Manchester City

[Bredbury Blue]

City lost 4v1 to Real Madrid in Melbourne. Delph carried off (hamstring?). City CBs combined age 35.

Man City: Hart, Sagna, Denayer, Humphreys, Kolarov, Toure, Fernando, Delph, Nasri, Silva, Sterling.

Subs: Caballero, Wright, Horsfield, Clichy, Evans, Zuculini, Garcia, Lopes, Navas, Pozo, Unal, Roberts, Iheanacho, Barker, Jovetic, Dzeko.

Real Madrid: Navas, Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo, Kroos, Modric, Isco, Bale, Ronaldo, Benzema.

Subs: Arbeloa, Llorente, Nacho, Casemiro, Lucas Silva, Jese, Danilo, Cheryshev, Lucas Vazquez, Varane.

Sterling was booed ever time he got the ball, and off the park when he was replaced...did give me a chuckle

There must have been a Liverpool contingent there. Bit <deleted> childish in a friendly, to be honest Bob.

No...there are many thousands of lifelong Citeh fans out there.

Plenty Chelski ones too....even a few PSG ones too.

Not so many Spurs fans....but we have the most supporters in London funnily enough....closely followed by your noisy neighbours mrboj!

"but we have the most supporters in London funnily enough". I wouldn't know if that is fact or fiction, so where are the facts to prove your statement isn't &lt;deleted&gt;?

[smokie36]

Pellegrini was unfazed by the nature of the defeat against a team that boasted most of its big stars.He lost Eliaquim Mangala, his last experienced central defender, on the morning of the game through sickness, with Martin Demichelis still not back in training after the Copa America and Vincent Kompany back in England with his wife expecting a baby.We knew before the game it would be difficult to play against a team that has such good attackers while missing three centre backs, without Mangala, Kompany and Demichelis, said Pellegrini.

Get the excuses in early.

Huge fail.

[MrRed]

I'll pop a bottle of bubbly when Dzeko leaves. For all of his heroics in years past he was miserable last season and earned his ticket out. I wish Jovetic would have worked out. Good kid but not enough between his ears.

I can't help but think that the reinforcements being brought in reflect Pellegrini's commitment to attacking football...at the risk of neglecting defensive issues. No LB replacement and no addressing concerns at centre-back. Pellegrini and management must think Kompany will be the Kompany of old and Mangala will improve, as well as Demi being forever young. Will they splurge for Otamendi ?

As far as LB, if Kolarov can play like he did the last few games last season that would be a big plus. Not likely to happen I suppose.

The old saying 'form is temporary, class is permanent'

Applies to both Kompany and Mangala.

Vinnie had a bad year last year, but you dont suddenly become a bad player overnight. Personally I put it down to his injuries and him not having recovered properly. He was making very un Kompany like challenges, I think down to him trying to protect his hammy.

Mangala, although we overpaid for him, is a very good player. It was his first season in the Premier league. He has to come on for that first season.

We have Demichelis who is ever dependable and Denayer who is a rising star. We dont need to waste money on a new CB. We are more than covered. Left back, yes because neither Clichy or Kolarov are good enough.

I hope you are right about the centre-back situation JnD !

'form is temporary class is permanent' JD!

I agree to a degree but injuries and age catch up with you and I think most city fans will agree that both are catching up with the once great Kompany he will not get any faster or fitter than he was at his best and yes your defence struggled last season. Jellydogs concerns are well justified and for me just like United you need an experienced quality centre half.

I like Kolarov but he will be exposed even more this season as Sterling will defo not put in the covering that Milner did.....in fact you will miss Milner more than you think.

[alfieconn]

I'll pop a bottle of bubbly when Dzeko leaves. For all of his heroics in years past he was miserable last season and earned his ticket out. I wish Jovetic would have worked out. Good kid but not enough between his ears.

I can't help but think that the reinforcements being brought in reflect Pellegrini's commitment to attacking football...at the risk of neglecting defensive issues. No LB replacement and no addressing concerns at centre-back. Pellegrini and management must think Kompany will be the Kompany of old and Mangala will improve, as well as Demi being forever young. Will they splurge for Otamendi ?

As far as LB, if Kolarov can play like he did the last few games last season that would be a big plus. Not likely to happen I suppose.

The old saying 'form is temporary, class is permanent'

Applies to both Kompany and Mangala.

Vinnie had a bad year last year, but you dont suddenly become a bad player overnight. Personally I put it down to his injuries and him not having recovered properly. He was making very un Kompany like challenges, I think down to him trying to protect his hammy.

Mangala, although we overpaid for him, is a very good player. It was his first season in the Premier league. He has to come on for that first season.

We have Demichelis who is ever dependable and Denayer who is a rising star. We dont need to waste money on a new CB. We are more than covered. Left back, yes because neither Clichy or Kolarov are good enough.

I hope you are right about the centre-back situation JnD !

'form is temporary class is permanent' JD!

I agree to a degree but injuries and age catch up with you and I think most city fans will agree that both are catching up with the once great Kompany he will not get any faster or fitter than he was at his best and yes your defence struggled last season. Jellydogs concerns are well justified and for me just like United you need an experienced quality centre half.

I like Kolarov but he will be exposed even more this season as Sterling will defo not put in the covering that Milner did.....in fact you will miss Milner more than you think.

I don't understand Red, your implying that Milner was an integral part of the city team, so can you explain why he only started 18 League games last season ?

Edited July 25, 2015 by alfieconn

[Bredbury Blue]

Pellegrini was unfazed by the nature of the defeat against a team that boasted most of its big stars.He lost Eliaquim Mangala, his last experienced central defender, on the morning of the game through sickness, with Martin Demichelis still not back in training after the Copa America and Vincent Kompany back in England with his wife expecting a baby.We knew before the game it would be difficult to play against a team that has such good attackers while missing three centre backs, without Mangala, Kompany and Demichelis, said Pellegrini.

Get the excuses in early.

Huge fail.

Er, a friendly. Sorry but no big deal.

[MrRed]

Ask Pellegrini

For me he is a very good footballer and a grafter to boot starts mean nothing in this day and age it is a squad game ....picking stats for an argument ....why dont you add the times he was used as a sub as well or cup matches?

keep up Alfie or you will be put back in the corner again

[Bredbury Blue]

I'll pop a bottle of bubbly when Dzeko leaves. For all of his heroics in years past he was miserable last season and earned his ticket out. I wish Jovetic would have worked out. Good kid but not enough between his ears.

I can't help but think that the reinforcements being brought in reflect Pellegrini's commitment to attacking football...at the risk of neglecting defensive issues. No LB replacement and no addressing concerns at centre-back. Pellegrini and management must think Kompany will be the Kompany of old and Mangala will improve, as well as Demi being forever young. Will they splurge for Otamendi ?

As far as LB, if Kolarov can play like he did the last few games last season that would be a big plus. Not likely to happen I suppose.

The old saying 'form is temporary, class is permanent'

Applies to both Kompany and Mangala.

Vinnie had a bad year last year, but you dont suddenly become a bad player overnight. Personally I put it down to his injuries and him not having recovered properly. He was making very un Kompany like challenges, I think down to him trying to protect his hammy.

Mangala, although we overpaid for him, is a very good player. It was his first season in the Premier league. He has to come on for that first season.

We have Demichelis who is ever dependable and Denayer who is a rising star. We dont need to waste money on a new CB. We are more than covered. Left back, yes because neither Clichy or Kolarov are good enough.

I hope you are right about the centre-back situation JnD !

'form is temporary class is permanent' JD!

I agree to a degree but injuries and age catch up with you and I think most city fans will agree that both are catching up with the once great Kompany he will not get any faster or fitter than he was at his best and yes your defence struggled last season. Jellydogs concerns are well justified and for me just like United you need an experienced quality centre half.

I like Kolarov but he will be exposed even more this season as Sterling will defo not put in the covering that Milner did.....in fact you will miss Milner more than you think.

As much as it hurts to agree with a red, great post, and one that shows that you know a little about us.

I think Kompany for several years was able to use his great strength and speed to overcome most situations, but maybe he's realising that that edge he had over opponents is reducing as he ages and his speed and mobility decreases. Maybe.

Kolorov ended last season well and 2 years ago he had a decent season but his lack of pace makes him vulnerable. Milner was brilliant at covering his fullback, right or left, and will be a huge loss.

Ps. Alfie Conn's comments about Milner show his lack knowledge of Milner's standing in our team, squad and with the City fans who really appreciated him. Good luck to you Jimmy!

Edited July 25, 2015 by Bredbury Blue

[alfieconn]

Ask Pellegrini

For me he is a very good footballer and a grafter to boot starts mean nothing in this day and age it is a squad game ....picking stats for an argument ....why dont you add the times he was used as a sub as well or cup matches?

keep up Alfie or you will be put back in the corner again

but don't you agree that the best players start a majority of games ?

I must admit iv'e missed your sh*t red

Edited July 25, 2015 by alfieconn

[Bredbury Blue]

Ask Pellegrini

For me he is a very good footballer and a grafter to boot starts mean nothing in this day and age it is a squad game ....picking stats for an argument ....why dont you add the times he was used as a sub as well or cup matches?

keep up Alfie or you will be put back in the corner again

MrRed, well said!

AlfieConn, go find a City fan or go on another City forum and ask the questions: Did you City fans rate Milner? Will you City fans miss Milner? Expect to receive a barrage.

[alfieconn]

Ask Pellegrini

For me he is a very good footballer and a grafter to boot starts mean nothing in this day and age it is a squad game ....picking stats for an argument ....why dont you add the times he was used as a sub as well or cup matches?

keep up Alfie or you will be put back in the corner again

MrRed, well said!

AlfieConn, go find a City fan or go on another City forum and ask the questions: Did you City fans rate Milner? Will you City fans miss Milner? Expect to receive a barrage.

So why did he only start 18 Premier games ?

[Bredbury Blue]

Ask Pellegrini

For me he is a very good footballer and a grafter to boot starts mean nothing in this day and age it is a squad game ....picking stats for an argument ....why dont you add the times he was used as a sub as well or cup matches?

keep up Alfie or you will be put back in the corner again

but don't you agree that the best players start a majority of games ?

I must admit iv'e missed your sh*t red

Milner would certainly be first picked if he'd joined your lot instead of the scousers! No shame in Milner not nailing down an automatic first pick position at City, all teams over the years have them, a 'Jack of all trades, master of none' and in Milner's favour he is the master Jack of all trades. Every club he's ever played for know and appreciate that, and red scousers will soon also appreciate that if they don't know it now. Think you're embarrassing yourself on this Milner crusade Alfie.

[alfieconn]

Ask Pellegrini

For me he is a very good footballer and a grafter to boot starts mean nothing in this day and age it is a squad game ....picking stats for an argument ....why dont you add the times he was used as a sub as well or cup matches?

keep up Alfie or you will be put back in the corner again

but don't you agree that the best players start a majority of games ?

I must admit iv'e missed your sh*t red

Milner would certainly be first picked if he'd joined your lot instead of the scousers! No shame in Milner not nailing down an automatic first pick position at City, all teams over the years have them, a 'Jack of all trades, master of none' and in Milner's favour he is the master Jack of all trades. Every club he's ever played for know and appreciate that, and red scousers will soon also appreciate that if they don't know it now. Think you're embarrassing yourself on this Milner crusade Alfie.

If you want to join in on this one Bred then at least answer the question, but don't you agree that the best players start a majority of games ?

Well for one he wouldn't be first pick in our team ! but anyway i must hold my hand and say iv'e completely got this my opinion of Milner all wrong, lets face it anyone who is better than Bale must be a great player thats the same Bale who started 30 League games in a team who are a level above your mob.

Edited July 25, 2015 by alfieconn

[Bredbury Blue]

Ask Pellegrini

For me he is a very good footballer and a grafter to boot starts mean nothing in this day and age it is a squad game ....picking stats for an argument ....why dont you add the times he was used as a sub as well or cup matches?

keep up Alfie or you will be put back in the corner again

but don't you agree that the best players start a majority of games ?

I must admit iv'e missed your sh*t red

Milner would certainly be first picked if he'd joined your lot instead of the scousers! No shame in Milner not nailing down an automatic first pick position at City, all teams over the years have them, a 'Jack of all trades, master of none' and in Milner's favour he is the master Jack of all trades. Every club he's ever played for know and appreciate that, and red scousers will soon also appreciate that if they don't know it now. Think you're embarrassing yourself on this Milner crusade Alfie.

[Bredbury Blue]

Ask Pellegrini

For me he is a very good footballer and a grafter to boot starts mean nothing in this day and age it is a squad game ....picking stats for an argument ....why dont you add the times he was used as a sub as well or cup matches?

keep up Alfie or you will be put back in the corner again

but don't you agree that the best players start a majority of games ?

I must admit iv'e missed your sh*t red

Milner would certainly be first picked if he'd joined your lot instead of the scousers! No shame in Milner not nailing down an automatic first pick position at City, all teams over the years have them, a 'Jack of all trades, master of none' and in Milner's favour he is the master Jack of all trades. Every club he's ever played for know and appreciate that, and red scousers will soon also appreciate that if they don't know it now. Think you're embarrassing yourself on this Milner crusade Alfie.

If you want to join in on this one Bred then at least answer the question, but don't you agree that the best players start a majority of games ?

Well for one he wouldn't be first pick in our team ! but anyway i must hold my hand and say iv'e completely got this my opinion of Milner all wrong, lets face it anyone who is better than Bale must be a great player

Course he'd be first picked in your average team; who's first pick now (after the goalie, who's decent?).

Reread my post, in which I answered your question.

Not sure why you mention Bale, has he rejoined Spurs (highly unlikely that will happen).

Edited July 25, 2015 by Bredbury Blue

[alfieconn]

keep up Alfie or you will be put back in the corner again

but don't you agree that the best players start a majority of games ?

I must admit iv'e missed your sh*t red

Milner would certainly be first picked if he'd joined your lot instead of the scousers! No shame in Milner not nailing down an automatic first pick position at City, all teams over the years have them, a 'Jack of all trades, master of none' and in Milner's favour he is the master Jack of all trades. Every club he's ever played for know and appreciate that, and red scousers will soon also appreciate that if they don't know it now. Think you're embarrassing yourself on this Milner crusade Alfie.

If you want to join in on this one Bred then at least answer the question, but don't you agree that the best players start a majority of games ?

Well for one he wouldn't be first pick in our team ! but anyway i must hold my hand and say iv'e completely got this my opinion of Milner all wrong, lets face it anyone who is better than Bale must be a great player

Course he'd be first picked in your average team; who's first pick now (after the goalie, who's decent?).

Reread my post, in which I answered your question.

Not sure why you mention Bale, has he rejoined Spurs (highly unlikely that will happen).

I mentioned Bale because you was the one who said that you'd rather have Milner than Bale or have you forgotten that ?

[Bredbury Blue]

Manchester City's players who were involved in the Copa America will begin their pre-season training next week - and miss the start of the season.

Deja bloody vu! Unacceptable in my opinion. We handicapped ourselves last season this way. Zaba never recoved , Fernandinho had a poor season, Demi and Aguero weren't too bad.

[Bredbury Blue]

keep up Alfie or you will be put back in the corner again

but don't you agree that the best players start a majority of games ?

I must admit iv'e missed your sh*t red

Milner would certainly be first picked if he'd joined your lot instead of the scousers! No shame in Milner not nailing down an automatic first pick position at City, all teams over the years have them, a 'Jack of all trades, master of none' and in Milner's favour he is the master Jack of all trades. Every club he's ever played for know and appreciate that, and red scousers will soon also appreciate that if they don't know it now. Think you're embarrassing yourself on this Milner crusade Alfie.

If you want to join in on this one Bred then at least answer the question, but don't you agree that the best players start a majority of games ?

Well for one he wouldn't be first pick in our team ! but anyway i must hold my hand and say iv'e completely got this my opinion of Milner all wrong, lets face it anyone who is better than Bale must be a great player

Course he'd be first picked in your average team; who's first pick now (after the goalie, who's decent?).

Reread my post, in which I answered your question.

Not sure why you mention Bale, has he rejoined Spurs (highly unlikely that will happen).

I mentioned Bale because you was the one who said that you'd rather have Milner than Bale or have you forgotten that ?

...and I maintain that.

[Bredbury Blue]

Manchester City break season ticket sales record at expanded Etihad Stadium

The expansion of the Etihad Stadium has seen Manchester City smash their season ticket sales record.The Blues have sold 40,000 season seats for the new season, they have announced, more than ever before.The stadium has undergone ahuge redevelopment with a new third tier being added to the South Stand as well as several new rows pitchside, adding more than 6,000 new seats.

[alfieconn]

keep up Alfie or you will be put back in the corner again

but don't you agree that the best players start a majority of games ?

I must admit iv'e missed your sh*t red

Milner would certainly be first picked if he'd joined your lot instead of the scousers! No shame in Milner not nailing down an automatic first pick position at City, all teams over the years have them, a 'Jack of all trades, master of none' and in Milner's favour he is the master Jack of all trades. Every club he's ever played for know and appreciate that, and red scousers will soon also appreciate that if they don't know it now. Think you're embarrassing yourself on this Milner crusade Alfie.

If you want to join in on this one Bred then at least answer the question, but don't you agree that the best players start a majority of games ?

Well for one he wouldn't be first pick in our team ! but anyway i must hold my hand and say iv'e completely got this my opinion of Milner all wrong, lets face it anyone who is better than Bale must be a great player

Course he'd be first picked in your average team; who's first pick now (after the goalie, who's decent?).

Reread my post, in which I answered your question.

Not sure why you mention Bale, has he rejoined Spurs (highly unlikely that will happen).

I mentioned Bale because you was the one who said that you'd rather have Milner than Bale or have you forgotten that ?

...and I maintain that.

Yep Milners 18 starts against Bales 30 starts in a team that is a level above yours

[Bredbury Blue]

keep up Alfie or you will be put back in the corner again

but don't you agree that the best players start a majority of games ?

I must admit iv'e missed your sh*t red

Milner would certainly be first picked if he'd joined your lot instead of the scousers! No shame in Milner not nailing down an automatic first pick position at City, all teams over the years have them, a 'Jack of all trades, master of none' and in Milner's favour he is the master Jack of all trades. Every club he's ever played for know and appreciate that, and red scousers will soon also appreciate that if they don't know it now. Think you're embarrassing yourself on this Milner crusade Alfie.

If you want to join in on this one Bred then at least answer the question, but don't you agree that the best players start a majority of games ?

Well for one he wouldn't be first pick in our team ! but anyway i must hold my hand and say iv'e completely got this my opinion of Milner all wrong, lets face it anyone who is better than Bale must be a great player

Course he'd be first picked in your average team; who's first pick now (after the goalie, who's decent?).

Reread my post, in which I answered your question.

Not sure why you mention Bale, has he rejoined Spurs (highly unlikely that will happen).

I mentioned Bale because you was the one who said that you'd rather have Milner than Bale or have you forgotten that ?

...and I maintain that.

Yep Milners 18 starts against Bales 30 starts in a team that is a level above yours

Bale v Milner; apple v orange

Madrid v City; apple v orange

Starts not relevant in the modern game; its appearances (squad game, tactics, 2 players for every position, home v away, opposition, all influence who starts, who plays which half, substitutions etc).

Anyway back to the theoretical statement I made about if Milner had joined your lot he'd be first picked. If you disagree, who would be picked ahead of him?

[alfieconn]

keep up Alfie or you will be put back in the corner again

but don't you agree that the best players start a majority of games ?

I must admit iv'e missed your sh*t red

Milner would certainly be first picked if he'd joined your lot instead of the scousers! No shame in Milner not nailing down an automatic first pick position at City, all teams over the years have them, a 'Jack of all trades, master of none' and in Milner's favour he is the master Jack of all trades. Every club he's ever played for know and appreciate that, and red scousers will soon also appreciate that if they don't know it now. Think you're embarrassing yourself on this Milner crusade Alfie.

If you want to join in on this one Bred then at least answer the question, but don't you agree that the best players start a majority of games ?

Well for one he wouldn't be first pick in our team ! but anyway i must hold my hand and say iv'e completely got this my opinion of Milner all wrong, lets face it anyone who is better than Bale must be a great player

Course he'd be first picked in your average team; who's first pick now (after the goalie, who's decent?).

Reread my post, in which I answered your question.

Not sure why you mention Bale, has he rejoined Spurs (highly unlikely that will happen).

I mentioned Bale because you was the one who said that you'd rather have Milner than Bale or have you forgotten that ?

...and I maintain that.

Yep Milners 18 starts against Bales 30 starts in a team that is a level above yours

Bale v Milner; apple v orange

Madrid v City; apple v orange

Starts not relevant in the modern game; its appearances (squad game, tactics, 2 players for every position, home v away, opposition, all influence who starts, who plays which half, substitutions etc).

Anyway back to the theoretical statement I made about if Milner had joined your lot he'd be first picked. If you disagree, who would be picked ahead of him?

[Bredbury Blue]

Manchester City break season ticket sales record at expanded Etihad Stadium

The expansion of the Etihad Stadium has seen Manchester City smash their season ticket sales record.The Blues have sold 40,000 season seats for the new season, they have announced, more than ever before.The stadium has undergone ahuge redevelopment with a new third tier being added to the South Stand as well as several new rows pitchside, adding more than 6,000 new seats.

Forgot to add the paragraph below, and when we mirror the south extension to the north stand the Etihad will be the 2nd biggest ground behind Old Trafford United.

That will take its capacity to 55,000 for the new campaign and make it the third biggest Premier League ground in the country.

[Bredbury Blue]

Alfie, think you forgot to post your answer to my question.

[MrRed]

Ask Pellegrini

For me he is a very good footballer and a grafter to boot starts mean nothing in this day and age it is a squad game ....picking stats for an argument ....why dont you add the times he was used as a sub as well or cup matches?

keep up Alfie or you will be put back in the corner again

but don't you agree that the best players start a majority of games ?

I must admit iv'e missed your sh*t red

Fark me Alfredo!!

Think back when you splashed all the Bale cash and bought the magnificent seven that spent most of there time on the bench!

They were supposed to be the best players wasn't they or you wouldn't of wasted that big Bale of cash on them .....explain that one then if your so interested in playing or starting with the best players.

A gaggle of geese or a bench of bummers?

[alfieconn]

Ask Pellegrini

For me he is a very good footballer and a grafter to boot starts mean nothing in this day and age it is a squad game ....picking stats for an argument ....why dont you add the times he was used as a sub as well or cup matches?

keep up Alfie or you will be put back in the corner again

but don't you agree that the best players start a majority of games ?

I must admit iv'e missed your sh*t red

Fark me Alfredo!!

Think back when you splashed all the Bale cash and bought the magnificent seven that spent most of there time on the bench!

They were supposed to be the best players wasn't they or you wouldn't of wasted that big Bale of cash on them .....explain that one then if your so interested in playing or starting with the best players.

A gaggle of geese or a bench of bummers?

Seems like your waffling reddy, moving from talking about Milner to the seven players we bought

Anyway you have confirmed exactly what i'm am saying reddy obviously 5 of them weren't the best players otherwise they would have played a majority of games.

Look red it's not rocket science the best players of a squad play a majority of games.

[alfieconn]

Alfie, think you forgot to post your answer to my question.

All the eleven, my opinion of course

[carmine]

You'd rather have Milner than Bale!!!!!!

Early contender for the most hilarious post of next season. Gonna take a lot of beating is that........

[Bredbury Blue]

Alfie, think you forgot to post your answer to my question.

All the eleven, my opinion of course

None of them, my opinion of course.

[alfieconn]

Alfie, think you forgot to post your answer to my question.

All the eleven, my opinion of course

None of them, my opinion of course.

Actually i think your right, if Milner was at Spurs he'd be our best player

[Bredbury Blue]

You'd rather have Milner than Bale!!!!!!

Early contender for the most hilarious post of next season. Gonna take a lot of beating is that........

I can't be bothered checking, not worth the mither, but I'm sure when we went through this several weeks back when I posted my opinions on Milner, Bale, Beckham, Luke Chadwick etc, you posted exactly the same comment. Yawn.