Man City 08/09

But suppose the new coach comes in and Man. City are struggling after 2/3 months while the coach implements his philosophy (what Hughes is still doing)...then they're back to the same situation as they are now, with doubts about the manager hanging over their heads. So although Hughes may not be a recognised "top coach" around Europe, it's probably best to just back him at least till the summer.

I would reserve judgement until this time next year, then if Hughes is looking like a flop they'll have had a year to find his replacement. No point in rushing out and hiring the next Benitez if he's going to be another Ramos.

While it's true Hughes is on a knife-edge at this point, keeping him and letting him bring in a few proven Premier league players is the most sensible option.

Bring in Mancini and cut him some slack is fine at the start of a season, but when they're 2 pts off the relegation places in a very close battle, it's too risky. Relegation would be a massive set-back for their ambitions. I guess the way the owners set it is that if Hughes gets them mid-table, it's worth the price of investment in a few players who the next manager may not like (given the amount of money they have to throw around). Then it's quite likely he'll be axed at the end of the season.

Following on a disappointing, but not disastrous, season with a whole summer to build a team would be a far better starting point for someone like Mancini than jumping into the middle of very difficult situation and trying to do a quick fix on a team he doesn't know in the January transfer window.

debaser wrote:While it's true Hughes is on a knife-edge at this point, keeping him and letting him bring in a few proven Premier league players is the most sensible option.

Bring in Mancini and cut him some slack is fine at the start of a season, but when they're 2 pts off the relegation places in a very close battle, it's too risky. Relegation would be a massive set-back for their ambitions. I guess the way the owners set it is that if Hughes gets them mid-table, it's worth the price of investment in a few players who the next manager may not like (given the amount of money they have to throw around). Then it's quite likely he'll be axed at the end of the season.

Following on a disappointing, but not disastrous, season with a whole summer to build a team would be a far better starting point for someone like Mancini than jumping into the middle of very difficult situation and trying to do a quick fix on a team he doesn't know in the January transfer window.

Makes sense.

If it were someone like Mourinho or Capello in the market, I would have said go after them now. But with riskier options like Mancini/Rijkaard, what you say makes sense.

Lippi?

I was reading the letters page on Teletext and a City fan said he wanted Dowie

Tweedle wrote:Lippi?

Lippi is not in the market... and the reason i didn't mention his name alongside Capello/JoMo is coz he has always ruled himself out of coaching in England.

On an off-topic, I am not as convinced of Lippi's credentials as JoMo or Capello in going to another league/club anyways... Lippi has found all his club success at one club, while JoMo and Capello have been successful at multiple clubs and leagues in their careers. Not doubting that he is a great coach, just sayin that he would not represent as much of a guarantee for a club like City as a JoMo or Capello would represent.

JoMo?

John Motson

Glenn Hysén wrote:JoMo?

Thats what we call Jose Mourinho at Inter...

In Spanish, with "J" pronounced like an "H", that sounds like "Homo". lol.

lol

kas wrote:In Spanish, with "J" pronounced like an "H", that sounds like "Homo". lol.

How big a let down has been Micah Richards, it was clear that technically he was never among the best but he is not imposing himself either these days as he used to, he used to cover up any technical lapses he had with his physical attributes, he seems low on confidence now.
Any particular reasons for this decline ?

Mark Hughes probably.

He should be put at right back again.

I think RSC, Parker, Upson and even Bellend would be good buy's. Though I doubt West Ham will sell all three, but at least one will definitely go (sorry Deano)

That said, I'm not sure Bellamy is really needed. You have a fair few options already in that position.

Why Parker?

kas wrote:Why Parker?

Because they're heavily linked with him?

No, I mean, why are they linked with him - what makes Hughes think "yes, out of all the box to box midfielders in Europe, Parker's the one I want". Ok he knows the league and is not cuptied for the UEFA Cup, but 5 mins on Football Manager's search should yield some better options with all the money Man. City have.

kas wrote:No, I mean, why are they linked with him - what makes Hughes think "yes, out of all the box to box midfielders in Europe, Parker's the one I want". Ok he knows the league and is not cuptied for the UEFA Cup, but 5 mins on Football Manager's search should yield some better options with all the money Man. City have.

Like? It's not as if they going to attract the likes of Essien, Toure, Cambiasso, Mascherano, De Rossi etc

They were in for Diarra of course, but he obviously went to Madrid

kas wrote:No, I mean, why are they linked with him - what makes Hughes think "yes, out of all the box to box midfielders in Europe, Parker's the one I want". Ok he knows the league and is not cuptied for the UEFA Cup, but 5 mins on Football Manager's search should yield some better options with all the money Man. City have.

Because they are too depressed after missing out on Lass they can't be bothered to find anyone else.

Parker is a solid player who plays the simple ball, that is what City need atm.