Alexis Sanchez | Done deal

[matherto]

City will be run over in the latter stages of the CL. All it takes is for Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar, Lewandowski or whoever to click and City will get hammered. A bit like Shakhtar but imagine Shakhtar have world class players.

No one in the PL is good enough to punish them when they play that open, but the likes of Barca, Madrid and Bayern will demolish them if on form.

They don't play open though. At all.

They strangle games so that should the opposition win the ball back, they've got no space to run into to or pass to.

I don't see any of the other big guns taking them on and not at least getting hammered possession and chances wise but I do agree it requires a moment of magic from Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar, etc to beat them.

 

[Lennon7]

Rage wanks are the best.

Red raw

 

[Giggs86]

Pep or money...when their whole club and recent winning history is built from a Saudi billionaire, the media acts like they're the good guys.

Didn't you hear? City is basically the modern day Barcelona and Pep is the second coming of Jesus Christ himself, the prophet and messiah of Football.

 

[Mciahel Goodman]

They don't play open though. At all.

By open I mean they spend large amounts of time with 8-9 outfield players in the opposition half. They can't do that against elite clubs. Or they can, but they'll be hammered.

 

[Sandyman]

Could it be possible that Sanchez has given his word to Pep that he will play for him only and won't join another team in the premier league? Even if that means spending the season at Arsenal and moving in the summer for a big sign on fee. That way City can put out a story about not paying over the odds and being conservative with money now. Added bonus of claiming Sanchez chose City over Utd despite Utd offering more money.

 

[Womp]

Could it be possible that Sanchez has given his word to Pep that he will play for him only and won't join another team in the premier league? Even if that means spending the season at Arsenal and moving in the summer for a big sign on fee. That way City can put out a story about not paying over the odds and being conservative with money now. Added bonus of claiming Sanchez chose City over Utd despite Utd offering more money.

If that was the case Jose wouldn't have said what he did.

 

[matherto]

By open I mean they spend large amounts of time with 8-9 outfield players in the opposition half. They can't do that against elite clubs. Or they can, but they'll be hammered.

They won't get hammered though.

It's hard to break through their lines even if they're in the opposition half because their players are coached to be close together strangling the counter and recovering the ball. That's 'the Guardiola style of play'.

Counter attacking teams are supposed to be the most effective against his teams but they don't work cause you rarely get the ball through and isolate their defenders.

 

[Rozay]

Great player, but I’ve already committed my heart to Dybala.

 

[Mciahel Goodman]

They won't get hammered though.

It's hard to break through their lines even if they're in the opposition half because their players are coached to be close together strangling the counter and recovering the ball. That's 'the Guardiola style of play'.

Counter attacking teams are supposed to be the most effective against his teams but they don't work cause you rarely get the ball through and isolate their defenders.

I think people are rating them higher than merited. I've watched them this season and they've made everyone else in the Premier League look average. I still think that come a quarter or semi in the CL against Madrid or Barca that they get turned over.

They're a top side, but I don't see them as being CL winners or at the same level of Barca/Bayern/Real when any of those three are playing in full gear. Not even close for me.

 

[RedDevilRoshi]

Great player, but I’ve already committed my heart to Dybala.

Save that one for the summer

 

[Paxi]

Could it be possible that Sanchez has given his word to Pep that he will play for him only and won't join another team in the premier league? Even if that means spending the season at Arsenal and moving in the summer for a big sign on fee. That way City can put out a story about not paying over the odds and being conservative with money now. Added bonus of claiming Sanchez chose City over Utd despite Utd offering more money.

No because the story came from Di Marzio not the British press.

 

[Paxi]

They won't get hammered though.

It's hard to break through their lines even if they're in the opposition half because their players are coached to be close together strangling the counter and recovering the ball. That's 'the Guardiola style of play'.

Counter attacking teams are supposed to be the most effective against his teams but they don't work cause you rarely get the ball through and isolate their defenders.

Real absolutely hammered Pep's Bayern on their way to the final with counter attacking football. It can certainly be done with top quality players.

 

[matherto]

Real absolutely hammered Pep's Bayern on their way to the final with counter attacking football. It can certainly be done with top quality players.

True enough but I honestly don't think his Bayern team were as good/as in form as this current City side is. They often struggled with injuries too which seemingly this year City aren't.

Real also are nowhere near as good this season.

Honestly see it being City-PSG in the final and tbh it'd be pretty decent to watch aside from the obvious hatred of City.

 

[Rozay]

It’s funny, if the Sanchez/Sterling swap deal had happened in the summer, we might still be in a title race.

 

[Paxi]

True enough but I honestly don't think his Bayern team were as good/as in form as this current City side is. They often struggled with injuries too which seemingly this year City aren't.

Real also are nowhere near as good this season.

Honestly see it being City-PSG in the final and tbh it'd be pretty decent to watch aside from the obvious hatred of City.

I'm not talking about personnel or specific teams, though. Just that Guardiola only knows how to play one way and a good counter attacking team will give them something to think about. Think Real, Inter etc against Pep's teams.

Not saying they won't win the CL but its far from a foregone conclusion.

 

[Mciahel Goodman]

Not saying they won't win the CL but its far from a foregone conclusion.

Are they even favourites? PSG, Barca, Bayern, Real, City would be the way I'd look at it. The first three because of form, but also because they have better players. Real because despite having a bad year they can still be world class in one off occasions (and are defending champions two years in a row). City are the best outside of that top three/four. If they beat those teams in high pressure games then I'll admit I was wrong, but I don't see it.

 

[Paxi]

Are they even favourites? PSG, Barca, Bayern, Real, City would be the way I'd look at it. The first three because of form, but also because they have better players. Real because despite having a bad year they can still be world class in one off occasions (and are defending champions two years in a row). City are the best outside of that top three/four. If they beat those teams in high pressure games then I'll admit I was wrong, but I don't see it.

I agree. It's also the fact that it's a knockout competition and anything can happen, takes luck as well as being good to win it.

 

[Mciahel Goodman]

I agree. It's also the fact that it's a knockout competition and anything can happen, takes luck as well as being good to win it.

They are actually favourites with the bookmakers. 3/1, but mostly due to the fact that they play Basel whereas PSG play Real Madrid and Barcelona play Chelsea.

Anyway, if I had to bet on it I'd say Sanchez signs for them either this month or in the summer. Though could be an RvP type move where everyone thinks there's no chance.

 

[Verminator]

Didn't you hear? City is basically the modern day Barcelona and Pep is the second coming of Jesus Christ himself, the prophet and messiah of Football.

Mes que una prostituta.

 

[breakout67]

City are definitely not the best team in Europe. The fact that the English league has been a shadow of itself for a long time means that people overrate the best team in the PL.

Their forward line is Sterling, Aguero/Jesus, Sane. Which is 3 young talents and one experienced world class player. Barcelona have Messi in extremely good form, PSG have Neymar and Cavani who are ridiculously good. All 3 players would improve City's team significantly.

Their midfield is their strongest area; but Barca still have Busquets going strong and an Iniesta rested in league games due to Coutinho's arrival. Paulinho is also showing that he's a very good player. Bayern also have a strong midfield; Alcantara is a majestic player; Vidal and Martinez are veterans.

City's defence is their weakest area; and sacrifice defensive qualities for the sake of the system. Guardiola defenders are exposed again and again when they cannot dominate a game because they must play in compromising decisions in order to retain possession.

City have yet to play a team with the same fire power as them, and as a result they have looked amazing. Because that is what Guardiola does; when he has the better team he dominates the game.

 

[Harry190]

As long as he doesn't act like a little child the way he did last season.

 

[Sandyman]

If that was the case Jose wouldn't have said what he did.

No because the story came from Di Marzio not the British press.

Cheers! Just seems strange City would brief the media about not being able to spend above a certain amount and to see the media lap it up.

 

[reddaz71]

Lets wait and see how this pans out, Realistically though it would not be a surprise if Sanchez stays put and joins City at the end of his contract if thats where he truly desires to go given his affection for Pep and the astronomical signing on fee he will get,Thats got to be the most obvious outcome and possibly as a direct replacement for Aguero!!

 

[sunama]

Rage wanks are the best.

These tend to be very angry and extremely aggressive.

 

[MIC_FIN]

Some serious questions need asking guys. All this "unzip" "cocks out" shite needs to stop. It's fecking embarrassing. We are not some degenerative football team residing in the championship. Get a grip ffs.

 

[kr0nix]

Some serious questions need asking guys. All this "unzip" "cocks out" shite needs to stop. It's fecking embarrassing. We are not some degenerative football team residing in the championship. Get a grip ffs.

So you're saying we shouldn't be unzipping... yet?

 

[Class of 63]

Some serious questions need asking guys. All this "unzip" "cocks out" shite needs to stop. It's fecking embarrassing. We are not some degenerative football team residing in the championship. Get a grip ffs.

Yeah like, how do you get a proper grip if you don't unzip first ?

 

[Devil may care]

Some serious questions need asking guys. All this "unzip" "cocks out" shite needs to stop. It's fecking embarrassing. We are not some degenerative football team residing in the championship. Get a grip ffs.

Yes.....that's why it's embarrassing.

 

[Paxi]

Some serious questions need asking guys. All this "unzip" "cocks out" shite needs to stop. It's fecking embarrassing. We are not some degenerative football team residing in the championship. Get a grip ffs.

We’ve been saying shit like that for years. As long as I can remember. It’s all banter.

 

[Mick1]

Some serious questions need asking guys. All this "unzip" "cocks out" shite needs to stop. It's fecking embarrassing. We are not some degenerative football team residing in the championship. Get a grip ffs.

Dont need to support a degenerstive football team to appreciate the absolute glory of a good man to hand session

 

[KingMinger22]

Great player, but I’ve already committed my heart to Dybala.

We need both.

City are definitely not the best team in Europe. The fact that the English league has been a shadow of itself for a long time means that people overrate the best team in the PL.

Their forward line is Sterling, Aguero/Jesus, Sane. Which is 3 young talents and one experienced world class player. Barcelona have Messi in extremely good form, PSG have Neymar and Cavani who are ridiculously good. All 3 players would improve City's team significantly.

Their midfield is their strongest area; but Barca still have Busquets going strong and an Iniesta rested in league games due to Coutinho's arrival. Paulinho is also showing that he's a very good player. Bayern also have a strong midfield; Alcantara is a majestic player; Vidal and Martinez are veterans.

City's defence is their weakest area; and sacrifice defensive qualities for the sake of the system. Guardiola defenders are exposed again and again when they cannot dominate a game because they must play in compromising decisions in order to retain possession.

City have yet to play a team with the same fire power as them, and as a result they have looked amazing. Because that is what Guardiola does; when he has the better team he dominates the game.

The PL average team quality is higher than ever.

The two young talents you mention - Sane and Sterling are incredible talents that are already consistently delivering. So the point about them being young is a compliment more than a limitation.

 

[Mr Smith]

Isn’t it best to wait until we have some solid evidence of this being anything substantial? Before debates about how and if to play Mata? He’s far closer to signing for City as they will have approached him early- they don’t exactly care about potential fines etc. Just can’t wait til the Oil bastards get bored and pull the plug and City will be soon back to whinging from our shadow, where they belong

This is muppet central mate. Jumping the gun is out MO. Get with the program.

 

[MrMarcello]

United might sign Sanchez?

Spoiler

A few days later and City sign Sanchez.

Spoiler

 

[automaticflare]

Can’t believe so many of these folks make an actual living from this shit

I long for the days of signings out of no where like Andy cole what a day that was!!

 

[rampo]

So you're saying we shouldn't be unzipping... yet?

Yeah like, how do you get a proper grip if you don't unzip first ?

Yes.....that's why it's embarrassing.

 

[Paxi]

The guys on ESPN Latam today were going on about how we have apparently made a mega offer both to Arsenal and him. Much more than City's. Which probably makes sense as City would be relying on him forcing a move to them anyway and are in no rush. Obviously Alexis not being entirely convinced as his head was at City (style & trophies).

I know any of us could easily make that up, but some of these guys have good insider sources and I often hear about possible moves for South Americans before they make the papers there.

It makes far too much sense, even if I probably dislike him as much as most of you dislike Suárez.

Just noticed this from another thread. Bolded part ended up being absolutely correct. Seems we’ve been negotiating with Arsenal and AS for at least couple of weeks. Post was made on the 30th of December. Sounds promising.

I mean, if Sanchez’s heart is set on City why waste everyone’s time?

 

[breakout67]

The PL average team quality is higher than ever.

The two young talents you mention - Sane and Sterling are incredible talents that are already consistently delivering. So the point about them being young is a compliment more than a limitation.

This is the first year in several years that the PL has good representation in the CL, and now people are saying the quality is higher than ever. Even then 3 of the PL teams got straight forward groups.

We have just gone through a period where Madrid and Barca dominated european football.

The PL average team quality is piss poor compared to the 2000s, when the PL was getting 2-3 teams in the final 8 of the CL on a regular basis.

 

[RedTiger]

Can’t believe so many of these folks make an actual living from this shit

I long for the days of signings out of no where like Andy cole what a day that was!!

I was in six form at the time, I thought everyone was taking the piss until I got home and saw it on teletext myself

 

[VeevaVee]

Great player, but I’ve already committed my heart to Dybala.

He's our big signing. Sanchez is small change

 

[Scholsey2004]

I was in six form at the time, I thought everyone was taking the piss until I got home and saw it on teletext myself

Five goal debut.