With persistent talk of Wayne Rooney’s meltdown and links to Stamford Bridge after yet more falling outs with the hierarchy at Manchester United, title rivals Man City seem to be loosening themselves away from any embarrassment and getting on with pre-season proceedings.
The club find themselves catergorised as third favourites to lift the Premier League trophy as betting companies are swaying towards either the experience of the Manchester United players or the deliverance of Jose Mourinho’s mentoring politics. Although Pelligrini is untested and has never won a league title in Europe there is belief that his tactics could prove critics wrong.
Despite the heavy departures of Mario Balotelli in January and Carlos Tevez’s move to Turin in June, City have spent wisely, covering departments that seemed frail and ensuring a different style of play that fans will hope deliver success. Pelligrini has promised attractive football with the finishing product. This panache has seen some well thought through additions to the side.
The signings of Seville striker Alvaro Negredo and Fiorentina versatile attacker Stevan Jovetic has filled a major void giving Pelligrini a bulk of options up front in addition to Eden Dzeko and star centre forward Sergio Aguero. Negredo, 27, joins fellow Sevilla player Jesus Navas in a deal worth approximately £20m, seeing City fend off early competition from Tottenham for the former Real Madrid man. The Spaniard has featured in a winning international team at Euro 2012, contributing to his national side with six goals in 14 caps overall whilst netting on 26 occasions domestically in 2012-13.
Stevan Jovetic has become the subject of speculation around Europe over the past 48 months. The Montenegro star has found interest escalating from Arsenal with City’s rivals Man United also making tame enquiries on his availability. At 23 and scoring 13 in 42 games for Fiorentina last season, Jovetic has plenty to add whilst having time on his side to enhance his skills. He will have to adapt from being the main man but will be recognised for his ability to help with overall improvement. With a £22m price tag, City’s faithful can expect a Gianfranco Zola type, small but adaptable and full of pace. He needs to believe in himself and picking the ball up from an advanced position and driving forward will see fans warm to him.
The club’s attacking prospects are highly attractive whilst Pelligrini gives off a strong energy to work hard at the training ground until his side’s play is perfect in motion. When you buy your tickets for The Premier League you expect to be paying to watch the best. This is precisely what Pelligini will set out to achieve. Don’t expect some of the ‘indulgences’ that Mancini granted at The Etihad.
Mancini’s side played with inconsistently, particularly in the Italian’s second season at the helm. Some weeks spectators would be in their element with their team playing with freedom and conviction whilst the next week looking unenthusiastic and lethargic on the ball. Jesus Navas will add plenty forward thinking with his willingness to make defenders think of their toes. His pace is something City have missed and will bring another dimension rather then attempting to break down the opposition with pass after pass.
The void left by Nigel de Jong in 2012 has finally been filled with Fernandinho’s £30m arrival. His profile has not been circulated quite as much Navas’ but the Brazilian will offer substance in the middle of the park whilst carving openings between defense and attack, something Javi Garcia has failed to entertain.
Unlike de Jong, Fernandinho is known for his blistering South American pace and ability to shoot from long range. His reading of the game is precise, breaking up opposition flow and creating opportunities with his strong passing rang.
City are looking likely to add to their £90m cash withdrawal and there is no reason why Pelligrini cannot win his first domestic title in England should he develop upon the concepts he has already set in place. The coming season at The Etihad promises to be an exciting one. Tickets at Ticketbis are your best bet. Take your seat and prepare to be entertained by a club looking to demonstrate that they weren’t a one season wonder.