da aviator aposta： There’s not a Manchester City fan on the planet that can condone the performance of the first-team this weekend following their 4-2 defeat to Leicester City. The abysmal defensive display has witnessed severe blame being brought on manager Pep Guardiola for the first time.
da bet7： His refusal change his system is something that sat well with Man City supporters at first given his success at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but it’s now becoming a worry. Fans are becoming incredibly frustrated with his tinkering of a squad that consistently struggles against high-pressing teams.
For the Spaniard to be a success in Manchester, he must decide which players he wants and, most importantly, doesn’t. Saturday’s humiliation at the King Power Stadium has witnessed a number of supporters call for some major stars to be sold in January and upgraded with players who can bring City to the desired next level.
But who should Guardiola consider chopping at the Etihad Stadium? Here are THREE that must be chopped and THREE that must be signed…
Isco
Famously, Isco rejected a move to Manchester City in 2013 before signing for Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Manuel Pellegrini’s move to City from Malaga was expected to see the playmaker follow suit, however, he opted for the Bernabeu instead of Burnage, where he has been an enormous success.
Isco could finally replace David Silva in this Man City side with his chances at Real Madrid limited under Zinedine Zidane.
OUT – Aleksandar Kolarov
There’s not a more disliked player in the Manchester City squad than Aleksandar Kolarov right now, and many supporters believe his time at City must end sooner rather than later.
Kolarov continues to disappoint on a weekly basis and far too often is destroyed by right-wingers with even an ounce of pace.
Guardiola seems to favour the Serbian defender over Gael Clichy, but unlike the Frenchman, Kolarov strolls around with an attitude that could be perceived as carefree – much to the annoyance of the supporters.
IN – Danny Rose
City’s biggest concern at the moment remains the side’s frailties in the full-back areas. With Kolarov needing to leave City for the club to progress, Guardiola should target Tottenham’s left-back Danny Rose as his replacement.
According to the Daily Mirror, City have identified Rose as the club’s long-term left-back and are planning a £25million January move for the Tottenham player.
Trying to negotiate with Daniel Levy is easier said than done, though.
OUT – Pablo Zabaleta
Unlike Kolarov, Zabaleta is considered an icon within City folklore for his never say die attitude. The Argentine has been instrumental in City’s recent success, but many are calling for ‘Pab Zab’ to leave before his legacy is tarnished.
The right-back is struggling to cope with the pace of the Premier League at the ripe old age of 31.
Zabaleta’s contract expires this summer and City should cash in in January.
IN – Virgil Van Dijk
Southampton defender Virgil Van Dijk continues to prove his capabilities on the south coast and big clubs should be hovering over the Dutch international.
Van Dijk could finally end City’s long-term issue at centre-back and is ideally suited to partner John Stones.
Guardiola should seriously be considering a move for the Dutch defender before one of their title rivals make a swoop for the inspirational 25-year-old.
OUT – David Silva
Spanish playmaker David Silva remains a fans’ favourite and is hugely admired by Guardiola. Nonetheless, Silva’s contribution to City’s success lately has been relatively limited.
Silva has been at the club since 2010, but Guardiola must start planning for a future without the playmaker or at least ensure he isn’t an integral part of the first-team.
The former Valencia midfielder continues to slow play down and not have any significant contribution going forward.