ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - Manchester City- Tevez is Toast

Posted by Wallace Poulter on 05/22/2011

Carlos Tevez played his last game for Manchester City on Sunday. Fact? No, at least not yet. But I'd be stunned if the Argentinian is in English football by the start of the next campaign. Tevez is a fabulous football player; he's been part of a magical season, helped City tweak United when it was useful to do so and would be welcome on any team in the world. I'm also convinced that he's done with City.

As regular readers of this column know, I've been convinced that Tevez would leave since the start of the season. There are a number of reasons both on and off the field for this.

The first of these is the most often quoted and frankly the least important. Tevez has said on numerous occasions that he misses his family in Argentina after he split with the mother of his children and she returned to South America. That Tevez will end up back in Argentina, probably playing for Boca Juniors, at some point is a given. My money would be on this occurring in three year's time after the next world cup. Between now and then moving to Spain or Italy isn't going to bring Tevez that much closer to Argentina in practical terms. Be that as it may, this is one of the reasons often quoted for the potential unhappiness of the City captain.

The second reason I believe Tevez will leave is that, despite the protestation of Mancini that the striker is a critical part of the team, the Italian's team building belies that. Balotelli and Dzeko, both bought by Mancini, are the two central strikers that you need to successfully run an Inter diamond. You also need a world class attacking/creative midfielder, take a bow David Silva and full backs that overlap to provide the necessary width. Those would be Boateng and Kolarov. This is a team that Mancini has concocted and it not only doesn't need a Tevez style striker, ultimately such a style is a detriment to the overall team play when playing the diamond. City have played 4-3-2-1 and 4-2-3-1 this season in part, I believe, because Tevez doesn't partner well up front with either of the big strikers. Now a Tevez style striker, high work rate, fox in the box goal poacher is needed in a squad and I would expect City to add an experienced player as a reserve to fill that role.

The third reason I've always felt Tevez would leave is that he was signed by Mark Hughes and was a Hughes loyalist. If you recall when reports of Hughes firing came down a number of players were listed as having angrily confronted the executive management of City over the move. Bellamy (sent to Cardiff), Adebayor (sent to Real Madrid), Given (replaced by Joe Hart), Barry and Tevez. James Milner to me is the natural replacement for Barry and was bought, by Mancini, with that long term move in mind which leaves Tevez. For too valuable a goal scorer to send packing immediately, but Balotelli and Dzeko now provide that cover.

Mancini is quite clearly his own man and has moved to fill the team with players that are loyal to him. City would have finished higher in the table with Bellamy still on this team, but the Italian appears to have essentially taken the gamble to do it his way or no way at all.

If we buy into the Mancini revolution at City, then we buy in all the way. And that means Tevez is gone.

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Comments

Posted by Daniel on 05/21/2011

I disagree with you regarding Bellamy as always. Neither of us can be proven right, though. For me, he's too selfish, too injury-prone, and too in love with his own opinions. Sure, he had some good games, but overall he's never worth it.

As to Tevez, I agree. He's likely gone. Just hope we can pick up some of our supposed targets (Sanchez, Mata, Vertonghen, etc.) and that they fit in well. Oh, and still waiting on your article about our transfer targets! ;)

Posted by marc on 05/21/2011

Wallace, assuming that neither Jo, Caicedo, Ade or Santa Cruz are donning light blue next autumn, who do think Mancini & Co. are gonna plug in to spell Dzeko and Balotelli

Wallace Reply What the team needs are squad players... two experienced forwards on the down side of their career who can fill in as needed and then one young up and comer, similar to what Old Purple Nose did in picking up Hernandez. Now City might have that player in their youth ranks, or they might need to go outside the club.

Posted by CTID on 05/21/2011

I think Tevez plays brilliantly and brings out the best in Dzeko when they play alongside each other.

I really can't see him moving anywhere else so it's either he stays with us and sees out the majority of his contract or he makes some sort of deal and retires to live with his family in Argentina.

Posted by clevblue on 05/21/2011

"Tevez is toast " in your opinion! You actually have no information to back that claim, just speculation that has been rife everywhere, the same old stuff. I don't believe even T himself is certain of anything yet, but your contention that the least likely reason being family is probably, in MY humble opinion, the most likely to be the cause of his woes.
Any team manager would want him to stay, and Mancini is no different, Dzeko and Mario aren't ready yet and we need Tevez's goals. It will be a sad day if and when he leaves, even if Mancini's Inter diamond is spoiled.
Write a piece begging him to stay, tell him how good he is, and how much we will miss him. Would miss him, sorry, a little Freudian slip there!
Otherwise love the blog, please keep it up next season

Posted by Alex r on 05/21/2011

Wallace, what do you think of city's chances at signing e'to or xavi, assuming tevez doesn't leave. And if we were to. Get either what formation would we run.

Wallace Reply City don't need those players. They are missing only one starter and that is a central defender to partner with Kompany. The rest is squad building.

Posted by hankinsohl on 05/21/2011

The Tevez drama has been very difficult to decifer. I believe that Tevez sincerely wants to spend more time with his daughters, wants to be on a team that will seriously contend for the CL trophy and insists that he be respected and paid well.

Until recently - when City won the FA cup and qualified for CL competition - I suspect that Tevez planned to move on in the summer. Now, it's a tougher choice for him but, given the chance, I think that Tevez would welcome a move to Real Madrid or perhaps to Inter. It's been stated in the press that Tevez' family may be willing to move to continental Europe whereas they would not move to England.

However, I think that Tevez will probably remain in City until his contract expires. Given Tevez' wages, the transfer fee that City will demand, UEFA financial fair play rules, and the difficulty of finding a suitable replacement should Tevez be sold, I just can't see him leaving (but maybe an unlikely Ronaldo or Eto deal could be struck).

Posted by Danial on 05/21/2011

What about Andrea Pirlo? He will not be extending his contract with AC Milan & at 31 years old, will be good for 2 - 3 seasons playing in the Vieira role (assuming he will be retiring) as a fill-in besides having Champions League experience and a senior influence in the squad...

Posted by Ur insane on 05/21/2011

You think Tevez will leave eh? Go and put you house on it then you will need to buy a trailer to replace it.

Posted by Ur insane on 05/21/2011

Wallace I tell you now City do not need a centre half! Why would they? They are 1 goal off Chelsea for the best defence in the Prem. Lescott has been top notch what ever you read in last years papers and with Kolo & Boateng deputising this position is safe and sound. They need players on the left and right wings who can cross for Dzeko and a left back.

Wallace Reply City have an excellent defense because of the play of Nigel de Jong in front of them. City are unable to have tactical flexibility and play a 4-4-2 for example because Kompany and Lescott do not handle attacks straight down the field. Moreover while Lescott has played better he is still prone to the occasional positional mistake such as the Stoke game where Jones got the wrong side of him.

Posted by Evan on 05/22/2011

Hey Wallace great to hear from you again keep em comin....... I seem to notice that you seem to always mention boateng and kolorav as wing backs but Ive been contemplating the possibility of boateng playing center back with kompany I know this year we really haven't gotten to see much of boateng through injury but I know I saw him playing in center back at least one or 2 games I think maybe the early stages of the carling or fa cup..... And didn't he play center back for hamburg I know he played wing back for Germany but I thought he was in the middle for hamburg...... We then could have Micah on the right I think he makes a great wing back and he is still so young and from the academy and if I'm being entirely honest Im not too sure that I've been convinced that boateng would make a better wing back but like I said we havnt gotten to see much of him this year

Wallace Reply I also want to see Boateng partner Kompany in the centre of the defense. The problem with Richards playing the right/wing back role is that he can't cross the ball to save his life... an affliction from which Kolarov also seems to suffer. That remains a concern.

Posted by James W. on 05/22/2011

Hey Wallace, you didn't mention anything about Adam Johnson and his future with City. How would he fit in in the future?

Wallace Reply Johnson doesn't in the Inter diamond unless he can learn to be Silva's back up. In a 4-2-3-1 then Johnson's speed on the flank should be useful. Ironically the club could use Stephen Ireland to play the right side of such a formation.

Johnson should also be a winger in a 4-4-2 formation when City get a stronger central defender.

Posted by Kevin on 05/22/2011

Hello, Wallace! what do you think of kompany's partnership with Mamadou Sakho? Young and rising, would really be a future for city.

Wallace Reply I suspect Sakho ends up at Arsenal.

Posted by Windy Miller on 05/22/2011

Aha and there was me thinking that only i thought that Tevez actually disrupts the team. Just about everyone i have spoken to have been calling for the men in white coats when i dared to say such a thing. But no finally when i was starting to doubt myself, up came this posting to confirm my thoughts......

Wallace Reply Yeah, you watch game after game and he comes back into midfield way too much.

Posted by JoeUSA on 05/22/2011

I'm not a City supporter, so I haven't seen as much of them, but you seem a little too accepting of the prospect of life without Tevez. He scored more than 1/3 of City's league goals, while Balotelli and Dzeko have struggled despite their pedigree. Granted, Tevez' style of play is not well suited to the overall shape of the team, but he is the special kind of player you want to build a team around, rather than a bunch of really solid players.

Maybe I have been watching too much Top Gear, but it seems like you should not be so content to trade in the Ferrari for a couple of Porsche Boxsters.

Wallace Reply I think both Balotelli and Dzeko will be very very good in the Premier League.

Posted by Stan on 05/22/2011

I have expected Tevez to leave for a couple of months now. He's a rolling stone who seems to need the constant adulation from fans begging him to stay.

Honda and Abe joining City? What do you think of that?

I wouldn't mind Pirlo joining the squad. Quality depth, if he's willing to accept a role as a squad player.

Wallace Reply Pirlo would be very interesting especially in a 4-2-3-1 with Johnson on the wing.

Honda and Abe I'm not so sure about. Need to research them both a little more.

Posted by Elisha on 05/22/2011

100% behind you on the article. As frustrating as it is to let go of someone who's put up more than 50 goals, Tevez seems to be gone and I think we'll be better off in the long run without the distraction. I love AJ but it really is unfortunate he's so left footed and playing on the same team as one of the best in the world in Silva, he'd be a beast on another squad!

I do think we need to build more depth rather than signing a bunch of superstars to allow us to go through the inevitable longer seasons we'll see from here on out. I like the Japanese duo we've got our sights on from the front page, Honda was great at the WC, good attitude and great work rate, the type of players we need more of! Do you think he could partner with Silva on the opposite side? Finally Wallace, who do you think we'll look at at CB? Lescott has improved but he's still brutally slow and both our CB's seem to have trouble sometimes marking on crosses and corners.

Wallace Reply really hoping that we can bring in an experienced central defender. Carvalho when he left Chelsea last year is a perfect example of the type of player I'd be looking for.

Posted by James on 05/22/2011

Wallace, I fear you are right. Perhaps it is merely our tragicomic history as City, but it just seems "normal" that after an historical year we should lose our talisman, doesn't it? Assuming that Mancini does continue to get his own men into the club, where do you think our numerous on-loan players land? Not too much of our youth program was on display this year, and chances may be even more tight next year as we challenge for the title; where will the necessary squad players (defense & forwards) come from: inside the club or outside England?

And, if Adam Johnson is a bit of a luxury, where will that leave the impressive Rangers loanee Weiss? Hopefully not another Daniel Sturridge occurrence.

Wallace Reply Sturridge was a shame; exactly the sort of young forward that City need in the mix. However I understand the club's refusal to bow down to what were fairly excessive demands for a player that had yet to prove himself. Johnson has his place when the club plays top quality opposition and needs a counter attacking option. I think he'll be valuable in Europe against a side that is pressing forward.

Posted by Sean on 05/22/2011

Hey Wallace, love your write ups, as it helps add perspective which is hard to get over here in the US. In previous articles you have mentioned writing an article talking about potential transfer targets and where the team goes from here. I was just wondering when you would publish that?

Wallace Reply Working on some additional thoughts.

Posted by James on 05/22/2011

Do you see Onouha returning to the team next year? It was nice to see him "blooded" a bit more at Sunderland, and his physical gifts are undoubted. With Kolo Toure perhaps toast for the next year or so, Nedum could fill a valuable role. Thanks for the updates, we all look forward to your thoughts on transfer targets!

Wallace Reply That's a great point, I think Onouha would be a very useful addition back with the team. I'd also like to see what Vlad Weiss can do in certain formations.

Posted by willie on 05/22/2011

If Carlos leaves I think it will be bad for city but we have to deal with it and move on..but my main concern is that city needs someone to partner with or back up David Silva look at city when we play without him it's just not the same we lack movement next season will be very long and we need a next magician someone who is able to pull the strings in the middle of the park. it's all start in the middle of the park I will also like see milner play more in Barry role I think he can offer an option for scoring and he passes the ball well

Wallace Reply Yes a capable back up to Silva is incredibly important to City, likewise for de Jong.

Posted by Butler on 05/22/2011

There is ONE particular youngster whom I'd like to see more of. I think his name is Abdul Razak, not sure. Do you know whom I mean. He's really looked good when he's played this season.

Wallace Reply yeah, Razak played against West Brom earlier in the year. It's going to be hard for the youngsters to break through next year, but hopefully Mancini finds a way.

Posted by Kyle Fjetland on 05/22/2011

Wallace, do you think Chris Samba from Blackburn would be a possible target as a CB to partner Kompany?

Wallace reply I always expected Mark Hughes to go and get Samba and the fact that he didn't has always struck me as odd. I'd need to evaluate him over a number fo games to get a proper sense of his ability, but Samba certainly seems on the surface to be a good player.

Posted by DarkDefender on 05/22/2011

Who will caugh up the price we want for Tevez. Only two teams come to my mind. Real and Inter. Real will offer Kaka as part deal which is a disgrace especially if they want £50 for him. Inter is more interesting especially one dutch midfielder could be useful as part of the deal.

Scott Parker is in my opinnion perfect cover for NdJ. But I think Arse or Spurs will get him...shame.

Wallace Reply Parker is going to Arsenal, Spurs or QPR. I'm pretty sure, and apologies in advance to the lady in question if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure Parker's wife failed to settle in the North-East when Parker played for Newcastle after spells at Chelsea and Charlton. So I'd be surprised if the West Ham midfielder moved out of London.

Posted by Jim Kanichirayil-Chicago on 05/22/2011

Hey Wallace,

Great article as usual. I was thinking about the back up for Silva idea you had mentioned. How would Aquilani of Juve/Liverpool fit that role? He had a fairly decent season at Juve but I have concerns about his durability in the EPL. Juve doesn't want to pay to keep him and Liverpool doesn't want him so it may create an opportunity for us. Then there are players like Scott Parker and/or Charlie Adam but for some reason, they remind me of a Milner type more than a Silva type. I suppose while we're considering creative midfielders, Fab would fit the bill although he can't be considered a "squad" player. If you were asking me, I'd say the perfect addition to the squad would be Hamsik from Napoli (but again not a "squad" player). Who do you think would be a good fit for the back up for Silva position?

Wallace Reply It has to be a player who would be happy playing behind Silva. That's tough, keeping a squad happy is the hardest thing to do in the Premier League. I don't know yet.

Posted by BDS-FourteenSports, AZ on 05/23/2011

Wallace,

Been following your column for a while now, and while I don't agree with everything you say strategically or from a team psychology standpoint, your tactical insight has really helped me gain better understanding into the game since I have only been following City just over 4 years (and from across the pond).

Only one way City should let Tevez go. If they can get another special finisher to replace him. The team and its history still carry too much inertia, that unless a direct replacement is found, Tevez MUST remain until someone like Balotelli(I doubt it) or Dzeko(maybe) PROVES Tevez isn't needed to carry the team quite as often as he has been required to.

Mancini and the team delivered in "prove it" time better that I expected, but he still has a way to go before I will call him the next coming of Old Purple Nose. Next challenge for City is to be consistent.

Spurs did OK in the end but withered under the pressure. City without Tevez could be a train wreck.

Wallace Reply Honestly City with Dzeko and Balotelli up front and a summer working with Silva to get their timing right would I think be pretty darn awesome. I also think getting that formation "right" is important because City gave away far too many points this year to teams they should have beaten because they weren't playing formations that could break down the opposition. I really like Tevez, without his goals City are nowhere this year. But I think the club grows, positively, with a Dzeko-Balotelli partnership. I know I'm in the minority but I'd love to see Adebayor given another chance. He's always needed a great passer to get him the ball early (the lack thereof is one of the reasons he's always offside) and working with Silva would be really interesting.

Posted by Marty on 05/23/2011

Re: Ade. Didn't he have Fabregas to pass him the ball?

Agree that we won't miss Tevez that much though. How does everyone fail to notice that about half of his goals are penalties, which obviously don't tell much about his value since it is the player who EARNS the penalty that contributes most of the value. The reliance on the goal statistic has led to penalty takers like Lampard, Gerrard, et al being eternally overrated by the punditry.

Wallace Reply Arsenal have a tendency to pass sidewards rather than play the killer through ball. It's one of the reasons City ended up third and they didn't.

Posted by JahJah on 05/23/2011

Sup Wallace,

What do you think about Zlatan coming to Eastlands? His loan is up at AC, and Tevez would welcome a move to Barca. Given Mancini's comments b4 saying that if he were available he would "make room" for him... It really only makes sense for all parties involved....

Also, what do you think about Yaya as a back up for De Jong. Start him in his usual Mancini position advanced but when/if de Jong is injured or needs rest Yaya is a world class DCM....he MUST be able to do the job...

Wallace Reply Yes, Yaya might well do the job and I'd like to see an experiment with just that and Barry and Milner playing the two others in midfield. Ibrahimovic is an interesting case. Well respected it seems on the continent I remember Martin O'Neill once absolutely trashing him on tv as the most over rated striker in Europe. MON is a very smart manager and that's always worried me...

Posted by AK on 05/23/2011

The Tevez drama continues! I agree with you in principle that Teves does NOT want to stay with City. But in light of recent transfer figures (Andy Carroll, Torres, etc.), there's no way Man City will let him go for less than 50 million--he's scored half our goals for effs sake. On top of that, even if we consider Tevez taking a pay cut he's still going to have to be paid in the region of 180-200k a week. With these 2 stumbling blocks, I think he'll stay, at least another year and see what happens in the Champions League. Tevez already admitted that he'd love to play for Boca and will one day, but that right now financialy it would be a problem. For me that means "I'm not taking a pay cut". He stays! (with a grudge...)

Wallace Reply I think he's going to Inter

Posted by micky-2-times on 05/23/2011

Hi Wallace,
City without Tevez is a disaster, where are the goals going to come from? Not sure about Balotelli, but Dzeko needs more time, not that much either.

Surely Mancini should do whatever it takes, and play whatever formation necessary to suit Tevez.
In my opinion he is too stuck on tactics and formation. You need your best players on the pitch, playing passing attacking football. That means Tevez, Silva and Johnson make the team (and Dejong and Yaya)and let the players get on with it.

Mancini is too defensive and with the players we have and should be on the attack much more than we are. Use the formation that suits the players, not the other way around!

Where is the 'positive growth' if you don't score? City don't need Tevez, dont make me laugh.

Wallace Reply The issue with a lot of the tactical choices is that City can't play a back four with a "standard" midfield. As good as Kompany was this year, he has yet to show that he can be be great in such a formation. It's been many years since you were able as a manager to let the players get on with it. These days it's all about tactical match ups and detailed player dossiers.

Posted by Austin Blue on 05/23/2011

I agree that Tevez is almost certainly gone. I think a deal was worked with him that would give him more choices if he delayed his departure until the summer. I think he's going to struggle to be content anywhere for more than two seasons.

I love Balotelli's talent. City people I know say that they have never seen such amazing skills on the training ground. Something happens in the theatre of a live match to Balotelli - it's almost like he dares the fans to hate him but he craves the adoration. I hope City stick by him. I guarantee you Alex Ferguson would snatch him up if he had the chance. Dzeko is a class individual and great finisher. My one concern watching him is that he seems to lack the touch to trap a bag of concrete. Wallace - do you see the same thing? Should we be concerned by Edin's first touch and struggles to trap the ball?

Wallace Reply That's a great observation about Dzeko and something I'll look for. Dzeko has always struck me a someone who is very adept at hitting the ball first time - and that might be why, anything else isn't good. I think Balotelli can be special. He's never going to be the blood and guts hustle everywhere type, but that being said with the right service things could get very interesting.

Posted by Dan on 05/23/2011

Saying that you think Tevez is going to leave is one thing, saying that you don't think he fits into they're diamond formation, he doesn't suit this style of play, and that City can cope with Balotelli and Dzeko is something quite different. City was succesful this season because of the goal haul Tevez produced this season, and his overall work ethic and play on the field. Dzeko will never end upo being a success in the PL and while Balotelli certainly has potential and has played better of late, he has some serious problems off the field which he needs to address. Tevez and Mancini don't get along, that is pretty obvious, and Joorabchian is certainly in Tevez's ear about moving so he can collect some money from the transfer. But, saying that Tevez doesn't suit the style City try to play, or that he is unecessary to their team is a very wrong statement.

Wallace Reply we'll have to agree to disagree on this one. City won this season in many ways despite Tevez not because of him.

Posted by Drew on 05/23/2011

Last summer I remember there being some rumors that Manchester City may be interested in Landon Donovan. I'm from the US, and I've seen Donovan play many times. If he becomes available, I would love the versatility he would bring to this team. I've seen him play multiple positions, and he can be both a scorer and passer depending on the situation. Also, it couldn't hurt that Manchester City would start to become one of the most popular Premier League teams in the US.

Wallace Reply I've been a Landon Donovan fan for more years that I can remember. I wanted City to sign him and Brian McBride, a vastly under rated target man, many moons ago. Donovan showed in his brief stay with Everton that he can perform well in the Premier League and given the right circumstances I think he'd be a great addition.

Posted by DK on 05/23/2011

It has been awesome to have Carlos Tevez at City. But it's no surprise that he and his agent are agitating for another move. Tevez is one of those mercenary players who will do great stuff wherever he goes, and he'll go to a new place every two or three years. Thanks Carlos for what you have done for City, and good luck on your next gig. Just try to leave City with a little class, and with no sour grapes.

Posted by Byrd TT on 05/23/2011

@mickey-2-times : well, for Mancini where results is needed (same as in Chelsea), you can't risk going too fwd. It might be or might not be his liking, but it's what he 'has to do' in order to obtain results. And voila ! 3rd place + UCL, not bad for a defensive team though.

And for Wallace, i'm the fan of other team across the town, but i love your column, pretty insight and humorous at times. Just few questions concerning transfer of city next year.

1. If Mancini really looks for diamond formation, Krancjar of spurs seems to be a good back-up for Silva ? He's pretty decent and can deliver when needed. A squad player nonetheless.

2. Don't you think City still need another type of forward to help varying the formation ? (ie, Berbatov - ball holder, Rooney - complete fwd, Hernandez - poacher). Ade, Dzeko, and Mario are too much of the same shape for my liking.

Thanks for your reply ~

Wallace Reply It's worrying how many of the Red half seem to think I write a reasonable column! lol... Krancjar is a very interesting thought. I'll have to think about that one. And yes I do think City need a poacher in particular and Dzeko or Balotelli has to show that they can also win the ball in the air or that's an area that will need addressing as well.

Posted by Ken Basington on 05/23/2011

I take issue with Wallace's contention that Dzeko and Balotelli can shoulder the striking burden next season, and City can safely let Tevez go. Neither has proved himself yet, and City would be exposed if these two don't fire quickly. I don't think Khaldoun al-Mubarak will be happy with third place next season.

Wallace Reply I'd prefer to keep Tevez, at least for a year because his goals are so valuable. but yes, I believe Dzeko and Balotelli will turn into an effective partnership.

Posted by santana on 05/23/2011

they should get chicharito

Wallace Reply Yaya Toure is probably the more valuable pick up given the FA Cup victory (and semi-final) but Hernandez was a quite brilliant move by United.

Posted by Chris on 05/23/2011

City need a creative midfielder. Silva filled the roll well but he belongs on the outside. If City get a central attacking midfielder like liverpool have in Gerrard or like Chelsea used to have in a young lampard. They will be much more potent in attack and wont have to rely on one man (tevez)to get all the goals.

City would be dumb to let Tevez go. He is the most valuable assett they have!

Wallace Reply Completely disagree. When City play an attacking midfielder Silva should always be the player.

Posted by Kardajo on 05/23/2011

hope you don't mind a utd fan commenting... but you're right about Tevez. We united fans begged him to stay all season and when he was offered the contract he turned it down for bluer pastures, now he's wanting out again. I think the guy is a great talent but he simply was surplus to our squad with Rooney dropping deep more often and Park having a similar work ethic. He's surplus to your squad too. He makes your team essentially a one man team right now and that can be dangerous. He should definitely go.

And speaking of one man teams someone mentioned signing Ronaldo. Personally I don't think he could ever bleed sky blue and if you did get him the temptation would be to build the team around him or force him to adopt a new playing style which would of course be inferior to his current style.

In terms of signings, one or two wouldn't hurt, but you've been buying players like their going out of style and I think that's going to hurt your title chances every year you do that.

Wallace Reply You have to put City's buying in context. Essentially the club have attempted to build three different teams in the past few years. First we had Sven and his purchases followed by Hughes and the fascinating period of not only over paying for Premier League players but raiding City's rivals for players causing issues at those clubs. And then finally Mancini and his arrivals. Three managers, three distinct styles and three distinct purchase patterns.

That being said you now end up with a base squad which is good enough and the club needs to add one starter and then complimentary players who can fill in when needed. I see maybe two major signings at the most this off season with maybe three or four minor moves.

Posted by ehmedasad on 05/23/2011

why dont we bring in leo messi

Wallace Reply Messi will never play in the Premier League.

Posted by johnny on 05/23/2011

I'm a City supporter from Houston, Texas. I did get the opportunity to see City play Arsenal in the league this season. Its two bad Boyata had to get a red in the first 5 min of my only City game to see.. Anyways..

I agree Tevez should leave. He is a downer even if he gives 110% on the pitch. He is a one man team that back tracks if he doesnt touch the ball every min instead of playing his position. He is world class but needs a team built around him unlike Mancini's plans of the Inter Diamond. I think City needs another Silva, a world class CB and two wing backs who can actually cross and we are set. Also, Mancini needs to switch the roles of Yaya and Milner IMO.

Posted by Justin on 05/23/2011

Tevez is a loved player, but i can't help but agree that it is time to move on. His selfishness, and that is what it is, hurts the team in the long run. His passion was amazing and he will always be a huge part of City as we move forward.

Dzeko can be brilliant, still young and agree that the first touch needs to be worked on. Balotelli seemed to mature towards the end of the season and partly due to Viera in the squad (KEEP PATRICK!). The most interesting comment on here has been the Pirlo suggestion. A perfect player to plug in when you need experience and distribution. A player that is the best dead ball specialist in the world (bold, but maybe). I would love to see him play the role of Viera in an attacking sense. Older player that comes in and calms things down with his touch and distribution. Perfect off the bench.

Finally, i was most sorry to hear about Guidetti in the youth ranks. Kid seems to be pure class, but wants to start for someone. He is our young target!

Wallace Reply yeah I was hoping we could find a way to keep him but his contract is up this summer.

Posted by Ranjan Singh on 05/23/2011

Wallace, I donot know how you come to this conclusion that Dzeko or Balatoli would be able to cover up the vaccum with Tevez exit. I have been following city since Tevez moved in from ManU..and it is rarely that the team has performed well without their talisman even the recent success was more because of their Itlian kind of defensive play but they have lost all those games where they conceded..They need Tevez to sustain what they have achieved this year or else it will again prove a one time glory which they achieved since 70's...

Wallace reply Yes that's correct. However I want Dzeko and Balotelli to play together with an off season learning to play with Silva. Then I think you'll see something impressive.

Posted by John on 05/23/2011

Really like your analysis of Hughes above. Mancini's era to me has been marked by investing in young players and trying to build a core that will win together for many years. I'd expect more young players in the mold of Sanchez to come in this year (I think he's said as much.) Even with City's pockets I don't think more than £10 should be spent on someone older than maybe 28.

Posted by pj demers on 05/24/2011

I've already taken a lot stick for this with other football fans but I'm in full agreement with the comment that Carlos Tevez is a selfish player. I cannot count the amount of times Tevez has to put an extra touch on the ball or resorts to his blind alley dribbling when players are breaking into space at speed, not too mention the amount off times he'll shoot from difficult angles when he has players open in the box. I also think his style of play actually hurts City when they have to chase the game when quick one and two touch passes are essential to break down teams putting 8 to 9 players behind the ball. His talent is unquestionable, but I think his work rate masks the fact the he often plays for himself.

I'm also curious as to why no one has mentioned the Jia Koorbachian factor. From where I'm standing players are nothing more than commodities to him be bought and sold for profit. I would not be surprised if City execs played some serious hardball with Kia this past January

Posted by Spaz on 05/24/2011

Wallace, I disagree that Balo and Dzeko will be a great partnership in a 442. They are not compatible. I Think each should lead the line with another striker plays support. 2. I disagree City needs just role players, there are still some weaknesses in the starting 11. Lescott, Adam Johnson and Barry should be backups. Barry has a replacement in Milner (or Yaya if we get a true AM like Modric). Boateng for Lescott perhaps (but I'd rather have a skilled CD like Vertonghen). And Hazzard/Gervihno/Pastore for Johnson. Then we will have a full squad that can compete in all competitions. Granted we will have to sell All loaned outs, Tevez & SWP so we have no excess weight. While we have paid a lot for our squad, they are not necessarily all starter types on a top level club. We have in essence paid for really good backups. Now we are 2-3 starters away from being 1st tier. in my opinion Modric, Pastor and Vertoghen will get us safely close enough.

Wallace Reply City need one new starter, that's a central defender. Balotelli and Dzeko can compliment each other if they are playing the channels, supported by an AMC...

Posted by justin on 05/24/2011

so much for Pirlo...off to the 'Old Lady'

Posted by CTIDBrooklyn on 05/24/2011

One of the reasons I was excited about City's possible interest in Keisuke Honda was his versatility in an Inter diamond - his size and strength work well in the middle and the free kick skills are needed in Tevez' absence as well. Silva's creative but too small to win balls in the middle - I feel he's better suited on the left or right with Adam Johnson/new summer transfer on the other side.

I agree that Dzeko and Balotelli could do beautiful work together as a strike pair - but depth is needed there as well. And as you mentioned, another central defender is needed. Hopefully, there's a place for Nedum Onouha back in the City squad.

Posted by ed on 05/25/2011

tevez should man up and mean what he says. in the meantime, balotelli and dzeko in the startin XI next season sounds ridiculous. one's an overpaid half-idiot and the other hasnt even had a season in the league. u need to give them much more time together. till then, i guess tevez's the only option thats really tested and proven, albeit his off-field rubbish.

only the midfield is worth a mention though. yaya, silva, de jong form a really good 3/4 of a midfield. johnson needs help. he never really regained his confidence.

and yes you're right about the buying styles of managers. city need to keep a good manager and let him build the squad.

Posted by Durk on 05/27/2011

Tevez value to City is not that he is their outstanding player, mostly responsible for top 5 finishes over the last two seasons, but he has lifted the profile of Manchester City.
I do not believe the great David Silva would have come, or Balotelli, or YY Toure. Lescott is a good defender, Kolarov and Boateng in my view are not. Zabaleta is much better in either back position.

I have changed my view,re Tevez, I now don't see him going early, I see him at Eastlands for another two seasons, he has tasted success at both Manc clubs and there would be a strong pull for him to continue.
The raised football level now at City is what good footballers crave.
Make no mistake, Tevez would leave a gaping hole, that would hold City back from where they are going.
Players like to play with successful players,..... like Tevez.

Posted by Pushkal on 05/27/2011

Now, Pirlo is gone and Seedorf too..and Wallace,wat about Vieira??retiring or another year..can he extend?ur thoughts?

and Kranckjar is a really serious option, much more creative than Barry & Milner seems for now,
but will he accept to be again squad player??

and do we need an extra winger right-footed??ur thought on our own wright-phillips replaced by some more spanish feet???

Wallace Reply I'm not privy to what goes on in the dressing room, but Vieira's play doesn't seem to warrant another season. That being said, the club seriously lacks veteran leadership so there is an argument for Vieira staying.

Posted by Drew Swiss on 05/27/2011

I got into EPL and Man City especially back in January. I look at Tevez and as much as I would love for him to say he probably wont. I do want to see the Dzeko/Balotelli work out even though i think Balotelli works too much on his acting then his goal scoring.

Wallace Reply Remember that it is rare that a foreign player adapts immediately to the Premier League. It normally takes 18 months or so. Balotelli and Dzeko will come good as a partnership.

Posted by Ryan on 05/29/2011

I think all City need this window is a class left winger and a great CB. City was very ordinary and there was no width when Johnson was out this season. I would love one of Sanchez or Mata to join. And Lescott has played great recently but he is not a center back for a team that will win the premier league or champions league. Vertonghan would be ideal to step in alongside Kompany. I have great faith in Milner and believe that he should play much more next season. He can step in and play where Silva plays or he can step in and play where Barry and De Jong plays. Id play him over Barry in most games next season also. As long as Milner is playing in the center of the park and not on the wings, I believe he will be a huge contributor.

Posted by hankinsohl on 05/30/2011

Great column, Wallace. Keep up the good work.

One question though... when, in this article, you mention that City need only one additional starter in the summer, is that with winning the Premier League in mind or with winning both the PL and the Champions League?

I'd agree that we can win the PL if we get a good central defender. I think our team is improving - the last 6 games or so of the season were really good, including the mystery loss to Everton (probably our worst game was the win against Bolton).

However, as I think you'd agree, we're not yet in position to pose a real challenge to Barca, especially if it's over a 2-game, home-and-away fixture. In the context of trying to challenge Barca next year for the CL title, do you not agree that Mancini's desire to bring in 4 new starting calibre players makes sense?

Wallace Reply Remember that this is a young team and a team with a lot of new players that have yet to fully gel - hence what Mancini has done this year is remarkable. I believe City need a strong central defender and then the starting 11 should be set. The club needs a number of squad players, including some experience, if it is to challenge for further honours.

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