemingly talented that the fee is high but not unreasonable.  That said, I think City are taking a real risk here, but I find it hard to complain about anything Txiki has done at City, you have to trust their eye for talent.
 

teddykgb

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David Silva extends his contract until 2019: http://mcfc.co.uk/News/Team-news/2014/August/David-Silva-announcement
 
I'm ecstatic about this.  City are so lucky to have him.  I look back and it seems impossible that we got him for "only" 24m pounds.  There's no other player in the Prem I'd swap him for, he's not speed and power but he's just a genius at times out there.  The little spin he does to create space 3x a match is just awesome to watch.  All the passes, small touches, and dribbling in tight spaces...everyone talks about Yaya Toure and Toure goes on highlight reel runs, but Silva is the player for me, I would watch him play for other teams, let alone my own.
 

LTF

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I went to the Mad Hatter on Sunday morning for the Community Shield. Free breakfast buffet and half-price drinks. I bought some raffle tickets. That back four sucked; the atmosphere was wonderful.
 
I allegedly also went to the Mad Hatter on Friday evening. I have no recollection of this. I was told I fell off a chair and landed on my back and remained there for 60 seconds or so until someone helped me up. Again, this all allegedly happened.
 
Can't wait for Sunday.
 

teddykgb

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A not always convincing but ultimately solid 3 points won over the weekend.  Now that Chelsea are being declared future Champions due to their win over the probable relegation fodder in Burnley, City will have to find some way to entertain themselves over the next 37 weeks.
 
soxfan121 said:
 
KOMPANY! KOMPANY! KOMPANY! KOMPANY! KOMPANY!
 
EDIT: It really is a great twitter feed, teddy.



 



 
 
And don't forget another great comedy read @Beijingcasuals  .  I think i posted this one last season, but he's been tearing it up recently
 
https://twitter.com/Beijingcasuals/status/499643965952765952
 
https://twitter.com/Beijingcasuals/status/500634148751802368
 
https://twitter.com/Beijingcasuals/status/500700270717071360
 
https://twitter.com/Beijingcasuals/status/501456777096204288
 

soxfan121

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Mike Goodman says "familiarity makes Man City a juggernaut"
 
If Liverpool have dreams of challenging Manchester City this season, they’ll not only have to improve, they’ll also have to make up ground. Because while they are getting through that awkward getting-to-know-you phase, Manchester City are going to rack up points.
The Premier League can come down to very fine margins. Clubs don’t get mulligans on matches they biff in August just because their new players are going through orientation.
 
 

Stanley Steamer

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teddykgb said:
I don't necessarily disagree with the logic but City did precisely this last season. A bunch of dropped points early while getting the pieces acclimated but still went on to win the league.
I saw Pelligrini refer to this last game as a 6-pointer, which is true, but really doesn't feel that way. You never know, but with so many good teams at the top, points will be dropped. And points will be dropped in unexpected places. So, City has a three point lead and home win over Liverpool, and a good start.
It was the first full game I've gotten to see this year, and it was decent. Liverpool looked stronger for much of the first half, but Man City was incisive, and ran away clear winners. The BPL looks good again. I hope it goes down to the wire.
 
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