Manchester City

Man City: Rafa Benitez highlights fundamental problem with City’s midfield

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Former Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez has had his say on what went wrong for Manchester City during the weekend’s defeat at the hands of their local rivals.

Pep Guardiola’s side were beaten 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening to the surprise of many and Benitez seems to think it’s because they were too deep and not compact enough.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football (reported via the Daily Star) the Spaniard pointed out the distances between the Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva.

“At the moment, it’s very clear that they are too far away,” said Benitez.

Is Rodri the man to replace Fernandinho in the long-term?

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“You can see the distance between the [midfielders]. They are not compact.

“You cannot be waiting here on the half-pitch when you can go and press higher. Only if you are a little bit scared of the pace, that maybe was the case.  But for me they have to be higher and more compact.”


TIF Tactics – Rafa’s got a point

The distance between the City midfield players at times during the game was certainly a cause for concern. It’s clear that the team are desperately missing Fernandinho’s leadership and organisational skills in the middle of the park but given the issues, the club face concerning the centre of their defence, they are forced into utilising the Brazilian at the back.

The reality is that although it’s being highlighted now, whilst things aren’t necessarily going the way Guardiola and his staff will have hoped, Manchester City have been poor out of possession for quite some time and are a side who can be hurt defensively.

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