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One month into the premier league and Manchester city are in 9
th, here are the thoughts of Man City’s new sporting director.
A lot of transfer activity was done before I arrived as such we weren’t able to spend big but we improved the squad none the less. We brought in young talent with tons of potential all of whom are able to play an active role in the first team as well. Kevin Volland is 21, primarily a Right winger but can also play on the left and upfront he replaced Jovetic 24 and saves us 35k a week. Kieran Tripper a young English club grown player replaces the old and high wage earner sagna saving us 65k a week. Kolarov also left, and by doing so allowed us to bring in wonder kid Eden Balanta who not only can play on the left but also in the centre which given we only had 3 centre backs deemed good enough for the first team squad was something I was very pleased with again reducing our wage bill buy 49k a week. Finally Callabero we let go on a free transfer to allow us to again reduce the wage bill (30k week saving) and bring in another English player not only to help our quota’s but because we feel it is important to have a large core of English players at an English club again. With the transfer fee’s we did go over budget forcing our balance into the red but a sale of the young Illheanaco for 3.5m and wage savings meant it isn’t a problem and we are already back in the black.
In terms of our start of the season, we won the community shield beating arsenal 2-0, and Leicester 4-0, however the following games a draw against sunderland and a 3-0 loss to aston villa are disappointing, it is very early in the season so were not worried. Although questions will be asked of pellegrini if results don’t improve especially given he’s playing a flat 4-4-2 something which while not essential will count against him if results don’t improve.
Our target is to make sure we get champions league football, and be competitive in the cups, so we can keep rebuilding next season we have a few players leaving with negredo leaving and money will be available. In terms of the January window it is unlikely we will dip into the market; however this could change if a player is sold, however we will look at players approaching the end of their contract.