- Commissioner’s statement on Ventura, Marte
- Ronnie O’Sullivan: Masters champion ‘felt so vulnerable’ in final
- Arron Fletcher Wins 2017 WSOP International Circuit Marrakech Main Event ($140,224)
- Smith challenges Warner to go big in India
- Moncada No. 1 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Braves land 2 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Kingery makes MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- New Zealand wrap up 2-0 after Bangladesh implosion
- Mathews, Pradeep, Gunathilaka to return to Sri Lanka
- Elliott hopes for rain for Poli
Defence is Manchester City’s biggest area of concern ahead of 2016/17 season
- Updated: August 6, 2016
Manchester City are already feeling the effect of Pep Guardiola as their manager.
The club made a significant statement when they announced that the most sought-after manager in the game had agreed to join them this summer. The role of the manager is vital, and City managed to land one of the few who can have his pick of clubs when he decides he needs a new challenge. It was a huge moment in the club’s recent history.
His arrival has galvanised what was an ailing squad. During the club’s pre-season tour of China, Gael Clichy said, per the Sun:
In a short period of time, he’s shown us how great he is. Of course, being great doesn’t mean having results, but everyone is looking forward to this season.
The young players are improving, we’re improving. We don’t want to say too much because one manager isn’t going to change the whole club.
We all know the way he wants to play and it’s not for me to tell you what he wants. It’s very good. It’s very impressive. It’s fresh and he has new ideas.
Their pre-season plans have been somewhat compromised. Their tour of China wasn’t ideal. It opened up commercial doors that are vital in securing new revenue streams, but the stifling heat saw training sessions impacted, and one of their two arranged matches, against Manchester United, was cancelled. They travelled more than 10,000 miles in total and played just one game.
In the glimpses we’ve seen of City under Guardiola, though, it’s clear he’s having an impact. City are playing with a newfound intensity, both with and without the ball. It’s in stark contrast to the City we saw limp to the finish line last season.
There’s positivity among the squad again. Per Sky Sports, Fabian Delph said:
So far, he has been unbelievable with everyone. From day one, he knew everybody’s name. He makes you feel good about yourself and makes you want to do well and push on.
He seems like he’s been wanting to come to the Premier League to showcase his skills for some time and I’m really excited to have him here now.
Perhaps the clearest sign of the Guardiola effect came this week when the club announced the signing of Gabriel Jesus. Brazilians have a hit-and-miss record in the Premier League (as City know only too well), and there are no guarantees the 19-year-old will be a success. But the fact remains City have landed a player …
continue reading in source www.bleacherreport.com
