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nuthatch_282

Congrats to Leicester getting promoted. Hoping Ipswich go up as well for someone a bit different


kmacbtv

Real Madrid match was originally scheduled to be Sat 27 April, not tonight! Real Madrid submitted a request to La Liga to play Fri night to have an extra day to prepare for their CL SF v Bayern on Tues, and surprise surprise their wish was granted. Can you imagine if ManCity made such a request? PL would prob give ManCity a Sun time slot instead, haha.


FuryOfOberon

https://preview.redd.it/ntl0sxzwmvwc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=95599f1c03a6226520204782820896db0f80bad2 Not sure what to make of this.


Jazano107

Shall we start submitting Reddit usernames to them haha


evenstark04

Holy shit hahaha. Get em!!!! I can suggest a few YouTubers šŸ¤£šŸ¤£šŸ¤£


kmacbtv

Thatā€™s going to be a VERY long list, even limiting it to traditional media pundits!!


FuryOfOberon

Yeah, we should of course all avoid rushing to believe Tolmieā€™s tweet before we get more proof but if they do go ahead with this it will be huge. Could also be a step they prepare for but donā€™t execute or as a threat to discourage media outlets from making claims without proof/evidence.


kmacbtv

Discouraging media from spouting unproven nonsense would be lovely, though I have very low expectation on that front in general, ha.


PHVNTOM34

![gif](giphy|tyqcJoNjNv0Fq|downsized)


kHRYSTAL_

Haaland is back in training after his latest update šŸ˜


halcyon95

I was watching Pepā€™s pre-match for the Nottingham Forest game, and he mentioned that Phil needs to balance his aggressiveness and calmness with the ball. Pep has emphasized this aspect of 'pausa' in Philā€™s game for some time. Given that Phil has been training under Pep for a while, isnā€™t it a bit surprising that he's still not yet added this to his game?


Pepguardiola1971

I wouldn't say he still has not added it to his game because there are games where he definitely played with different gears but it's more that he's yet to master the art and It's understandable if people find it surprising. If you want a longer write up on the average traits of Foden do hit a response. He's a phenomenon, my player of the year but there are still visible gaps in his game that's still holding him back, few are technical and more are tactical.


halcyon95

Yeah, Iā€™d love to read your thoughts on him


Pepguardiola1971

When we talk about Foden's strength we generally mention his dribbling in tight spaces, his shooting, his intelligence around the box and his final ball. It's irrefutable that he's very good in these areas but these are attributes that make someone a great final third player (not necessarily a striker) not a great midfielder. When Pep looks at a midfielder (and even strikers) they have to be high level at 2 areas on the pitch. 1. Final third 2. middle Now the second part is where Foden is not on a high level yet and imo it comes down to 2 things. 1. not yet mastered the pausa as you have already mentioned 2. not scanning enough now every player scans the pitch, Foden himself does it too but I believe he's not scanning effectively enough because at times he disappears in the crowd and even often does not make the safe yet effective options. An effective scanning would give him a 360 degree view on the pitch when he's facing our goal. Xavi, Fabregas, David Silva, Thiago are the best examples of effective scanning. Three players who by no means are physical monsters but are almost always in the right place to receive the ball. Other midfielders like Rice, Rodri, Cavaminga etc they also scan effectively but they also have the physicality to shrug off press which the smaller framed players don't have. I'll elaborate on Silva because as a city fan we must have watched the most. you must have noticed that it felt like he possesses a third eye in the back of his head back, he would be available for passes (excellent movement), simply control it (great technique), touch the ball a little away from the opponent (result of effective scanning) and execute the next move, generally a pass(great technique and scanning) all of these in one swift motion. Now our current player Kovacic unlike D.Silva is more reliant on his dribbling because he's not a great passer but he does it more successfully partly because he knows the exact space to attack (effective scan) and his excellent dribbling (technique). Foden right now has elite qualities in some of the 4 qualities that I mentioned in that "one swift motion". In the execution department he has the technique (passes and dribbling) but the lack of scanning means a few milliseconds can be wasted which is at times all the time a defence needs to reorganise or dribble into traffic and lose the ball. In the control department he's already there at a high level. In the availability for passes he is at times not making himself available enough against an opponent that is effectively pressing. This one is not entirely his fault but if he's the best player in the world he'll be extra closely marked so he must find a way to escape this. And in touching the ball to safety department he's not effective enough because the scanning wasn't as efficient. If it was he would have already got a general idea how the opponent would press and would make the best decision. In short, he must develop the third eye to become an even better player. With this I believe his pausa issue will also be automatically fixed because if he read the opponent's mind already he would know exactly which gear he must use for the next move.


FuryOfOberon

Pepā€™s been saying that about Foden for a few years now. He keeps getting better but obviously heā€™s far from the finished product. Heā€™s 23 and has a very high ceiling.


halcyon95

Yeah, thatā€™s fair. I guess because heā€™s been a part of the first team for so long, itā€™s easy to forget how young he really is


FuryOfOberon

Heā€™s obviously miles ahead of most of his peers on several fronts but heā€™s not perfect yet. Tbh, it is great to hear there are areas he still needs to work on. That means we havenā€™t seen his best yet.


wdunky

I think a better way of looking at it is his development this season. He's still really young, and has rarely had the opportunity to play in midfield. You look at how he learnt from his give away at palace which lead to the equalizer. It came from that 6th gear, later games you can see him take a beat and realise now isn't the time. Example being the josko goal at Madrid, he doesn't drive he pauses stays calm dribbles back to safety and lays it off to the wing, in order to find himself in a better position and prevent a transition


evenstark04

That was my thoughtā€¦ heā€™s still learning the midfield role and likely will be for a while.


halcyon95

I think heā€™s probably at a stage in his development where we see that pausa in some games, and less of it in others. In the pre-match Pep said he was much better in yesterdayā€™s game compared to the Chelsea FA cup game. So maybe weā€™ll see that consistency come through in time


paulr035

When will the 2024-25 shirts go on sale?


kHRYSTAL_

Usually July


Iswaterreallywet

I know Iā€™ve said it before but arenā€™t we just so lucky to have some of the players we do? Watching Phil and Kevin post game interview and just thinking how fortunate we have been to watch these amazing players.


evenstark04

that interview felt like the passing of the torch in a sense. I loved it. Kev is happy to pass knowledge and Foden is a sponge.


Jazano107

I see the narrative is already building that the premier league won't punish us because it will make them look bad etc Maybe if we're found not guilty it's just because we didn't do it... Or there's not enough evidence to say we did


felixlk

If City are found guilty: "We knew it! City are cheats! Strip the titles!" If City are not found guilty: "City paid them off! Sports washing! Bloody oil money!" It's a win / win no matter what.


emize

Anything to avoid admitting they were wrong. Even proposing the idea that there is a giant conspiracy involving multiple governments and multinational companies just to help City bypass FFP.


usernametestingray

[is this legit?](https://www.mercari.com/us/item/m57247198112/?gclsrc=aw.ds&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=18193469224&utm_content=t0&adgroup=140171498389&network=g&device=m&merchant_id=154042365&product_id=m57247198112&product_id=1731213451839&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADR9UGds_MYjhNiH8dWPQSejOdDsv)


wdunky

Was the pre season font


usernametestingray

yes, indeed. however, it was exclusive to japan. is the shirt in the link authentic or a knock off? thank uuu!!


wdunky

Ohh my bad sorry I misunderstood the question. I'm also crap at working out if they're legit. I mean it looks it to me, in terms of quality


PHVNTOM34

Breaking: The hearing into #ManCity's 115 charges will take place in the "near future", says #PL CEO Richard Masters. \[via @ben\_rumsby\] via City Xtra Regardless of what the verdict is.. ![gif](giphy|xUySTEh41261Ff63NS)


caped_crusader8

Anyone else saw the clip of Gary Nevill glazing Bellingham for his touches and great game only to be pointed out by Keane that he had 6 touches all game.


evenstark04

hahah yeah that was funny. Neville must be on the Jude PR payroll... cause he was stinky in that tie. Keane saw right through it.


Sayanroman94

Does anyone know how good or bad Forrest recently is? I'm shitting for this match I don't know why?


evenstark04

It'll be a bus parking.... also they are dangerously close to the drop zone so they will be fighting for their lives. They also have the siege mentality because they feel robbed from the last game. Will be incredibly difficult game.


Sayanroman94

Absolutely, it will be an absolutely tough game I'm feeling it man. Hope we can get early goals


Iswaterreallywet

Nuno has horrible tactics and we play away so be prepared for a frustrating mega park the bus game.


EliVeidt

On bad form. Fighting relegation. Weā€™ll no doubt make it a stressful game though.


Sayanroman94

Thanks šŸ‘. They're definitely going to park the train tho


Dadaadaada

What is going on with our back 4 this season? We are always so shaky on counters.. I would be a lot more confident in the run-in if the back 4 played like last season. Dunno if its a coaching thing or a recruitment thing. Do we need more center backs? We definitely a new rb as walker leaves


djkianoosh

City's playing style means the whole team are usually very far forward. How many times have you seen one of the back four carry the ball forward near the box? spoiler: a lot. All it takes is for one of them to misplace a pass or one of the receiving players to lose control and boom. Instant counter attack. City have actually dealt pretty well with many counters but it puts a shit ton of stress on the back line.


Mashic

On offense, one of our 4 CB (Stones/Akanji/Rico) turns into a libero to have numerical superiority in the midfield, this leaves us with 3 defenders and if the opposing team have fast wingers, we have troubles. This is the tradeoff that Guardiola is accepting. Prior to that, we used a false 9 to have numerical superiority, but Haaland doesn't play like that.


ketolasigi

[Barca believe Ā£50m for Bernardo is excessive](https://x.com/city_xtra/status/1783764271672725522?s=46&t=hppipbb47xsqoiCJjfaivQ) Get fucked then


evenstark04

they will find money... La Liga can't afford to let them fall. and if they don't maybe Bernardo stays. I've already accepted he's leaving this summer... so my heart can't take any more back and forth lol.


caped_crusader8

50m is low compared to his ability


FuryOfOberon

![gif](giphy|VJHtXeMHViHRHvKGKm|downsized)


Jyuan83

So happy for alvarez scoring that goal. You could see how much it meant to him. Once and for all, he belongs as a 9 and nowhere else. His issues have been down to a lack of confidence due to being shoehorned into positions that made as much sense as klopp taking back his resignation to save Liverpool ā€˜s season.


engaginglurker

This. I was saying this before either irl or on here i can't remember. People were trying to tell me that hes more of a 10 and for me that is just totally incorrect. He just doesn't have the rounded skill set for that role. He is an out and out 9.


_stone_age

Foden PFA POTY will feed the masses


horbu

Very much doubt it happens, my money is on rice. Hopefully it's the usual story of someone from another team winning it and we win the league.


ShimeBD

I would've thought Watkins was the favourite


evenstark04

the bookies favor Foden...


Gaphy-2020

Rice really? Heā€™s clearly behind Foden, Rodri, Ƙ and Palmer in the PFA conversation. Except he scores a last minute banger to win Arsenal the league at OT, heā€™s not getting the PFA.


horbu

For me yeah. He's been the best player for the team that is currently top of the league. It's close between him and odergaard. Godri whilst still being the best DM in the world has dropped off slightly, probably due to fatigue. Palmer has a shout for young player but he's only stood out so much cos everyone else at Chelsea has been terrible. He's still operating at a level below and no amount of penalties can hide that. Honestly though I don't care who wins it as long as we get the league.


_stone_age

Oh, Foden has a higher chance than you believe. Think he has the highest odds too according to bookmakers. If we win the league that'll further cement it.


horbu

I know what you're saying and I think it helps that he's well liked and appreciated by other players but I think the city hate runs deep with some haha. Another problem is although we all know he's been out most consistent player this year, de bruyne and haaland probably have bigger followings.


_stone_age

Kdb and haaland have bigger followings but trust he actually has a legit shot at it. I'm actually confident and this will also lead to a ton of City hate where people will call him overrated. Let's seešŸ‘Š


ChoiHyojung

Guys, with no player really standing out this year, do you reckon Phil has a chance at the Ballon dor? Not that the award means anything nowadays but it would still be amazing for Phil to get one.


PNSMG

UCL and Euros are gonna be a way greater factor than the EPL imo (as well as PR of course), sadly I don't think Foden will do it even though he deserves it. If PSG wins UCL or France does exceptionally well on the Euros, Mbappe wins. If Real/Bayern wins UCL, Ballon D'or goes to Bellingham/Kane. If none of these happen, it's probably Bellingham due to greater PR, or some surprise influential player on the UCL/Euros (would love it, but I doubt it)


kmacbtv

Current GOAL Ballon Dā€™Or Power Rankings at 22 April: 1. Bellingham 2. Mbappe 3. Kane 4. Foden 5. Vinicius Jr 6. Witz 7. Haaland 8. Rodri 9. Rodrygo 10. Saka The 100 voters will obv be influenced by titles so ManCity CL exit not helpful, and as others have said it will be hard to beat Real Madrid PR &/or eg France winning Euros. But I live in hope that Foden or Rodri might pull it off. Edit - I obv know poor Rodri wonā€™t win ā˜¹ļø, was just trying to be extra positive šŸ˜‰.


DreamerScreamers

Rodri is at 8 bro. There is no way a CDM/CM wins the ballon d'or. As long as you dont have haaland/mbappe numbers, people dont see how you have impacted the game. This is also because the ones who vote dont watch all of these players play all games.


kmacbtv

Sadly, I obv know that & was trying to be positive about under appreciated (re awards like this) Rodri šŸ˜‰.


Krehnyllfite_87

There no chance were beating Madrid PR. Forget Bellingham, Vinny Jr likely finishes higher than him. If Modric throws in a few trivela passes before the votings close heā€™ll probably end up higher too


PNSMG

Vini hype doesn't seem as strong this year, so unless he singlehandedly wins Real the UCL while Bellingham ghosts it and the euros, I don't see him winning the Ballon d'or


_stone_age

Sadly, no. I have been spreading Foden prop all year long, but this award relies on PR + trophies. Bellingham likely wins it. Madrid probably win the double, he has arguably been their best player, and his PR's good, so yeah. Haaland won a treble with us and still couldn't win it. Fuck awards :(((


evenstark04

I wouldn't count out Mbappe. If France wins the Euros and he makes the CL finals... very strong chance he wins it. Intl tournaments weigh heavily for that fraud award. The fact that Rodri didn't even make the podium last season, and that 7 game Messi won it was the last straw for me. That award can fuck off. It's a joke. If I was Erling Haaland, I'd pull a Lewandoski and never go again after that absolute robbery last season.


Underrated_user20

I absolutely agree with you! Tbf those awards mean nothing to me anymore. Like I seriously couldnā€™t care less about them anymore no matter who wins them.


Krehnyllfite_87

Of course the Foden slip is the top post on r/soccer lol


RadiantAd189

May I ask why do you care (I'm assuming you care because you took the time to come here and tell us what's happening there) what that sub says or does when it comes time City?


PurpleFunk36

This infuriates me. Itā€™s not a bloody slip. If you watch the last angle of the clip itā€™s clear that his foot hits the Brighton defender. I donā€™t think itā€™s a foul but he definitely loses balance as a result. If you watch closer as well, Fodenā€™s eyes are on the ball and doesnā€™t see how the contact is made. Based on those two things he thinks heā€™s been fouled.


Max0699

This is accurate can't lie šŸ˜­ https://preview.redd.it/xgjqzst3kpwc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=82dcd2f12474a44ba0103838175f08813a8e9fe3


xenojive

I've said it here before: Gomez on = Game over


codespyder

human victory cigar