Season shape-up - Man City

We look at how sides are gearing up for the new campaign

Last updated: 21st July 2008

jo Manchester City

Jo: New City hero?

Related links

News

Feature

Teams

Also see

It's been another summer of change at Manchester City with Mark Hughes replacing Sven Goran Eriksson as manager and a shake-up in the boardroom, where Garry Cook has taken over as executive chairman. Andy Clarke looks at how Hughes may look to shape his squad before the new season.

What's happened so far

With the focus on the appointment of Hughes and the pursuit of Ronaldinho, it's easy to overlook the fact that City have just smashed their transfer record with the signing of Brazilian striker Jo from CSKA Moscow for £18million.

The 21-year-old is expected to pep up a strike-force which has struggled desperately under previous managers Eriksson and Stuart Pearce, who both preferred a 4-5-1 formation.

Despite employing only one striker on a regular basis for the past three seasons, City have a glut of forwards on the books and moving some of them out is a priority, with Paul Dickov and Emile Mpenza released and Georgios Samaras expected to be sold to Celtic.

That still leaves Rolando Bianchi and Bernardo Corradi, who are both set to return to Italy on loan, as well as Benjani, Valeri Bojinov, Nery Castillo, Daniel Sturridge and Ched Evans, while Darius Vassell can be added to the list despite playing in midfield for the bulk of his time at the club.

Following Dickov and Mpenza out of the Eastlands exit is utility man Sun Jihai after a somewhat bemusing six-year spell featuring 151 largely forgotten appearances, while midfielder Geovanni has gone to Hull, leaving supporters with the memory of his winning goal against United.

Goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson has moved on to PSV after some impressive performances for Sweden at Euro 2008 and City could also lose third choice Kasper Schmeichel.

Hughes has secured the future of captain Richard Dunne on a four-year contract and is working hard persuade Joe Hart to sign an improved deal, while Evans has signed a three-year contract and looks set to get a chance despite interest from half the Championship.

What they need

Hughes says the squad needs balance and we can take that to mean two things. Eriksson's staff was top-heavy with strikers, as mentioned above, and this position will almost certainly be addressed. A lack of pace in midfield and attack is the other area of imbalance, and the signing of Jo is the first positive step in solving this particular problem.

Starting at the back, with Isaksson gone and Schmeichel's future uncertain, Hughes will need to bring in an experienced back-up keeper to provide cover for Hart (providing Hart agrees a new contract).

In defence, the lack of cover in the centre was exposed late last season by injuries to both Micah Richards and Nedum Onuoha, so a central defender would be a welcome addition, particularly with the added pressure of Uefa Cup football.

At right back, Vedran Corluka is backed up by Onuoha and City have promising youngsters in Shaleum Logan and Kieran Trippier, while on the left the options are provided by Michael Ball and Javier Garrido.

Hughes may look to target a left-back who can combine the defensive solidity of Ball with the attacking adventure of Garrido - Martin Petrov was more of a threat in the early part of last season when linking with Garrido but the Spaniard was often caught out of position and lost his place to Ball as a result.

The new manager has two key questions to address in midfield, with a defensive midfielder and a right-sided player the priorities. Dietmar Hamann was arguably City's most consistent performer for the first six months of the last campaign, but his legs are no longer a match for his brain.

Gelson Fernandes showed great promise in the role, but expect Hughes to bring in an experienced - and more rugged - performer. On the right, Eriksson chose between Stephen Ireland and Vassell resulting in an imbalance compared to the pace and flair of Petrov on the left. Many fans would love to see the return of Shaun Wright-Phillips (there are plenty, too, who wouldn't) to fill a position which has been a problem ever since he departed.

Persuading Michael Johnson to stay and getting him to return to the form he showed before injuries and, reportedly, inflated ego took hold should sort out any issue in central midfield, although the post-Christmas form of Elano was a huge concern last season. Brilliant for three months, ordinary for six, fitting Elano in to a 4-4-2 formation is a problem and in that respect it would be no great surprise if he was a casualty of the new regime.

Up front, it is a question of who, if anyone, partners Jo? Hughes dabbled with a 4-5-1 formation towards the end of his time at Ewood Park so it is by no means certain that he will always select two out-and-out strikers.

Despite his work-rate and a goal against United, Benjani has failed to convince most supporters that he is anything more than a stop-gap. Castillo failed to handle the physical nature of the Premier League and Bojinov missed the whole of the season with a knee injury.

Diego Milito is rumoured to be a target and if the Real Zaragoza striker were to arrive it would most likely leave Benjani and the promising Sturridge to provide cover. A return to Italy is a possibility for Bojinov.

What they'll get

At least one defender, for starters. Chelsea reject Tal Ben Haim is set to sign a four-year contract for a fee estimated at £5m. Hughes has also been linked with a move for West Ham full-back Lucas Neill, a move which would seemingly be welcomed by Hammers fans who have not warmed to the Australian.

A goalkeeper, a defensive midfielder and a right-sided midfielder are surely the minimum requirements to bolster the rest of the squad, with Anthony Annan and David Bentley among the names most consistently linked for the latter roles.

Brad Friedel could be the goalkeeper - the veteran American is keen to leave Ewood Park, where he has only one year remaining on his contract. He could be the ideal candidate to tutor Hart.

If Hughes can clear the decks in attack, then another striker - possibly Milito - may also arrive.

Prem W/out Top 4 2008/09 Win Outright: Man City 3/1

Comments

Mike Gurd (Manchester City fan) says...

i agree that swp should return to eastlands i mean petrov down one wing swp down the other what a combination defence needs someone like antone ferdinhasnd maybe even bring back danny mills to solve defense crisis goalkeeper cudicini maybe ??and striker along side jo maybe someone similur to torres that would compleate city for not just uafa cup but champions leauge to in years to come

Posted 23:46 28th July 2008

Karl Anwar (Chelsea fan) says...

Hart...not a very good keeper though the saving he made always cover up his silly mistakes. The biggest drawback of SGE was in goalkeeping decision (which saw English exit in World Cup). He's pretty good in everything but not goalkeeping. NEVER OVERLOOK CITY. If City can make Isakson confident by let him play more regular than local English boy, he can proof him as better goalie. Why not get Egyptian goalkeeper el-Hadari or Cameroonian's goalkeeper? They have qualities..

Posted 19:19 24th July 2008

Dave Brown (Manchester City fan) says...

I can only see City improving on last year. Hughes will bring some disipline to the squad, something which was sadly lacking for the last few months of Svens` reign. We have a strong core to our team with an emphasis on youth and I am sure that by the start of the season we will have a decent right winger (SWP would fit the bill nicely, unless he has caught the London disease and is now up his own a...). a holding midfileder ( Alonso from Liverpool) and another quality striker (Vagner Love is my choice). See you in Barnsley

Posted 13:13 24th July 2008

Gav Bailey (Manchester City fan) says...

Hughes is a coup signing. Granted at first I was doubtful cos of his ties with United, but having being ear-marked to replace Fergie at united when he retires, we have argueably the best, young, manager in the league. Who isnt afraid to use his own hairdyer at the primadonna foreigners or young upstarts who think they are too good for the club after a decent first half season. But expect a 4-4-2 formation, which Hughes prefers and is what City need, especially at home. Yes we need another keeper (Friedel which the option of coaching), another centreback (Ben-Haim) with Corluka playing as CB and RB. Rightback position is covered with Onouha, Corluka and Logan. Left back needs strengthing with pace and denfensive quality, (Warnock of Blackburn has had a bid made apparantly from someone). Another back up for Def. Midfield for Johnson and Fernades (would love to see Senna of Villareal there). Left and right wingers, on the left, cover for Petrov (one of our best players last season), and a pacey right winger (SWP, Bentley, Zabaleta) and Elano plays there for Brazil, so expct Hughes to start him there is 2 strikers start. Lastly, we need more quality up front. Benjani is a confident player. When he is on a run of goals, he doesnt stop. When he stops, he stops. Bianchi may get another chance, he has quality when you see him play, the way he moves into space, a good touch and shot. A good partner for Jo's speed and power. But both and still untest in the premiership, and with the young, exciting prospects of Strurridge and Evans, we still need another top class striker (the likes of Eto'o, Santa Cruz, Milito, Aguero). I think City will be promising under Hughes this season, the start of a solid and improving era of City. Like Fergie at United, didnt happen overnight, but with acking of the manager, we are in a good position.

Posted 12:46 24th July 2008

Joao Versailles (Manchester City fan) says...

The thing we lacked last season, particularly in the second half, was once again goals. With the arrival of Jo, I'm hoping we'll go with two up front this season. Benjani doesn't look to be the type of striker who can get 15+ goals season after season, though he should provide good support up front for Jo when he comes back. As for who we need, the last few games showed how much we need more defensive cover. Jihai's now gone and Elano is too good creatively to be stuck down back. Ben Haim for £5mil would be a good investment, as would Samba. I also agree with the thought of bringing in a right-mid. SWP would be amazing and I have no doubt he still holds the club dear to his heart, I'm not sure he'd come back right now. Bentley would be good, depending on the rpice tag Rovers put on him. And finally, Johnson can leave, preferably to Newcastle as a replacement for that other midfield Judas.

Posted 03:04 24th July 2008

Scott Bellamy (Manchester United fan) says...

I agree in part. But Man City should definetly opt for the more consistent and adventurous David Bentley to play on the right-hand side of midfield and desperately need a big hold up striker to partner Jo. Someone like Dean Ashton or Eidur Gudjonsson would be ideal as they are clever footballers much in the mould of Sheringham. Keeping Elano is a must, it has to be remembered that he came from haktar where they enjoyed a Winter Break - it caught up with him in his first season. In terms of defenders, Rafinha from Schalke would be a good signing as well as someone with premiership experience like Wayne Bridge to sure up the left back spot. Although they have bought Jo, it is currently teams like Portsmouth who have really signalled their intent so far with the signing of Peter Crouch to partner Jermain Defoe in attack. Muntari from Pompey would be a great bet to partner Johnson in the centre (taking over from the ageing Hamman) to allow Elano a free role in behind. The options for Mark Hughes are endless, but he needs to start acting fast in the market, and not be afraid to spend some of Sinawatra's money. He wants to establish himself as one of the big managers in the Premiership. He has the club, the facilities, the staium and the money - now he needs to use them.

Posted 11:38 23rd July 2008

Paul Edmed (Manchester City fan) says...

Certain players are going to have to stand up and be counted this season and not hide away,players like Ireland and Johnson need more consistency and learn to roll their sleeves up when it gets tough.Elano has no excuses along with Petrov they now know the season lasts longer than a few months.If Vassell stays on he needs some practice on one to ones,its all right running around like he would die for city but we need some composure in front of goal even if he hit five or six it would be an improvement.

Posted 11:05 22nd July 2008

Cheyne Hill (Chelsea fan) says...

To Bonaker: I completely agree. Man City are a prime candidate for a very underused diamond midfield in the Prem. Elano would be a great attacking MF with the ability to float to either wing. The "?" is who will pair in that front two with Jo (great signing!). And as a Chelsea fan I agree it would be in the best interest of all for SWP to go back to Man City. To Page: Vassell and Johnson out- totally agree. But Bianchi departing would be a big mistake. I believe he is the best bet to pair with Jo without a huge transfer fee that City cannot afford. And Hughes should be able to reinspire the beautiful pairings he and Elano displayed at the beginning of last campaign. I like City too much to wish Ben-Haim on you. I want him overseas so I don't have to be reminded of all the crucial goals he gifted Chelsea's opponents.

Posted 18:42 20th July 2008

Matthew Gregory says...

i agree with most of the comments above but i think us not getting ronnie from barca is not gr8 news is it had he of signed am sure your opions would change. i agree 2 seeing SWP back at eastlands and also i would go for gareth barry and mayb get someone on loan ... in my opion 2 partner jo up front we could do with the likes of babel from liverpool 2 me last season he was a super sub and would b gr8 4 a look out in our 1st team.. Hope all the fellow city fans above enjoy a gr8 season and hopefully have a good cup run.

Posted 18:00 20th July 2008

Andy Payne (Portsmouth fan) says...

Speaking from an outsider cant see why you got rid of Sven, but at least you have replaced him with a decent manager. Got a lot of respect for Mark Hughes. Hughes will get the best out your players and although I dont think you'll finish much higher than you did last year, I think you'll play more consistantly with him. City will have to sign players better than the ones they already have if they want to progress, a trait I dont think they have mastered under there current chairman although I dont think anyone knows what this Jo is going turn out like. City have a good nucleus of players but need to turn out a team that will grind out results the hard way, something they seem to of forgot about last year. All the best for the coming season and...by the way... can Pompey have Benjani back if you dont want him..he's a hero down south!

Posted 17:57 20th July 2008

Graham Clarke says...

would like to see bit of clear out up front get huntleer from ajax swp or bentley on right lahm on left & an old head to cover for joe in goal if he signs on again possibly another centre half as micah could cover didi's role

Posted 17:46 20th July 2008

Martin Harris (Manchester City fan) says...

A must for Hughes is to purchase another centre back. This was shown last season with the injuries to Richards and Dunne when we leaked goals. Ronaldinho was a definate no. 200k a week is ridiculous. I think that we should look at Kazim-Richards as a right sided midfielder. He played superb in Euro 2008 for Turkey against high quality opposition. His pace would give us more options going forward other than Petrov, who dont get me wrong, did fantastic last season, but he was all we really had and it proved difficult for him with his fitness levels towrads the end of a game. We need to set our sights on a top 6 finish and a domestic cup.

Posted 17:03 20th July 2008

Richie Wyatt (Middlesbrough fan) says...

As an outsider I may provide a few differing opinions to what we have seen. For instance, I think the signings of Bentley and Berbatov are unrealistic. They need a step up, and no offense, but City aren't that step up (i.e Top 4). SWP would be a great purchase, so too Ben Haim/Samba. I'd consider someone like Boulharouz, who has a bad press in England, but somewhat unjust as he played out of position for a year at Chelsea. A lot of average strikers, worth cutting down the wage bill, but I'd like to see either Bojinov or Bianchi given a real chance it, as they obviously have the quality. Would be a shame to see Elano move, another man with bags of ability. Like the idea of him playing off Jo - or maybe Bianchi! Anyway, keep the good youth coming.....(and I didn't even mention 8-1!)

Posted 15:49 20th July 2008

Max Bonaker (Manchester City fan) says...

Should play 4-4-2 with a diamond formation with elano behind the front two. Petrov on left wing, Shaun Wright-Phillips on the right, Xabi Alonso as dm. Our left back should be Paul Konchesky, good mixture of pace and defensive strength

Posted 15:08 20th July 2008

Glyn Albuquerque (Manchester City fan) says...

I am pleased we have Mark Hughes as our Manager, as I believe he has the steel, in terms of presence and hopefully discipline that was so missing from SGE reign. What we ideally need this term in terms of players is : a towering Centre Half - Chris Samba from Blackburn would be ideal - Dunne for all his brilliance, made a lot of howlers too, especially at the end of the season. A quality right sided mid-fielder wioth pace and trickery that matches what we have on the left - Bentley or SWP or even Tudgay in Turkey or J Pennant?. Maybe another solid defensive mid-fielder, if Richards or Fernandes are not up to it. We really need to play 2 strikers up front if we are to score more than one goal per match, I am sick of watching 4-5-1, home and away.

Posted 15:06 20th July 2008

Pete Page (Manchester City fan) says...

Absoloutely spot on with the comments above. I for one would relish seeing SWP back in a City shirt, I loved watching him when he was here. There's plenty of candidates for the exit door, Corradi, Bianchi, Vassell etc and I would certainly read Micheal Johnson the riot act. Clearly as visions of grandur, he aint the player he thinks he is!!! Of all those currently linked, I think only Ben Tal Haim will arrive, I reckon Sparky is looking abroad to unearth the nugget he found in Ryan Nelson. Good luck City for this campaign....CTID

Posted 14:23 20th July 2008

Richard Taylor (Manchester City fan) says...

I agree with most of the comments, ideally i would like Elano to play the holding role of Hamann but he doesn't look physically capable for the role. Having said that we only have to look to Man U and Ronaldo who was also a bit light when he arrived but after a summer in the gym hes gone on to become arguably the best player in the world. Surely bojinov can't be ruled out before he's had a good run in the first team, Benjani admittedly looks like a stop gap and signings of Castillo and Caciedo was a desperate attempt on S.G.E's part to find some goals. Garrido and Pertov on the left looks like a strong partnership although Garrido was often caught out of position due to his attack-mindedness. On the right Corluka is looking good but needs somebody new in front of him preferably Shaun Wright-Philips as Vassell didn't get into his role as a right winger, his work rate though is faultless. In the centre Ireland and Hamann work well in tandem, with Ireland doing the legwork and breaking up attacks and Hamann as the link player. New signing Jo looks to be a good one, his ability is undoubted he is an unselfish player who recognises his team mates efforts and plays with a smile on his face. He will take the Premier League in his stride and produce the goals cwe missed badly last year. City's attack is top heavy and i expect a few more will leave if not now then in January. The young players coming through are high quality as we know City produce a couple every season for the past 10-15 years. We are now in a postiion where we dont have to sell to survive, and if the youth coming through can be kept at the club then the future is looking ver promising and it all starts in a few weeks. Bring it on!!

Posted 14:02 20th July 2008

Paul Cook (Fulham fan) says...

I cant wait to see what Man City do this year and under mark Hughes who is undoubtly one of the best managers in the premiership, his great at finding unknown Talent and bringing out the best in players. Petrov is one hell of a player his vision and pace are second to none it would suprise me if he adds more goals to his game. Myself dont think Bentley would be the right player for the team his attitude for the game is all wrong his one of them players who thinks his better than he really is and with ego's like that can affect the rest of the team. Swp would be a great buy he has good pace a good attitude to the game and on his day crosses the ball as good as anyone. Anyway good luck to mark hughes and man city i predict a bright future a head.

Posted 13:03 20th July 2008

Stephen Bolton (Manchester City fan) says...

A experienced back up to Hart is needed maybe Niemi ? Thorsten Frings to replace the ageing Hammann . a right sided midfielder (SWP would be my choice) a left back possibly Pranjic of croatia. a centre back (Samba well known by Hughes) a midfield playmaker (Van der Vaart of Hamburg or Diego of Bremen or Alexis Sanchez of Udinese would fit the bill to compete with Elano) and as for the strikers we are well over loaded considering svens refusal to play 2 up, i would start with Jo & Ched Evans with Bojinov,Caciedo,Castillo & Sturridge all supporting from the larger 7 man bench. i would get rid of Benjani,Vassell, Corradi & possibly Bianchi if we can get around the 8 million we paid

Posted 12:57 20th July 2008

Maxwell Gregory (Manchester City fan) says...

if city are to sign a goalkeeper and any defenders i hope they are as cover, there is nothing wrong with hart, schmeichel and our defence as it is. i think steve is right xabi alonso would be a great purchase aswell as SWP and i think we should go for berbatov he would be an ideal partner for jo.

Posted 12:08 20th July 2008

Page 1 of 2

Add Comment*

All fields are required

Are you a Sky Sports subscriber?

Character Count : 0/1950

Please tick here if you wish to receive emails relating to Sky Sports.com or any other companies, services or products related to Sky Sports.com

Please send me the weekly Sky Sportszine - exclusive content, features and competitions to my inbox every Friday.

*All fields required, your email address will be kept private