After winning the Premier League/Capital One Cup double in his first season in England, Manuel Pellegrini unshackled the chains which had held him back from winning major silverware on European soil. Some had inclined that the Chilean wasn’t the big name to take City to the next level, although guiding the Blues out of the Champions League group stages for the first time suggests otherwise. The target set for Pellegrini was to win five trophies in as many years, and together as City fans, it’s not so much hope, but expectation, that the ‘Engineer’ can lead us to more success in the coming campaign. So how is Pellegrini’s squad shaping up?
Goalkeepers
Joe Hart
England’s number one had a difficult first half to our title-winning campaign, coming under severe criticism for costly errors, most notably in the heart-breaking late defeat at Chelsea. Costel Pantilimon had a prolonged spell in the starting eleven, although Hart kept working hard and admitted that the break helped him both physically and psychologically, and he was back to his best in the title run-in. However, with the new arrivial of Willy Caballero, Hart cannot afford such mistakes again, otherwise his number one position at City may just be handed over the the Argentine.
Willy Caballero
After a three-season spell at Malaga, including reaching the Champions League quarter-finals, Willy Caballero is reunited with Manuel Pellegrini, bringing with him plenty of experience. The 32-year old signed a three-year contract at City earlier this month, and he isn’t here to just make up the numbers: he wants to be City’s number one. Signs in pre-season so far has shown Caballero likes to collect or punch away set-pieces, and his distribution is quick and confident. It was a position that needed filling (with Costel Pantilimon’s departure to Sunderland), and Caballero neatly fits the bill.
Richard Wright
Wright has still not made a competitive appearance for City, but the former Arsenal and Ipswich shot-stopper provides plenty of experience in the role as third goalkeeper during the final years of his career. The 36-year old is again highly unlikely to feature in the starting eleven (barring injuries to Hart and/or Caballero), although he could possibly get a start in the early rounds of our cup competitions.
Defenders
Pablo Zabaleta
What more is there left to say about Pablo Zabaleta? The Argentine is already a City legend having won two Premier Leagues, a Capital One Cup, an FA Cup and a Community Shield, and he is still craving for more. Even when he isn’t having one of his better games, Zaba is still good. With his tireless, bombarding runs down the right wing and his sheer consistency when defending, it could well be argued that only Philipp Lahm is a better right-back in the world right now. After his run to the World Cup final with Argentina, Zabaleta may well not start for the first few weeks, so he can build up his match-fitness, but after playing so much in recent years, a much-needed rest will only serve himself good.
Bacary Sagna
Another astute signing for City this summer was the arrival of Bacary Sagna on a free transfer from Arsenal. With concerns about Micah Richards’ fitness and form, Sagna will provide excellent cover for Zabaleta, also bringing with him plenty of Champions League experience. Like Zabaleta, he hasn’t featured in pre-season due to World Cup commitments but has been training with Manchester City.
Micah Richards
The longest-serving member of the City squad, Richards will always be a City favourite with his big grin and that infamous, heart-warming laugh. However, his off-field ‘battles’ with Joleon Lescott (who has joined West Brom) have become more synonymous with City fans in recent seasons. Richards has had numerous long-term injuries which have plagued his career at City, and with the consitency of Zabaleta and the arrival of Sagna, it could well be a sad farwell to Richards from City.
Vincent Kompany
The captain. Like Zabaleta, Kompany bleeds blue and will most likely stay at City for the rest of his career. Whenever Vinnie is injured or suspended, City look a completely different side, and not usually for the better; that shows just how invaluable he is to us. Many outside the club thought his mistake for Philippe Coutinho’s winner in the signifiant title battle against Liverpool was going to cost us dearly. We all have our mistakes, but it’s how we respond to them which makes us what we are, and in the end, Kompany was lifting the Premier League title once again, epitomising his character and personality towards the City cause.
Martin Demichelis
Following his difficult night in midfield in the home defeat to rivals Chelsea and his foul (and subsequent sending-off and penalty) on Lionel Messi in the Champions League last-16, first leg against Barcelona, we all had our doubts as to why Demichelis was somehow reguarly starting. Yet the experienced Argentine defender proved us wrong, and was pivotal in our run to the title, not least a commanding performance in the signifcant victory at Hull with 10-men for the majority of the game. His fightback spirit has made Demichelis a fan favourite and of course was a key component in the recent title win.
Matija Nastasic
The young Serbian had an excellent debut campaign in 2012/13, one in which was a difficult one for City as a whole. However, last season was filled with injury for Nastasic, and with the arrival of Eliaquim Mangala, Nastasic could find himself lower down the pecking order at City. There’s also another talented, young, left-footed centre-back in the form of Karim Rekik looking to break into the first-team squad, which have led to rumours about a move away from the club.
Dedryck Boyata
The young Belgian recently signed a new two-year contract at City, and will help towards our home-grown quota in both our Premier League and Champions League squads. City fans have their doubts and worries about Boyata, and to win them over fully, whenever Boyata gets his opportunity, he needs to take it fully if he is to feature on a more regular basis.
Karim Rekik
Rekik is only 19-years old, yet he has shown during his loan spell at PSV Eindhoven capabilities of leadership and maturity of a central defender at the peak of his powers. Rekik was also in Louis Van Gaal’s preliminary 30-man Holland squad for the World Cup, and although he didn’t go to Brazil, that showcases that despite his relative inexperience, Rekik is already a trusted figure who will deliver regular good performances. He is to spend another season on loan in Holland with PSV Eindhoven.
Eliaquim Mangala:
City’s latest recruit promises to be a valuable addition to the squad. 23-year old Mangala had been destined to end up a City player at some point, and to finally have the Frenchman’s signature is pleasing. Quick, strong and athletic, he is seen as the ideal candidate to slot in next to Vincent Kompany at the heart of the defence. The former Porto player is still only relatively young, but there are already hopes that he and Kompany can form a productive partnership.
Aleksandar Kolarov
At the beginning of last season, it looked as if Aleks Kolarov was on his way out of Manchester City after a difficult season in what proved to be Roberto Mancini’s last at the club. But the Serbian featured more regularly than Gael Clichy last season, and Pellegrini got the most out of him. His attacking intent remains a big positive, and his defensive game has much improved. Recently signing a three-year contract at the club, Kolarov heads into his fifth season at the Etihad with the left-back position under his control.
Gael Clichy
The French left-back has had the summer off after not being included in Didier Deschamps World Cup squad and Clichy will want to prove himself to Pellegrini after seemingly losing the number one spot at left-back to Kolarov. It could be argued that Clichy is the opposite to Kolarov: better defensively, but not as good going forward. Yet with his sights set on a third Premier League title at City, Clichy will still be an important asset as we look to challenge on four fronts.
Midfielders
Yaya Toure
It has been quite a crazy summer involving our Ivorian powerhouse. From ‘Cake-Gate’ to apparently not being allowed to see his late brother Ibrahim, Toure has been at the forefront of headlines being associated with City. However, Toure has confirmed he is staying at the club and will honour his contract; a big relief to City fans. Scoring 20 Premier League goals and the stunning equaliser in our League Cup final win vs Sunderland, Toure is vital to not only our title defence, but also our hopes of going deep into the Champions League this season. He recently won the Player of the Season award for the 2013-14 season.
Fernandinho
With a £30m price-tag lingering on his shoulders, it was felt that such a fee for a 28-year old who had spent 8 years in Ukraine was ludicrous. But the Brazilian has become a key member of the City starting eleven, providing the balance between defence and attack, allowing Toure to push on with his unstoppable runs. Fernandinho also helped however in terms of attack, getting his name on the scoresheet 5 times last campaign. The big question entering into this season is will he be able to quickly get over Brazil’s humiliating 7-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Germany?
Fernando
Signed from Porto for £12m, Fernando will add more muscle to our midfield. He has been impressive in pre-season so far, breaking up opposition attacks and providing protection in front of our back-four. This will come in handy in Europe, especially if we get out of the group and face the bigger sides in the knockout stages. Fernando also knows what it takes to win continental silverware, having won the Europa League under the guidance of Andre Villas-Boas in 2010/11, and that too will only benefit City.
James Milner
City’s Mr Dependable. Undoubtedly the most underrated player in our squad, Milner provides Yorkshire guile and grit with great link-up play and vision; every aspect of his game is good. There have been rumours of Milner looking to leave the club because of a lack of starts, but as he enters the final year of his current contract, Milner is expected to stay. His wish of starting more games, in particular in his more favoured central midfield role, may just come true during the early weeks of the season, especially with Fernandinho not being fully match-fit.
Emyr Huws
Calm and composed, with a sweet left-foot, the young Welshman enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Birmingham, and City fans are expecting the same under the guidance of ex-City star Uwe Rosler at Wigan. It’s interesting to note that that loan spell is only until January, so if he has an excellent first half to the campaign, then who knows, Huws could well be on the fringes of making regular first team appearances come the end of the campaign.
Frank Lampard:
The signing of Lampard on loan was quite a surprise for City fans, yet there is no doubting his quality as a player. The former Chelsea hero will remain with City on a six-month loan deal, before he joins up with New York City for the MLS season. It is unclear how much football the 36-year old will actually play in his stint with the club, but he is a good, reliable option for Pellegrini to call upon when needed. He comes with a wealth of experience and still seemingly has a lot to offer, having played 26 times in the Premier League last season for Chelsea. He could prove to be a useful addition.
Bruno Zuculini
Zuculini has now finally been confirmed as a City player, and after many fantastic showings in pre-season so far, the 21-year old Argentine is already impressing the MCFC supporters. As well as having the vision to pick out passes, Zuculini isn’t afraid of getting stuck in and working hard for the team. He is expected to go out on loan to Spain for the upcoming season, but Zuculini will be one to watch for the future for City.
David Silva
The Spanish wizard. Merlin. A genius on the ball, Silva has the eye for a defence-splitting pass which very few others can possess. He keeps things so simple but they are also so effective. His link-up play with the likes of Aguero, Nasri and Milner is at times telepathic and after a disappointing summer with Spain at the World Cup, a much needed break should mean our maestro creator will be even better once the season gets underway. His weak point is probably that he should be scoring more goals, but he is another key component for the spine of our team.
Samir Nasri
He was the scapegoat for City’s failure to defend the Premier League title in 2012/13, but the Frenchman was given new found confidence from Pellegrini and he shone in a highly successful campaign for the Blues last season. Similar to Silva, Nasri’s movement and build-up play is at times mesmeric. He reached double figures in terms of goals and assists in all competitions, and if Nasri were to do the same again this season, expect another trophy-laden season ahead.
Jesus Navas
Navas was brought in from Sevilla last summer to bring City the much-needed pace on the wing which we often lacked under the reign of Roberto Mancini. This helped us against deep-lying, “parking the bus” opposition who were quite happy to let us play in front of their defence. His first-half of 2013/14 was arguably much better than his second-half, although the Spaniard will again be a vital player.
Scott Sinclair
Similarly to Jack Rodwell (who left for Sunderland this summer), it just hasn’t got going for Scott Sinclair at City. A loan spell to West Brom didn’t help Sinclair either, who didn’t have any joy with his fitness. He’s probably more known for the amount of clubs he has had, rather than what he does on the pitch, and it’s expected that he’ll be adding another club to that list come the end of the transfer window. However, he hasn’t looked bad in pre-season, even getting on the scoresheet a couple of times.
Strikers
Sergio Aguero
The hero of our first Premier League title-winning campaign with THAT goal, Sergio Aguero will always go down in City folklore for his winner against QPR. When fully-fit and on form, it’s hard to find a better striker in the world, he’s just that good a player. But that is the big worry: his fitness. He has had numerous muscle injuries for both club and country in the past 12 months, and that will be a concern for the City supporters as we look to challenge on four fronts once again. If he can stay fit for the majority of the season, Aguero will once again be putting away plenty of goals.
Edin Dzeko
The Bosnian Diamond was again scoring those all important goals for City in our successful title-winning campaign. He does have his not-so-good games, but he has this knack of always scoring when he isn’t at his best. He scored during Bosnia’s historic first World Cup campaign in Brazil, and although they didn’t get out of the group, Dzeko’s nation would have been extremely proud of him and his team-mates. With Aguero’s match-fitness in question and Negredo’s foot injury, Dzeko is likely to be the main man up front at the start of this campaign.
Alvaro Negredo
The Beast had an impressive debut campaign in England, scoring 23 goals, and all of them before the end of January. A shoulder injury in the League Cup semi-final, second leg vs West Ham curtailed Negredo’s goalscoring form, being unable to find the net since. Breaking his metatarsal in the pre-season victory at Hearts means the big Spanish striker is unlikely to be back until October, where we need him to hit the ground running and find his shooting boots once again.
Stevan Jovetic
This may be cliched, but if Stevan Jovetic can keep himself fully fit for the majority of this season, he will be like a new signing for us. In his limited chances last season, Jovetic scored 6 goals in 16 appearances and the man from Montenegro will be a key asset for the Blues once the campaign gets underway. If he finds his Fiorentina form, we could well be in for a treat.
John Guidetti
The Super Swede hasn’t had that a super career at City, although he can have no fault in that having suffered from injury and a rare virus which affected his nervous system. Once dubbed the “new Zlatan Ibrahimovic”, City fans were hoping that Guidetti could break into the first team more regularly last season, but that didn’t happen, and he was sent out on loan to Stoke, where his chances were also limited. This is a make or break season for Guidetti at City. Reports from Holland suggest he could be on his way to Feyenoord, where he spent a very successful 2011-12 season on loan.
