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Should They Stay Or Should They Go?
5 Plays1 month ago
Episode 47, Daily Manchester City -
The full Daily Manchester City team (Jools, Jack, Keelin & Lewis) are all here to become sporting directors and decide whether City should keep or sell every individual player in the City squad.
We also discuss some future game-changing signings to replace those on their way out the door
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Transcript
Wild Card Wednesday: Becoming City's Football Director
00:00:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome to the Daily Manchester City Podcast on the Global Sports Podcast Network. I'm Jules Jordan-Probert and today we are here again on one of our favourite days of the week for another Wild Card Wednesday. And what a special one we have in store for you.
Squad Analysis: Current Status and Future Moves
00:00:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
We will be morphing into a director of football and taking over the reins on squad building at Manchester City, going through every player in the Manchester City squad and very much like the clash, deciding whether they should stay or should they go. down and and and and and and
00:00:36
Jack
bad way
00:00:37
Lewis
yeah
00:00:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm delighted to say we have a full daily Manchester City house to do just that. So welcome Jack Ward. Hi Jack.
00:00:44
Jack
ah How are you doing mate? It's good to be back. Wild Car Wednesday, favourite day.
00:00:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Woo woo. Keelan McNamara. Hi Keelan.
00:00:51
Keelin McNamara
this Hello mid, Wednesday is the best day of the week in dearly Manchester City, delighted to be back.
00:00:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Lewis Royal. Afternoon Lewis.
00:01:00
Lewis
Yeah, very impressed with with your intro there. and I'm delighted to be back for for our second full house.
00:01:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
A bit of music, I guess everyone's going, doesn't it?
00:01:08
Jack
I wasn't expecting the Flash mention today.
00:01:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well...
00:01:10
Jack
I quite quite large arch like that actually.
00:01:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
but Well, for something a bit less fun, City are of course currently on a format losing streak!
00:01:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm sure I don't need to remind anyone listening to this podcast. And one of the main factors site did as to why is Pep's insistence on a small squad, which has been public knowledge for a while, but pair that with a load of injuries and we have the makings of a potential crisis. So how this will be structured is we will go through the team player by player with some youth players mentioned too, and everyone will say where the city should keep, sell or potentially loan.
00:01:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
and of course we'll get into why in some of the juicy and play discussions. Whichever gets the most votes will be the official Daily Manchester City decision and we will have a ah decided full squad at the end of today's episode. We may even do this all again in January when things are a lot clearer and the potential for transfers is imminent.
00:02:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
But for now, we'll start with the goalkeepers and make our way up the pitch, saving the most exciting for last of the
Is Edison's Time Up at City?
00:02:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
attackers. After coming to our obviously correct conclusions, we'll give a brief overview of how that would leave the squad looking and who else could be needed to complete the team. So without further ado, let's start with the goalkeeper and the man in between the sticks for an eighth season now, that's Edison. So there's rumours of him leaving and he's a potentially poor starter this season as well. Keelan, how would you handle Edison right now?
00:02:31
Keelin McNamara
So this is going to be a very bold shout to kick off today's episode, but I'm going to say go. And listen, I love Eddie. We all love Eddie very much. But like you said, it's been eight years. And to be honest, I always have doubts about Edison's shock stopping ability. Obviously, best in the world with his feet. There's no real debate about that, in my opinion. But I still think fundamentally when it comes down to it, I i do have doubts about his ability to do the basic stuff.
00:03:01
Keelin McNamara
And I do think at the moment there are potentially good options to replace him out there. So if it's the right money and if it's the right opportunity to quote the clash, I'm going to say he can go.
00:03:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
All right, Jack, do you agree with that decision?
00:03:15
Jack
and No, I'm going to say stay. I think we've got a lot of problems in our squad, but I don't think that the goalkeeper is the most pressing one. So stay for me.
00:03:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Lewis, decide and vote for you then. Does Edison stay or does he go?
00:03:28
Lewis
yeah yeah For me, I think he stays, especially for for another few years, yeah definitely.
00:03:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
So Edison is just about hang on to his number one spot there. He'll be delighted to know he doesn't get the Saudi money quite quite yet.
00:03:41
Jack
you
00:03:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
So we'll keep it Edison and move on to a backup keeper. Stefan Ortega recently called up to the German squad. Lewis, how do you feel about him?
00:03:51
Lewis
Yeah, I would keep Stefan Ortega as a backup keeper. I think he was brilliant last season when needed, when Edison was out. And like you said, he's 32 years old now, but he has been called up to the the German squad. And yeah, I think he's ah he's a solid backup keeper.
The Unsung Hero: Scott Carson's Influence
00:04:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Jack, how do you feel about Ortega?
00:04:08
Jack
I love him. I think he's great. I think at times he's in, you know, you can threaten to take Edison's place. So it's an easy keep for me if we can, if no other big clubs come in and try and take him.
00:04:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Keelan, Full House or something different?
00:04:21
Keelin McNamara
Yeah, we have our first unanimous decision of the episode. I think we keep Stefan Ortega. Last season, he maybe won us the title with the safe against Hoang Min Son in the Tottenham game. I say Stefan stays.
00:04:33
Lewis
Thanks.
00:04:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
And what about third-choice keeper, Scott Carson? Keltira, Jack, talk to us about Carson.
00:04:41
Jack
jimmy Do you mean the man with the greatest job in the world?
00:04:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, I do, exactly.
00:04:46
Keelin McNamara
yeah
00:04:47
Jack
30 grand a week to be the good vibes man and we absolutely all love him here at City. There is no doubt in my mind, keep him, give him a 10 year extension, whatever. He's not on that detrimental funds and wages to kind of be a downer in the squad. We need to win experience. The goalkeepers clearly love him. He's Edison's best friend. That is not something that you'd ever expect in football. You know, someone from the favelas to be best friends with Scott Carson. So easy. keep I love him. City fans love him. and Yeah.
00:05:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
and And he's ah a homegrown player as well, which of course you need eight in a matchday squad.
00:05:22
Jack
and And one of our only Champions League winners before we won it.
00:05:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Oh yeah, no he was vital to Liverpool in 2005.
00:05:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Are we keeping Scott Carson?
00:05:35
Keelin McNamara
Yes, we are keeping him. You can put a price in vibes. He wears swimming goggles at the back of the bus. Scott Carson stays.
00:05:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, he's already staying, but Lewis round us off. What would you do with him?
00:05:46
Lewis
Yeah, we'll keep him. He's great for team around. He's great in the changing room, I would imagine. So yeah, we'll keep him.
00:05:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
So we as as a podcast, we're more sure about Scott Carson than Edison. That's good to know. So let's move on to the defenders.
00:05:59
Lewis
like
00:06:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I just want to highlight Keeling's philosophical beauty there. Come for the price on vibes. And that is basically the the motto of this podcast. So moving on to defenders, and the age-old adage is defence wins you championships and that's potentially why City are not top of the pile at the moment as their defence has not been up to scratch. Only two clean sheets in the league and 11 games, which is pretty poor reading, conceded 13, which is more than teams like Nottingham Forest, Newcastle and even Man United.
00:06:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, you can track that one for yourself. It's unfortunate. So let's get into the defenders. There's plenty of quality here, but I think the issue is possibly more with keeping them all fit throughout the season.
Manu Akanji: A Key Asset?
00:06:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Speaking it of which, Manu Akanji. Of course, he's a fantastic player. Versatile can play all across the back four. Does he give you 50 games a season though? How do you feel about him, Lewis?
00:06:58
Lewis
Yeah, I would definitely keep Manuela Kanji. I think he's brilliant, bringing the ball up from the back, defending. Like you say, he's very versatile across the back four. He can basically play anywhere there, and he could even play in the holding field road if there he needs to be. So I would definitely keep him. I think he's a great asset to our squad.
00:07:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you agree with that Jack?
00:07:16
Jack
Yeah, absolutely. Manuel Kanji is a player that came in and and surprised me instantly. I did not expect him to be as good as it. In fact, when we first signed him, I was quite not looking forward to the signing really, because the way Dortmund fans spoke about him, but he's been nothing short of a revelation. You mentioned it there, it's going to be a problem that we'll get onto with the rest of the fences. Can they give us 50 games a season? We don't know, but Manuel Kanji is an easy keep for me.
00:07:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Full house key load.
00:07:41
Keelin McNamara
Wallhouse indeed. I love Manuela Cangi. Lewis made a great point. He's brilliant at bringing the ball out from the bag. He's also probably our fastest central defender, so I definitely would keep him. It's an easy keep for me.
00:07:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's been an absolute bargain as well, of only about 15 million from Dortmund. So yeah, keep Manu Akanji. Next we'll move on to Nathan Akke, who's homegrown as well, which could factor into decision. Obviously a very good player again, but another one that struggles with injuries. Keelan, how do you feel about Nathan Akke?
00:08:12
Keelin McNamara
Yeah, I love Nathan Akay.
00:08:13
Lewis
love
00:08:14
Keelin McNamara
He can play brilliantly in the middle of the defence. He's brilliant at left back. I do agree there are injury concerns, much like with a count G, but I would keep Nathan Akay. I am very confident when he starts on the left side of defence.
00:08:28
Keelin McNamara
I think he's a keeper.
00:08:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you agree with that Lewis?
00:08:33
Lewis
Yeah, definitely I absolutely adore Akay, I think if he does stay injury free he's He's a great asset to the squad and just like with Akanji, we weren't sure when we signed him from Bournemouth what he was going to bring, but he's he's definitely exceeded my expectations. here Yeah, keep him.
00:08:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Full house again Jack.
00:08:50
Jack
Yeah, and I'm going to say keep, but only because I'm going to say a little bit of a controversial take for another offender in this back line. But for me, Nathan Aque gets a key.
00:09:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Nice, nice tease there. Well, the next player I was going to move on to is Ruben Diaz. So I wonder if that is who you're on about. I hope not. He's only 27. He's a leader and a monster of a center back.
00:09:13
Lewis
We're excited about it.
00:09:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, we'll cut we come to you first then, Jack. Ruben Diaz, keep us.
00:09:17
Jack
He is not the player that I was talking about. Reuben Diaz is one of my favorite city players. I just i've absolutely loved him. He was the the perfect Vincent company replacement. I think he's our best defender. And I think he just reminds modern football what it's like to be an absolute outstanding old school defender. And I think he brings that back to the game. And it's so obvious how much we've missed him now because there's no one there to organize the defense like he does.
00:09:42
Jack
it's an intangible that you don't see unless he's on the pitch. Easily Ruben Diaz is keeping and I think we should give him the armband. I don't know why he's not been given it by now.
00:09:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, he he definitely he leads the team, doesn't he? um I watched the travel documentary and other than Pat, he was the person that spoke the most of the squad, wasn't he? Lewis, would you keep Ruben Diaz?
00:10:02
Lewis
Yeah, it's still only 27 years old. A literal brick wall, I would definitely keep him. As long as we can keep him away from the edge of the opposition's box, then we'll be fine.
00:10:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Keelan.
00:10:14
Keelin McNamara
Yeah, maybe the easiest keep so far. Ruben Diaz, no brainer.
00:10:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, definitely. a Full house for Ruben Diaz. Next we come to Josco Claudio, who I think has been a revelation since he's come in, completely sorted the left-back issues City have had over the last few years. Only 22 years old. Keelan. We've got to keep Josco, surely.
00:10:37
Keelin McNamara
Yeah, listen, I mean, we have Jack's doppelganger on the left side of defense. We have to keep that for the vibes, you know?
00:10:43
Jack
ah
00:10:43
Keelin McNamara
And Yasuko Vardiel is too important to what we're trying to do here. I love him. I think he's a brilliant defender. He's a brilliant goal scorer as well, which is bizarre. But maybe controversially, I want him to pair with Ruben Diaz in the middle of defense.
00:10:57
Keelin McNamara
We'll get onto this later in the episode. I have a left back I want us to sign, but I love Yasuko Vardiel, easy stay.
00:11:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, Lewis.
00:11:06
Lewis
Yeah, ah definitely keep the easiest keep for me in defence. I think obviously he's goal scoring as well, second top scorer this season. For us, I think, yeah, it's it's a no brainer, definitely keeping.
00:11:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
That is only three goals though, just ah just to highlight it.
00:11:18
Jack
fact
00:11:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Jack, how about you?
00:11:22
Jack
Yeah, easy key for Jack's go-go audio. Easy audio for me.
00:11:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
I can't top that. We'll end the podcast on that, I think. and Well, next we have Rico Lewis. Didn't cost a penny, of course. He's been phenomenal since he's come in, it plays all across the back four, kind of, and in the pivot as well. and Lewis, talk to us about Rico Lewis.
00:11:46
Lewis
Yeah, andlap definitely a keep, only 19 years old still and I think obviously his versatility across the back line, he can play left back, right back, he can obviously slide into the midfield. On the ball, I think he's so he's so mature on the ball for his age. I think ah one of our best academy prospects of all time, yeah, definitely keeping.
00:12:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, got gotta to cut got a guy concur with that Keelan.
00:12:11
Keelin McNamara
Yeah, mean don't even have to say anything. Easy keep, love the kid, brilliant at everything he does. Easy, easy keep.
00:12:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, full house track.
00:12:20
Jack
Easy peasy, keep him.
00:12:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, let's move on. And next we have John Stones, who is more than paid
John Stones: Worth the Risk?
00:12:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
back. He's quite a quite large fee at the time and the mid in the mid for a centre back, but he's been wonderful over the years. And even though he's not been ah great this year, he's still got a couple of vital goals. Obviously, he's been very important to Pep over the last few years. I'm going to come to you first, Jack, because I see you limbering up for something, perhaps.
00:12:48
Jack
I'm getting ready for all the hate that I'm about to receive, but this is going to be my first controversial controversial take of the episode. John Stones, nobody loves you in this world more than me, but my friend, it's time. You have to go. I have the same problem with you that I have with Reece James and Luke Shaw. When you play, you are the best in the world, but there is no point in being world-class if you can only offer us less than 40% at the season.
00:13:13
Jack
John Stones is 30 years old now. A day separates him and Amerik Laporte and none of us were kind of, you know, putting up too much of a fight to let him go to Saudi Arabia a couple of seasons ago. They're both 30 years old. He's on 250 grand a week.
00:13:28
Jack
I just think that either him or Nathan Arkay, they missed too many games. And at the moment, because Nathan Arkay is on such lower wages, he's left footed a little bit more of a unique profile, I'm more willing to keep him and and bargain on him playing some more games this season than I am with John Stones.
00:13:43
Lewis
can
00:13:46
Jack
I'm just at a point now where I think we have to be a little bit ruthless in this squad to keep going.
00:13:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think that's exactly what City haven't done that's led them to be in this position, you know, not selling players at that exact moment. And you see a lot of the profile of the squad is, you know, late 20s to early 30s now. And that's not what you normally get from a legacy team like City, perhaps contributing to where City are on the table at the moment. Keelan, do you agree with Jack saying Stones has got to go?
00:14:20
Keelin McNamara
Yeah, this might be even more controversial than Jack State because I 100% agree with him. I love John Stones. i absolutely so I think when he plays, he is the best in the world at what he does without a doubt. But it's no good if you're only available 30, 40% of the season. I meet John Stones for 40, 50 games. And at the end of the day, he's just far too injury-prone. So I'm sorry, John. I love you. I love the B and&Q meme of you bucketing people in your pocket. but You gotta to go.
00:14:50
Lewis
ah
00:14:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Lewis, are we helping him pack his bags? It sounds like.
00:14:57
Lewis
No, you know what, I'll i'll stick with the general and ah ah we'll keep him till the end of the season for me. I'll i'll oppose keeping him, Jack. just ah Yeah, ah I'll keep him. I'll keep him for now.
00:15:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, that matters for nothing because you've been outvoted.
00:15:11
Lewis
and
00:15:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
See you later, John. and We come to Cal Walker, which I think we might have a bit more of a unanimous decision here. We come but for the audio listeners.
00:15:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
There's a lot of hand signs.
00:15:22
Jack
so to go to anyone get him the hell out of here get him out of here
00:15:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
do you Keelan, go centre to two to back that up.
00:15:34
Keelin McNamara
Kyle, get your behind out of here. You should have gone last year. You've been awful this year. Just just please go away.
00:15:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Lewis, stay or go, Calwalker.
00:15:46
Lewis
Yeah, Kyle Walker, you're gone. Get him gone.
00:15:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, Calwalker is out of here. First class ticket, one way. Right, I've got to start with you next, Lewis. This is your favourite left-back. Joshua Wilson-Esbrand.
00:16:00
Lewis
and ah yeah ah Yeah, I've got to keep him now after I've put him in the ah greatest academy left back of all time from City.
00:16:05
Jack
ah You often. You often.
00:16:10
Lewis
So yeah, we'll keep him. Absolutely brilliant player, yeah. Can't say much more.
00:16:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that's definitely the left back you had in mind, Keelan, as well, wasn't it?
00:16:18
Keelin McNamara
Yeah, um I'll say Keith just so we're done with Boris Lewis, but it really is kind of like a 50-50 to be honest, but we'll keep him for the vibes.
00:16:22
Lewis
but
00:16:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Jack?
00:16:29
Jack
and No, he can go for me and 50% of the ah he kind of pre-seasons that I've seen him in he's been pretty poor so I have to say I have to stay with my word and I just don't think he's got the quality at the moment.
00:16:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah i and City don't tend to have too many players out on loan either in the first team squad as you know Pap likes to keep a small but two full backs that are out on loan at the moment is Jan Kuto. He's on loan at Dortmund. um What would you guys do about that? We'll start with you, Lewis, when he comes back.
00:17:02
Lewis
um I actually don't know much about him but I would keep him, I've heard good things about him so that's all I've got to say on him really. like
00:17:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Keelan?
00:17:11
Keelin McNamara
Yeah, I'm actually pretty much in agreement with Lewis here. i haven't I'm not gonna lie to the people, I haven't seen a lot of him, but what I've heard has been pretty positive, and quite frankly at this point I'd take anything over Kyle Walker, so I'll keep him.
00:17:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Isa Kapoor, sorry Jack, I haven't come to you. Would you would you keep or sell Yankuto?
00:17:29
Jack
I'd actually sell only because I think we can get a decent fee for him.
00:17:33
Keelin McNamara
Fair.
00:17:33
Jack
um I think his market value is around 30 million and I've got a different right back in mind. So I will say sell for that reason and that reason alone.
00:17:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
OK. Well, unfortunately, that did not matter. And we'll come to Isa Kebore, who is on loan with Ben Fika at the moment, not getting too much game time. But um another another one that's come through the academy. Keelan, would you get rid of Kebore or would you keep him for the future?
00:17:58
Keelin McNamara
and I would let him go, to be honest. I think um and think I've been pretty generous with Wilson Esbrand and with Yann Kudo. At some point, we have to start making tough
Loaned Players: Yankuto and Isa Kebore's Prospects
00:18:08
Keelin McNamara
decisions. So unfortunately, I think he's got to go.
00:18:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
and Lewis.
00:18:13
Lewis
In hindsight, I'd sell Wilson as Bundam and bring... yeah Yeah, I would swap.
00:18:19
Keelin McNamara
It's all our greatest ever economy left.
00:18:21
Lewis
I would definitely...
00:18:22
Keelin McNamara
but
00:18:22
Jack
but
00:18:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah we're we're not We're not in the third right here, you can change your mind if you want.
00:18:24
Lewis
Yeah,
00:18:27
Jack
but you
00:18:29
Lewis
yeah I would change my mind and and and keep him in Yankee, so yeah.
00:18:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay, so we're getting rid of Wilson S. Brandt. You are a fickle man, Lewis, honestly. Right. That is the that is ah the end of the defense. and We'll be back doing the midfield and attack after this short outbreak.
00:19:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome back to the Daily Manchester City podcast. We are all taking Hugo Viana's job today, being the and the director of football and deciding what city should do with the current squad. We've done the defenders, so now let's get into the midfielders, which has been the main cause of concern as campaign with injuries to two of the world's best players in Rodry and Kevin De Bruyne.
00:19:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
The profile of the players are all Agent 2 as I mentioned earlier, alongside the aforementioned Kev. We've got Gundogan, Karbutic, Bernardo, we're all 30 plus, so that's something that possibly needs to be considered too. We'll start with what should be the easiest one.
Rodry: The Heart of the Team
00:19:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've got Rodry, 28 years old Ballon d'Or holder, Keelan.
00:19:56
Keelin McNamara
Not only should we keep Rodry, we should be building a shrine to the man so that something like this never is allowed to happen again. Rodry, not only keep him lock him in his Manchester apartment, do whatever you have to do, but keep the man.
00:20:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Lewis.
00:20:12
Lewis
Yeah, nothing else needs to be said, keep him, yeah.
00:20:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, Jack.
00:20:16
Jack
Easy keep.
00:20:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, easy as keep, definitely. Next, we'll go to but one that might not be so easy, and that's Mateo Carver Church. He's had some good games in the city shirt, some poor ones. Quite value at 24 million from Chelsea with all the experience he's got.
00:20:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Lewis, how do you feel about Carver Church?
00:20:32
Lewis
Yeah, I know. I would keep him. I do think that he obviously has his weaknesses defensively, but I think on the ball he's still brilliant and he's still only 30 years of age, so i think I think we're keeping for a few more years.
00:20:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you agree with that Jack?
00:20:44
Jack
Yeah, you know what, I've been one of my take opportunities, biggest, biggest critics, but no, according to foot mob, he's the, I think the fourth most improved player in the Premier League this season and say what you like about is sometimes good and he's inconsistent. He has been asked to do a lot this season with Roger out and he stepped up. So for that, I'd say he's in his place at city.
00:21:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it definitely can't be easy to replace Rodri kind of keeling.
00:21:09
Keelin McNamara
Yeah, I'm going to have to disagree with the boys here and I'm going to sell Mateu Kovacic. The thing is I accept Jack's argument and that he's had to stand up and do a difficult job. but The problem is every time he stands up, he falls over again, trying to stop the opposition.
00:21:22
Lewis
Mm hmm.
00:21:23
Keelin McNamara
He's a great central midfielder. We don't need any more tidy passing central midfielders. We need someone who can step in and do Roger's job. Mateu Kovacic, great player, not good enough for City.
00:21:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right, ah so we are just about keeping Carver Chech, but he's he's on thin ice, according to Keelan. And another player that Keelan might have been referencing now with the profile of midfielder could be Ilkay Gandogan. Now, obviously a lot of people were excited about his return, but he hasn't performed up to his usual ah phenomenal standards.
Gundogan's Comeback: Asset or Liability?
00:21:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Jack, has the Gandogan return been good or not for you?
00:22:03
Jack
um Well, it was a mistake from from the start because we shouldn't have let him go when he left. We should have given him that extension then, and this would have been his last season then ah in a city share, and we would have probably been looking at this time that Gondwan's playing going, okay, fair enough.
00:22:18
Jack
he's at the end of his career. Now that we've given him a two-year contract now, and this is the first year, I think it was a mistake. I think it shouldn't have happened. However, having said that, I don't want to say goodbye to Gundogan twice. So I think just let him see out the rest of his contract, give him the limiting minutes that he was probably promised this season. I don't think he expected to play this many minutes and just let him kind of be in and around the squad for perhaps last couple of years and maybe become a coach or something. But yeah, I don't think there's much point in getting rid of him now.
00:22:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Lewis, do you agree with that?
00:22:50
Lewis
That was exactly what I was what i was thinking, keeping to the end of his contracts, obviously we've just signed him, it' it'd be strange just to let him go straight away, obviously he is a city legend in his own regards, yeah I'd keep him for the for the time being, indefinitely although he is not obviously playing up to his usual standards.
00:23:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah well His reputation seems to be keeping him at the club, Keelan.
00:23:10
Keelin McNamara
Yeah, to be honest, I was leaning towards letting him go, and but just because it has not worked out anywhere near as well as the first time. But I also accept the boy's arguments that he he probably has had to do something he wasn't promised in terms of Rodry getting cataclysmically injured. And so I will let him stay because I mostly because I love him very much. I'll let him stay, see out his contract, but maybe sentimentality shouldn't have been part of that.
00:23:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah um and I have a feeling there'll be no sentimentality about this next player and I'll come straight to you with him keeling because I know I know you're a big fan and as of Calvin Phillips what should City do about about the England international?
The Calvin Phillips Conundrum
00:23:55
Keelin McNamara
ah Just fire him to the moon.
00:23:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
As simple simple as that Lewis lewis you do you agree with us with other sentiments?
00:24:06
Lewis
I'll probably go one further, referring to Mars, I think, yeah.
00:24:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah ah Jack to Jupiter just phone just for the loves.
00:24:13
Jack
yeah it's a different no i'd Probably firing to Leeds if they take him and they they come back up this season but he has to go.
00:24:19
Lewis
ah
00:24:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Yeah, that's a pretty much no-brainer, the amount he casts, the injury record, the poor loans. there's not I would say he'd probably be the the more sure fire Sal, wouldn't he, today, I'd imagine. Next we have the young player that could very much take that position in the squad in time to come, and that's Maximo Peroni. He's currently on loan at Como, second year in a row, he's been out on loan, quite a talented central midfielder. Keelan, what would you do with him when he returns?
00:24:48
Keelin McNamara
Yeah, I would definitely keep Maximo Peron and start integrating him into the first team squad because if you look at someone like Calvin Phillips with the money he cost and you look at the profile of Peron, it's a no brainer to integrate him and give him a chance in the first team. I've been impressed with what I've seen. I think he is talented, I think he has potential, and I think he can learn under Rodri, so Peron stays for me.
00:25:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Jack?
00:25:13
Jack
um Yeah, I think he's a really good player, and I've been impressed with his recent seasons, especially at Last Palmas, but I think he'll probably get another the loan, so I'm going to say loan for him.
00:25:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, fair. And Lewis?
00:25:27
Lewis
Yeah, I think keep him. I'm in the group with Keelan. I think he deserves a chance in the first team. From what we saw when he had a few games of City, he impressed me and I think he's got a lot of promise of keeping.
00:25:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, definitely one for the future. Next, we'll come to Wardie's namesake, Jack Rilesh. And we'll come to you, Jack. How do you feel about Jacky Boy?
00:25:47
Jack
Um, well, I actually think, uh, there's been a little bit too much speculation about him recently. You know, it's not really that nice noise, whether he's upset with, with Pep or, you know, even his comments about Gareth Southgate and Lee Carsley about his England future. But I think there's not much point in discussing anything other than a key for Jack Grealish. I think we've, we've invested a lot of money into him. He's been fantastic for us, probably not this season.
00:26:13
Jack
but you've just got to hope that that's got to turn around and and whatever cracks and creases he's going through at the moment, iron themselves out.
00:26:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Is that a sank fallacy cost there potentially keeling with a hundred mil that it doesn't guarantee that he's going to find his best form again?
00:26:29
Keelin McNamara
No, you're absolutely right, Jims. But I will lane Cape, but on the condition that he's on very thin ice, because Jack Relish has been here a few years now, and I have to see more I've put from him now to justify the money. I think it was one of the last episodes we did, and maybe it was Jack arguing this. It was either you or Jims. I'm not sure which one.
00:26:51
Keelin McNamara
but one of you argued that we have to start seeing more game changing from Jack Ralish and I completely agree.
00:26:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:26:57
Keelin McNamara
Keep him for his value to the team, but he is on thin ice, I need to see more.
00:27:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Lewis.
00:27:04
Lewis
Yeah, keep him, not just for his vibes, but I think we've seen glimpses of the output he can bring, obviously what what we signed him for, for
Mateus Nunez: Keep or Sell?
00:27:10
Lewis
100 million. I think we're doing it to keep him to to get his worth, but yeah, like the boys are saying, I do think we need to see more goals and assists from him and he can show us what he can really do.
00:27:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think we're all in agreement. That's because we all know how good he is, right? like we all know how how We all know what you can bring to a team, so it's for straight in when you when you we don't see that.
00:27:23
Keelin McNamara
but
00:27:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
And someone um as has been bringing something to the team a bit more recently than what we're used to, and that's Mateus Nunez. So if I asked this question a month ago, I'm pretty sure all four of us would have said, get him get him on a two-seater with Calvin Phillips into space.
00:27:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
But he's had a pretty good few weeks.
00:27:48
Keelin McNamara
Oh, my bad.
00:27:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Lewis, have your thoughts changed on Mateus Nunez?
00:27:53
Lewis
They've definitely changed, um from like you said, from the start of the season. It's 50-50 really, but I'd probably keep him. He's the ah the second fastest player in the Prentice season, didn't you know? but and yeah do you think that ah
00:28:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
No chance.
00:28:07
Jack
Yeah.
00:28:07
Lewis
and that He's good for squad good for squad rotation when we have our full squad back, so yeah, I'd keep him.
00:28:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Keelan, do you agree with that?
00:28:15
Keelin McNamara
Nope, get him gone on the two-seater with Calvin Phillips. He's not good enough quality. I have no confidence in him. When it comes to squad rotation, he is not an elite player that's going to give you the confidence in the team. I'm sorry he isn't. I've not been impressed with him. We've tried him in midfield. We've tried him on the wing. He's not good at either of them. Get him gone and hopefully reclaim some of the ridiculous amount of money we paid.
00:28:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah. 50 million, Jack. Was that wasted in your opinion?
00:28:43
Jack
um I don't think he we've got all of it back. I don't think we've got everything out of him that we've put in for him. But at the risk of shipping off all our entire midfield, I'll have to say that we we've got to keep someone. So I'll keep Mateus Nunez. We've invested big money. and We'll get something out of him. He's still young.
00:29:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's only Phillips and Gundal one gone so far, just to let you know, collectively.
00:29:04
Jack
Which in the state of our midfield is pretty much the entire midfield.
00:29:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
All right, Mateus, no one else is staying, but again, on the thinnest of eyes. Next is ah someone we talked about last episode um and what he might do, and that's my favorite player, Kevin De Bruyne. He's obviously injury prone, coming to the tail end of his magnificent career. Jack, what do we do about Kev?
00:29:29
Jack
Listen there needs to be no discussion about him. I don't want to hear anything about Saudi money about how he's got these strings for hammies I don't care retire at City retiring a blue shirt the best city player of all time in my opinion the best Premier League player of all time I want him to stay
00:29:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, Lewis, Kooker.
00:29:51
Lewis
Well we agree, nothing else to say. City legend, keep them here as long as we can.
00:29:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, Keelan.
00:29:56
Keelin McNamara
Yeah, Kevin De Bruyne is going nowhere. If anything like Michael Jackson, when or not Michael Jackson, Michael Jordan, when he went back to the Bulls, he's only going to get better.
00:30:03
Lewis
pass
00:30:05
Keelin McNamara
her Kevin De Bruyne stays. Best midfielder in Premier League history, best player in city history. Still the biggest game changer out of anybody in that squad today. De Bruyne is going nowhere.
00:30:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, he definitely is still a bit of a thriller, isn't he?
00:30:20
Keelin McNamara
Nice.
00:30:20
Jack
I'm bidding you.
00:30:21
Keelin McNamara
asked
00:30:21
Lewis
um
00:30:22
Keelin McNamara
right
00:30:23
Jack
yeah
00:30:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Next,
Bernardo Silva: Future Uncertain?
00:30:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
where we'll... we'll simply move on. From that, we will go to Bernardo Silva, who's still a fantastic footballer, not had his best season, but he's just hit 30. So, Lewis, what are your thoughts on The Little Man?
00:30:39
Lewis
Yeah, he's a very little man. I do think I'd keep him. I think on his day, um he's absolutely class. And I do think obviously he's been out of form a bit lately, but I just can't get rid of Bernardo Silva. I've had him on my shirt twice. He's he's brilliant. I love him. So I'll keep him.
00:30:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Jack.
00:30:57
Jack
I think so. um He's got that clause in in put into his contract this season, which means he can leave at the end of the season if a 50 million pound bid comes in.
00:30:58
Keelin McNamara
Hello.
00:31:06
Jack
I know he's been sniffing around Barcelona for the past couple of seasons. He's actively said he wants to go. I think now is the time. If he wants to go, if someone comes in with the money, we're not getting 50 million out of any other 30-year-olds in our squad.
00:31:20
Jack
So I think it's time.
00:31:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Alright so that leaves the deciding vote with you then Keelan, what happens to Bernardo Silva?
00:31:28
Keelin McNamara
The fact that another club could get Bernardo Silva for the money we paid for Mateus Nunez sickens me to my core.
00:31:35
Lewis
Okay.
00:31:35
Keelin McNamara
That man is staying. He is an incredible midfielder. When he plays in the middle, he is still one of our best midfield players. Granted, he hasn't been great. He's still better than a lot of the other midfielders in this team.
00:31:47
Keelin McNamara
Bernardo Silva stays.
00:31:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Leonardo Silva stays, as I'm sure does the next player and we can get through him very quickly. He's City's most exciting academy graduate, Philip Foden. Keelan, keeping Phil obviously.
00:32:02
Keelin McNamara
Yeah, he's staying.
00:32:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, Lewis and Jack.
00:32:06
Lewis
yep staying
00:32:09
Jack
I think he could do with a loan, actually.
00:32:11
Lewis
for
00:32:12
Keelin McNamara
the
00:32:12
Jack
I don't think he's up to the physicality of the Premier League just yet. No, no, obviously, obviously, Keith.
00:32:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, if Pep wouldn't let Parma go out on loan, there's no chance he's letting Foden go, is there? So, one midfielder left, and that's another one that's out on loan, a star for the future, and that's Claudio Echeverri, only 18 years old, he's at loan from River, where Citi bought him.
00:32:30
Lewis
Yep, stay in.
00:32:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Jack, how much do you know about the little Argentinian?
00:32:35
Jack
just the two minute compilations that I've watched of him on YouTube. But I have come to the understanding after watching them that he's the greatest player that's ever played football. So I cannot wait to see him in a blue shirt. He's a sign in that's got me really excited. The exact same feeling I had about when we signed Julian Alvarez. And that's the exact feeling that I've got. And I think he's going to be the real deal.
00:32:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
kala
00:32:57
Keelin McNamara
Argentinians and city jerseys just go well together.
00:32:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Keelan.
00:33:01
Keelin McNamara
Claudio Echeverri, come on over to Manchester, you're staying and you're going to be a really big part of this team for the future.
00:33:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Lewis.
00:33:10
Lewis
Yeah, I can't wait to see him in a blue shirt, definitely a great prospect bringing him
00:33:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, very exciting player. um We'll just have the forwards left to go. um So I've counted the wingers as forwards for this, otherwise we would literally just have one to talk about. And on the Man on on the one City website, there is literally just one player underneath forwards, by the way, and it's the big man. But we are also going to discuss the wingers too. We'll start with Oscar Bob, unfortunately injured this year at what looked like to be his breakout season. Still only 21. Academy graduate, Lewis, talk to us about Oscar Bob.
00:33:46
Lewis
Yeah, I absolutely love Oscar Barber thing. Pre-season he's shown us what he can do in the community shield and it's really unfortunate that They did get the injury he's got, but still only 21. I definitely keep him very excited for his future at City.
00:33:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, a Jack.
00:34:00
Jack
Yeah, and it's going to feel like a new signing when he comes back. Definitely keep Oscar Bob.
00:34:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, Keelan Full House.
00:34:06
Keelin McNamara
Yes, speaking of my Michael Jackson reference earlier, Oscar Bob Moon walks over opponents when he's just gliding past them. He definitely stays. And the most sickening thing about his injury was he was starting to look so, so good as well. Like genuinely dangerous attacking opponents. No question, Bob stays.
00:34:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I would agree with that. Do we feel the same about Jeremy Dokko, Jack?
00:34:31
Jack
Yeah, absolutely. I mean, Jeremy Dock is a frustrating player because we know we've seen him in glimpses just how good he can be. And at times he looks like the second coming of Eden Hazard. Other times, the complete opposite. He's frustrating. It's been a frustrating season so far for him.
00:34:49
Jack
But there's no doubt in my mind that we need to keep him. He's fast, he's dynamic, he's exciting. And say what you want about his performances, whenever he comes on the bench, we play different.
00:34:56
Lewis
I'm going to turn it off.
00:35:00
Jack
The energy goes up tenfold. and You look at it when when he came on against Brighton and Bournemouth, he's exciting in those games and he tries to make something happen. Doesn't always come off, but easy keep for me.
00:35:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, bringing him on against tired legs seems to be the most effective way to use him at the moment. Would you keep him, Lewis?
00:35:19
Lewis
Yeah, definitely. I think, yeah, the Bournemouth one's a great example when he came on. He basically changed the game towards the end. I know we didn't get the result, but I think his sharpness is is superb, is dribbling, but I do think we need to see more end products from him definitely moving forward, but I'm sure it'll come with time. So yeah, definitely keep him.
00:35:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, he's only 22, Keelan.
00:35:38
Keelin McNamara
Yeah, I agree with Lewis. I think keep him, but again, I need to see more end product. Two left feet when it comes to shooting is no good to anybody. you know I need to start seeing more end products, but there's no guiding. He's a game changer when he's brought on, especially in the left wing. Stop putting him on the right. He can't play on the right wing. If he's brought on on the left wing, he's the most electric player in the league. I'll keep him for now.
00:36:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, so Doku stays and he shouldn't be on the right wing because this man currently is and so there's no sign of going anywhere and that's Savino. Absolute steal, nicking him from a club that City also owns so I don't know how that one worked but yeah yeah literally.
00:36:20
Jack
What?
00:36:20
Keelin McNamara
and stone to marel but
00:36:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
But yeah, he was ah only about 20 mil between 15 and 20 mil, which is an absolute steal from Brazilian international wing. I was only 20 years old that it looks as good as he does. Lewis, how good is Savino?
00:36:37
Lewis
Yeah, I think it's an absolute steal. It's Amara's regen, but if anything, it could he could be better. I mean, his pace is a electrifying. It's the same thing with Docu, he needs more end products, but I do think he's been getting a few assists.
00:36:47
Keelin McNamara
I'm so much talent.
00:36:48
Lewis
I think his delivery into the box is excellent, and yeah, definitely keeping 100%.
00:36:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Keelan.
00:36:54
Keelin McNamara
Everything Lewis said, Savinio stays.
00:36:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah jack
00:36:58
Jack
Yeah, easy keep for me. He's like Docu, but on the right. and But I've been so impressed with his chance creation and his delivery into the ball and into the box this season. and Obviously, his end product shooting wise, he's still left to be desired. But he's so creative on the right-hand side. and And I've not seen a winger like that, like Luis said, since Mares. So easy keep.
00:37:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, he was um one of the most creative players in all of Spain last year, so it's impressive how he's been able to so quickly adapt to England, considering how young and how diminutive he is.
00:37:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
So yeah, big, big things ahead for him, I imagine. And finally, but it shouldn't take long, we have Erwin Harland, only 24 years old.
00:37:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're all just going to keep him, right?
00:37:42
Jack
yeah
00:37:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
we talk we talk we talk We talk about him every week. I don't think we need to go anymore into it, to be honest, unless anyone wants to.
00:37:49
Keelin McNamara
Needs to alone the block, Bernath, thank you.
00:37:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah.
00:37:54
Jack
Yeah,
00:37:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Get him and Calvin Phillips both off to Leeds, since they love it so much.
00:37:57
Jack
extension soon.
00:38:00
Lewis
Perfect.
00:38:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right, so that leaves us with, I'll just tally it all up. So we are keeping Edison, Ortega and Carson, so goalkeepers sorted. Keeping Akanji, Akay, Diaz, Guardiola, Lewis and Yancuto, so that only leaves six defenders. So I think everyone needs to think of a defender that they would like and City to buy to bulk out that pretty limited option. and In midfield,
00:38:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
We are keeping Rodri, Kovacic, Peron, Grealish, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Foden and Echeverri. Still only eight players as well, so I think considering two of those at work are currently on loan, another midfielder or two would be needed as well. And then keeping Oscar, Bob, Doku, Savino and of course, Harland. So if City were to have a squad that we are all in this podcast be happy with, who are some players they should be identifying, Jack?
Strengthening the Squad: Potential Reinforcements
00:39:05
Jack
and Well, I've identified two players and I think these are players that fit roles that we need fill in and one of them is a dynamic midfielder. I've gone with an 8 rather than a 6, an 8 who can track back and put up some decent defenive defensive numbers and I've also gone with a right back who I think we need more desperately than a left-sided centre half or a left back or anything like that.
00:39:28
Jack
So the play that I've gone for in midfield, well first and foremost, my dream signing would obviously be Joao Neves from PSG, but seeing as though he just moved there for big money, it's completely off the table, but his numbers per 90 are just absolutely phenomenal. Progressive-wise, coming and tracking back, he ranks in the 98th percentile for assists per 90, but Obviously, I just think he's out of the pitch at the moment.
00:39:53
Jack
So the player that I've gone for instead is actually Enzo Lofe at Roma.
00:39:55
Lewis
Well, in fact,
00:39:59
Jack
Now, he's obviously as well just moved to Roma this season from, I think it was Lorient, but He's a little bit out of favor at the moment. i No, sorry. Yeah, it was FC Laurente to Stad Rene and then from Stad Rene to AS Roma this season. He's a little bit out of favor at Roma at the moment. He had a ligament injury, but he's just come back. And since he's been back, he's been on the bench of a lot of Roma's games. So he's not playing that many minutes, but he puts up some fantastic underlying numbers, ranks in the 86th percentile for assist per 98th percentile for shot creating action. So he's getting on the ball.
00:40:35
Jack
And he's also making chances. He's also carrying the ball and playing it forward quite a lot. And he's also got some great def offensive numbers as well. and So he's my player who I think we should get in the midfield to replace Gundogan, actually. You can also fill that role of Rodry in the meantime for the rest of the season. The right back that I've gone with, however, is probably someone that I don't think anyone else will put. And I've gone for Ivan Frisnader.
00:41:01
Jack
He was currently at Sporting CP and I think this is kind of shooing because he's a young, dynamic right back, ah plays at Sporting, ah has some great underlying numbers, a lot of blocks per night, a lot of clearances per night, a little bit more akin to that Kyle Walker role but he's young, he's only 21.
00:41:20
Jack
I think he's going to be a little bit less of a dummy, and I think he's just going to energise that right-hand side. And I also think it's a shoo-in with Hugo Vienna, and the sporting director coming in from sporting. I think it'll just happen. I just think he'll bring him over if he can identify that right-back slot as a position of need. So those are my two players. I've also gone with an honourable mention of Maxon's Kakare from Lyon, because Lyon have actually just been given a provisional relegation. So if that does actually happen,
00:41:48
Jack
I think he'll be very, very cheap from Leon and I think we bring him in in addition and he's a little bit more of that deeper six.
00:41:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
and all three of those teams, Roma, Lyon and sport in the selling clubs as well, so very realistic transfers. Keelan, what players do you like the sound of to bulk out City's quite small squad?
00:42:08
Keelin McNamara
All right. So I've actually got four players, but four different positions because there is a lot of work that needs doing to this team. As I said, I would let Anderson go. So I'd be flying to Porto and getting Diego Costa from Porto. Um, I think he's the best young golfer in Europe.
00:42:24
Keelin McNamara
I think he's in Edison region to use Lewis's quote. um I think you're looking at a younger, better version of Edison, one who can save penalties, one who can actually shot stop. I think that's a no brainer to fix this team as well. Then in defence, we're going to the left back position because in my scenario, Vardy Oz moving into pair with Ruben Diaz at centre back. And I'm going from Milos Kirkis from Bournemouth.
00:42:48
Keelin McNamara
um
00:42:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:42:50
Keelin McNamara
This guy absolutely tore us a new one when we played them in Bournemouth. And if you can do that to City, you can do that to anybody. He's had a very impressive year, and Dona Eriola has done a brilliant job coaching him to move into midfield as well as just dominate the left-hand side. Milos Kirkis, you're following Nathan Aque and coming to City if I have anything to say about it, which I'd done, but I wish I did.
00:43:14
Keelin McNamara
and In midfield, very obvious, we're going for Martin Zubermendy from Real Sociedad. We need number six cover. Sell Mateo Koffertic and Mateus Nunez if you have to. Give them the Real Sociedad if they want them. But I want Martin Zubermendy and I want protection in that number six role. And then finally, the the least realistic one of all of these, I want a backup striker for Erling Holland, someone to give him competition and someone to push him.
00:43:42
Keelin McNamara
I'm one of the victors from sporting Lisbon, whether it's going to happen, I have no clue, probably not. But imagine Diocores and Holland up front, that is just, that's FIFA 14-esque. Give me these two up front and we are absolutely firing again.
00:44:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, Gokuraz has got to go somewhere, so why not the Atihad? Absolutely. ah um Yeah, I like all those choices. and I've been vocal about my love for Kirk Ege on this podcast many a time. I think he'd be perfect for City. So, we'll come to you with finally then, Lewis. What ah players do you like the look of the art named Zubermendi?
Transfer Targets: Frimpong and Zubermendi
00:44:23
Lewis
Yeah, so firstly, and to replace Kyle Walker, I will start with Jeremy Frimpong. Bring you back to the club after, obviously, he came through our academy.
00:44:30
Keelin McNamara
Good shot.
00:44:33
Lewis
He's still only 23. It seems like he's been on the scene for a lot longer. But 26 goals, 38 assists in 158 appearances for Leverkusen.
00:44:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's crazy.
00:44:44
Lewis
Obviously, he won the league last season. I'm beaten in the league. He can also play further forward, which I think it'll be a great asset to our team, but I do want him for the right-back position. I think his pace, just like Walker, ah will be great. Obviously, Walker's now passed it, so I think that'll be a good addition. In midfield, I've got with a man named Martin, and that is Oder. I'm joking. That is Zuma Mendy. I also agree with Keelan. Yeah, I think a Roger replacement is definitely needed in January, and I think that he'd be eager to come. He's not said much on on the matter, but I think that
00:45:16
Lewis
It would be a great addition ah holding down the midfield, which Roger has done so well. Won't be the same as Roger obviously, but I think it's one of the closest we can get. And also further forward in midfield, if you're thinking about De Bruyne's career coming to an end shortly, obviously he's 33, 34 now getting on. I would love to see Florian Virts in the midfield. Obviously we mentioned him in the previous episode. i Absolutely loved him in the Euros for Germany.
00:45:40
Lewis
I think that his creativity in midfield, his ability on the ball, and also his finishing as well, his exquisite, his second to none. And i would I would love to have him in that midfield. So yeah, there some of my signings I would definitely take into consideration.
00:45:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, i think I think every one of those sign-ins makes sense, to be honest. And Citi definitely needs some refreshing and a player or two in each position, really.
Challenges for City's Sporting Director
00:46:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
and We got inspired to do this episode and because of Shiki's quotes.
00:46:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
say um i'll just I'll just find it out. Anyone know exactly what he said off the top of his head?
00:46:13
Jack
I think he said that this summer just gone was ah was a pretty much a really bad transfer window.
00:46:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
but or I can find it.
00:46:19
Jack
It was a bit of a disaster. And I think he was right, to be honest with you. And I think whatever happens now, and you' I'm sure you've got the the full quote up, but whatever happens now, this next coming summer transfer window is going to be a big one akin to the 17, 18 transfer window that we had.
00:46:35
Keelin McNamara
yeah i have do have the quote students
00:46:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I do. So um yeah, like Jack said, the transfer window of 2023 was a bit awful, at least for me.
00:46:39
Keelin McNamara
yep
00:46:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
After winning the treble, everyone was confused. The protagonist from those trophies were thinking they should get more on new contracts and take opportunities. And the one who didn't get to play in finals were ah peed off and trying to get out, which makes a lot of sense.
00:46:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
But also when a team is trying to stay at the top with ah you know with the highest standards, you have to get these players out when they're on the dc decline keeling.
00:47:01
Keelin McNamara
Yeah, I have, do you have the quote strings?
00:47:08
Keelin McNamara
Yeah, absolutely you do. And listen, being a sporting director, I can only imagine is a very thankless task because you have to bring in top players to win trophies, but top players want to be in the starting 11 every week. And when you're the manager and when you're the sporting director, it's very hard to make that work. You know, everybody thinks that Man City is just one big happy family with like 20 or so players in the squad who are happy to sit in the bench. And that's not the reality.
00:47:36
Keelin McNamara
these players are getting yes they're getting paid good money but they want to play every week and it's tough to sort of mix and match and sort of do all this kind of stuff so I do get that it's tough and it is a thankless task at times but at the same level some of the recruitment has been very dubious and it's been very obviously substandard in my opinion like i don't I don't want to keep getting into it because we've talked about them so much already, but certain players were never going to be a good fit for City. And if we can see that and the sporting management can't, then something's wrong there.
00:48:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah and that's possibly why it's the right time for a new sporting director to come in and especially one who's got a bit of um but heat behind him and a bit of motivation as well. So let us know what you think about um our our new city squad and who we're going to keep, who we're going to get rid of and if you'd make any different signings to what we would have done.
00:48:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
But thank you very much for listening and thank you to Jack, Lewis and Keelan for this very long, very special ah City episode. We'll have our crossover episode for the Mattress Spurs on Saturday coming up for you tomorrow as well. So stay tuned at Daily Manchester City for all your Manchester City needs. I've been Jules Jordan-Probert. We've been Daily Manchester City on the Global Sports Podcast Network and I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day.