When's the last time we didn't win on the opening day?

 

I remember we drew at Stoke under AVB I believe?

 

Don't think we've failed to win since then, but can't remember every game.

I remember we drew at Stoke under AVB I believe?

Don't think we've failed to win since then, but can't remember every game.

I can't remember that at all haha

I can't remember that at all haha

 

Last year we won at Burnley

Year before I think we beat Hull 3-1 in Jose's first game back? With Lamps scoring that 40 yard free kick?

Under Robbie we had a flying start so assuming we probably won.

So year before that was AVB, I think it was a 0-0 draw at Stoke but not 100%.

Edited August 10, 201510 yr by Jonty

Last year we won at Burnley

Year before I think we beat Hull 3-1 in Jose's first game back? With Lamps scoring that 40 yard free kick?

Under Robbie we had a flying start so assuming we probably won.

So year before that was AVB, I think it was a 0-0 draw at Stoke but not 100%.

Hull game was 2-0

I really can't remember that Stoke game lol

When's the last time we didn't win on the opening day?

 

Not certain but I'm pretty sure it was said on the radio that Saturday was only the second time in 14 seasons, the other time being the Stoke game already mentioned.

Martin Samuel is a brilliant writer,best in the business.

I don't actually see where we can improve the first team though. No player is going to come in and get ahead of what we have currently, so if the quality is not out there then we can't do much.

I don't actually see where we can improve the first team though. No player is going to come in and get ahead of what we have currently, so if the quality is not out there then we can't do much.

I think it's about having an option that can put pressure on our first team. Say we signed Pedro, he'd keep a few on their toes and this would also allow Jose to have good options so he can rotate more often.

He's hit the nail in the head with that article. Jose seems unhappy with the club's dealings. It doesn't matter if he signed for 4-years. Contracts are piece of papers.

He's hit the nail in the head with that article. Jose seems unhappy with the club's dealings. It doesn't matter if he signed for 4-years. Contracts are piece of papers.

You think that's why he seems so frustrated? It would make sense.

I really am worried we're trying to save money for the stadium so transfer budgets won't be great.

Edited August 10, 201510 yr by Bobbywoodhogan

I don't actually see where we can improve the first team though. No player is going to come in and get ahead of what we have currently, so if the quality is not out there then we can't do much.

Willian & Ivanovic for starters; a Pedro & Rodriquez swap for those 2 would improve our squad. We shouldn't be using what our rivals are doing as a yardstick for our dealings. We are behind Madrid, Barca, Atletico, Bayern, PSG & maybe even Juve as things stand. If City buy De Bruyne & Pedro before the window closes, they will be my tip for title. As things stand we are heavily reliant on Hazard.

Wolfsburg are holding city at ransom. If City are happy to pay it and go that way, fair enough maybe it's going to work for them. I just don't think that's a strategy we could afford in the long run. Therefore we shouldn't compare City's dealings with ours. Financially they are probably a step above us since Roman asset's (most likely) dwindled during the recent Russian economic crisis. To cut a long story short: it shouldn't be of interest how other clubs act because most probably they'll find themselves in a somewhat different position to ours. Of course City have an advantage with the factual renunciation of FFP. We'll have to hope that we have the better manager and staff who'll compensate for that weakness. 

Edited August 10, 201510 yr by Uxanga

What frustrates me is comments such as "we won the league in May, we arent a sh*te team by August" etc. I can see the point, but history has proven consistently time and time again that if you do not add to your squad after a significant title win then you will find it hard the following season. 

 

It is not simply a question of replacing players in the first XI. Jose himself acknowledged that it is a psychological boost to the incumbent players and stated his desire to add competition to his squad when commenting earlier in the summer. Again, I find myself posting this quote as so many people choose to ignore it: 

 

“I want a striker, because we lost our legend (Didier Drogba),” he stated. “Also a defender and a midfield player to give a little bit more competitiveness to the squad, bring some new blood in, put some players a little bit under pressure.

“They know they have someone waiting, I need that to support my way of working."

 

His tune has now changed and I will again put forward the following scenario. Imagine we are 2-1 down against city this coming weekend, and we need some fresh ideas or some extra width, or perhaps we need to start winning the midfield battle if we are being over-run there and consequently finding ourselves on the back foot. Jose looks to the bench, and we have Moses, Mikel, Ramires.

 

That simply is not good enough.

 

This squad needs competition. And this squad needs additional quality in depth. This is why I am absolutely baffled as to why we havent been going in for these players who seemingly are available, the likes of Pedro, Schneiderlin or the boy Aranguiz who would surely fill out the squad nicely with some fresh blood. The list goes on and you could argue that it is strange we haven't made more of a push for players like Vidal, Griezmann, Koke etc... that one stellar game changer who perhaps lifts the dressing room and gives everyone a boost. At present we find ourselves with 5 first team defenders, no cover at LB with a RB currently playing there, a cast iron strength loyalty from the manager to Ivanovic who just simply will not ever, ever be dropped, and a similarly resolute loyalty to the likes of mikel who retains a squad place because he is seemingly content to just be "that" guy. I cant understand it, its hugely frustrating and it looks like we will be going into this season with the same first XI playing every. single. game. which will, to my mind, only result in abject failure.

 

We have looked very, very average throughout preseason, and it is absolutely undeniable that keeping players on their toes and keeping them hungry is HUGELY important in a title race. City may have added only sterling, Arsenal may have added only Cech, but remember they will have a raging desire to chase us and chase that title. City blew it last season after clawing us back in January, who is to say that they wont crack on through this season in rampant form? If their players stay fit, then it doesnt take a genius to recognise that they are a fantastic team, or certainly have the potential to be, on their day. 

 

I said a while ago i foresee a transition season for City, and still think it could be the case, but equally after watching us against Arsenal and Swansea, I am f**king worried about Sunday. We could find ourselves 5 points behind the leaders after 2 games; compare and contrast against last season where we were at the top of the league from the word go right until the end, with a few squeaky bum moments along the way. 

 

To me it is a psychological issue. I am not sitting here bawling about how we need varane, pogba etc. But we need, f**king desperately need, some new players in to keep things fresh and also to take some of the burden off our ONE creative outlet, hazard. 

 

wishlist? id be happy with the boy Rahman at LB, Stones in for additional defensive cover and as a future prospect, and witsel for a bit of extra grit in midfield. Pedro for me would be an absolute no brainer at this stage too. 4 players, none of whom are guaranteed starters, but plenty of quality between them to allow the boss to rotate his squad, something he has been completely un-willing to do, largely i would imagine due to the backup players being devoid of the requisite quality. 

 

Its not f**king rocket science and it is telling that a number of media outlets have openly expressed our bizarre approach to this transfer window. This is not news. This issue has been bubbling along throughout last season and if it isnt addressed then I genuinely feel that we could be in trouble. 

 

Also think city are going to do us convincingly this weekend. hang me out to dry if you please, but I think we are teetering on the cusp of a spanking and i can see it happening at the etihad. 

Seems to be we've either nit been able to get certain targets (I'm pretty sure we wanted Koke) and/or that the money isn't available.

^ Can't see us getting spanked unless someone drops the ball. Jose is too clever and will keep it tight with Ramires coming in for Oscar & maybe Zouma for Fabregas. I reckon it will be dour draw on we might even sneak a 1-0.

^ Can't see us getting spanked unless someone drops the ball. Jose is too clever and will keep it tight with Ramires coming in for Oscar & maybe Zouma for Fabregas. I reckon it will be dour draw on we might even sneak a 1-0.

 

I honestly cant see us keeping a clean sheet at the moment. We've been sloppy as hell over preseason and another two against Swans in our first "real" competitive game, at home, doesnt fill me with confidence. 

 

A convincing city win 2-0 would not surprise me one bit. To be honest if we are to get convincingly turned over it could serve as the required rocket up the arse and mobilise the board (or wider management team in general) into making a couple of signings before the window closes. In saying that, we would obviously want to avoid panic buys. 

 

I just think we look pretty crap at the moment and have done for a while now, even towards the end of the season. Look at the result against west brom... admittedly we had just won the title, but that cements my original point above - its psychological and keeping players hungry and motivated after winning a title is so so hard and separates the good managers from the greats. 

Seems to be we've either nit been able to get certain targets (I'm pretty sure we wanted Koke) and/or that the money isn't available.

 

I think it comes down to the money issue, in its entirety. I am glad the days of us being taken for a ride by other clubs are over and that we wont go above certain limits for specific players. But, I dont believe the koke rumour. We were open about our bid for stones, things like this dont stay quiet for long and if it had happened then some of our journos would have got wind of it, im certain of that. 

 

Also if we went in at £46m as an opening bid, then why would we turn our backs and walk away immediately when we were told "no"? Wouldnt we submit an increased bid? £46m is a serious amount of money, its almost at that stage of saying "f**k it, we have come this far"... id be amazed if this was as clear cut as marca are making out. 

 

lack of funds it seems to be. whether roman has lost interest in personally financing the club, who knows. 

It was reported Koke wanted to stay at AM and didn't want to move so that would be enough for us to stop bidding.

46m was his release clause as well I think so it's more likely that we got a rejection from the player therefore another bid would be pointless.

Getting really annoyed with all the comments regarding player acquisitions in a vacuum. "Oh we were 8 points ahead of City last year. Sterling isnt worth 8 points by himself therefore we are going to win it again without any new signings"

Thats really not how strengthening a squad works. You need to add that extra element of comepetition and you always have to look to improve.

We have a good base of players and could have taken the next step with a marquee signing, we didnt and its really disappointing. It doesnt mean the team is sh*t and its not something that should make evryone throw a fit, but it is disappointing.

Edited August 10, 201510 yr by Xfaxtor

Getting really annoyed with all the comments regarding player acquisitions in a vacuum. "Oh we were 8 points ahead of City last year. Sterling isnt worth 8 points by himself therefore we are going to win it again without any new signings"

Thats really not how strengthening a squad works. You need to add that extra element of comepetition and you always have to look to improve.

We have a good base of players and could have taken the next step with a marquee signing, we didnt and its really disappointing. It doesnt mean the team is sh*t and its not something that should make evryone throw a fit, but it is disappointing.

 

But what do you do if marque players that would improve your weaknesses aren't available? 

46m was his release clause as well I think so it's more likely that we got a rejection from the player therefore another bid would be pointless.

Our conversation to Koke agent;  

Our correspondent 'hey does your client want to come sit on our bench'.

Koke's agent  'will you be rotating him in at all?'  

Correspondent 'don't be silly we don't like rotation and we are happy with the team as it is'

Koke's agent 'then why would he sign for you'

Us 'well if anyone gets an injury he might get put into the team, also another snag we are looking to promote our youth in the future so we can't really offer him a long contract as we don't really want him here for very long'

Koke agent facepalms and leaves the room

It is very hard to attract top talent to our team at the moment as our first team is very strong and there aren't many people out there that can displace them or even think they can especially as it is very obvious the team is settled and held in good regard by the manager, so it isn't realistic for most players to expect to get or even force there way into first team football here, which will detract a lot of potential suitors. Also we are no longer the financial powerhouse we were and can't offer silly wages like City or United in order to make people happy signing for our bench, prime example Delph bought simply to fill a quota. When you consider that sitting on the bench for a couple of seasons reduces a players value and ability to command high wages elsewhere it doesn't make financial sense for a player to do it unless its for something silly,

So at the moment the only attraction we have for potential bench players is winning trophies and location which yes better than Manchester falls way short of Madrid and Barcelona,  so I completely understand why its hard to sign a midfielder or winger to add depth, especially considering there aren't many if any players out there better than Mikel and Ramires who are merely squad players and most teams would be very happy having them as starters. And then you look at Cuadrado who was very highly rated around the world before coming here and has barely had a look in so that doesn't exactly fill potential signees with a lot of hope. 

I am not saying this is the case for our defence as we are lacking in depth and are main players are ageing so there is the potential in the near future that those places will be up for grabs, but for our midfield and attack it will be very hard to convince people to come.

  

I know I've said this before but Koke is f**king excellent and I would be absolutely delighted if he were to sign. I am confident that he'll become one of the world's top midfielders, he's got everything.

Getting really annoyed with all the comments regarding player acquisitions in a vacuum. "Oh we were 8 points ahead of City last year. Sterling isnt worth 8 points by himself therefore we are going to win it again without any new signings"

Thats really not how strengthening a squad works. You need to add that extra element of comepetition and you always have to look to improve.

We have a good base of players and could have taken the next step with a marquee signing, we didnt and its really disappointing. It doesnt mean the team is sh*t and its not something that should make evryone throw a fit, but it is disappointing.

Well there is still time I guess, a loss at City may change our mindset and we may make a couple of late signings.