Manchester City Transfer News: Why Samir Nasri Won't Be Enough to Win EPL Title

By (Featured Columnist) on August 24, 2011

1,471 reads

39

Previous
1 of 7
Next
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20:  Samir Nasri of Arsenal looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on August 20, 2011 in London, England.  (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Michael Regan/Getty Images

Samir Nasri is a fantastic player. He is one of the most dynamic attacking midfielders in the world.

That is without a doubt.

However, he does not guarantee an English Premier League title for Manchester City. In fact, I don't think City will win the title.

On paper, City might be an easy pick. However, I don't think they will win the league this year.

I have compiled five of the major reasons that City won't win the league.

Roberto Mancini Is a Defensive Coach

BOLTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21:   Manchester City Manager Roberto Mancini gestures during the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Manchester City at the Reebok Stadium on August 21, 2011 in Bolton, England.  (Photo by Michael Regan/Get
Michael Regan/Getty Images

Roberto Mancini is a defensive coach.

He believes in obtaining a lead and holding onto it desperately. Whether or not you agree with him, he has been relatively successful with that mindset.

However, with his plethora of attacking options, he needs to think more offensively. Last week, he let an attack loose that ended up scoring three goals and creating countless other chances.

While it's easy for Mancini to let his attackers loose in August, I think he will have a tough time changing his tendencies in April and May.

I foresee Mancini turning to his old ways as soon as something goes wrong. He will coach away from his squad's strengths, and he will leave City in serious trouble.

Too Many Attackers

BOLTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21:  David Silva of Manchester City is congratulated by team mate James Milner after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Manchester City at the Reebok Stadium on August 21
Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Too many attackers isn't a bad problem. In fact, I'm sure a handful of Premier League teams would love to have that issue.

However, I think it could come back to bite Manchester City.

They have plenty of attacking options, and it will be nearly impossible to keep them all happy. Each player thinks he is a world-class striker. In turn, he should be starting. However, there are only so many positions to be filled.

With a log jam up front, Roberto Mancini might start rotating in every player. If he makes that mistake, Mancini could risk some chemistry, which could result in City's attackers flopping.

No Experience in a Title Race

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 15:  Joe Hart of Manchester City looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Swansea City at Etihad Stadium on August 15, 2011 in Manchester, England.  (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)
Chris Brunskill/Getty Images

Without a doubt, Manchester City are one of the most talented clubs in the EPL.

However, they don't really understand the grind of a full season.

Yes, City won the F.A. Cup title last year, which gave them an invaluable experience. However, they haven't experienced a season-long battle for a title. Obviously, it's not their fault, but it is a lot tougher than Manchester United makes it look.

City finished strong last year. Nevertheless, they were not under the pressure of winning the EPL. This year, they could have some hiccups down the stretch.

If their inexperience comes back to bite them, City could be looking at another third place finish.

Samir Nasri Is Inconsistent

ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23:  Samir Nasri of Arsenal during a training session ahead of their UEFA Champions League Qualifying second leg match against Udinese at London Colney on August 23, 2011 in St Albans, England.  (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Im
Julian Finney/Getty Images

A lot of great things can be said about Samir Nasri. However, it is easy to forget his faults.

Nasri is a relatively inconsistent player. When he is good, Nasri is arguably the best attacking midfielder in the world.

That isn't all the time.

When he's bad, Nasri can be lazy with the ball. He can turn it over easily, and when he does, he hardly ever recovers the ball. He is only interested in attacking, which can really hurt his team.

Nasri is a great player. That is a fact. However, his lazy demeanor can be infectious, and he could easily have a negative effect on Manchester City's positive mindset right now.

If he doesn't get his way (right away), don't be surprised if Nasri starts looking disinterested and lazy. If that happens, City could under-achieve once again.

Manchester United Are Too Good

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22:  Wayne Rooney of Manchester United celebrates scoring his side's third goal with team mates Chris Smalling, Ryan Giggs, Ji-Sung Park and Javier Hernandez during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United a
Alex Livesey/Getty Images

It kills me, but Manchester United are THAT good.

They have the best coach, the best defense (when healthy), the best wingers and the best striker in the league. They have the experience, the name and most importantly, the confidence necessary to win the EPL. Again.

For the longest time, Manchester City have been the little brother. They keep trying to spend more money to catch United. Every year, it looks like they're closer. This year, they arguably have a better lineup.

That being said, you can't bet against Sir Alex Ferguson. He manages a fantastic squad, and they keep getting better. United embarrassed a solid Spurs squad on Monday, and without stellar play from Brad Friedel, that scoreline could have been much worse.

Sure, United has questions in the midfield. Every team has a few questions. For example, does Roberto Mancini know what City's identity is going to be?

Doubtful.

Until he figures that out, City doesn't have a chance of overcoming United.

Even when he figures it out, City will still only be the little brother to United.

Begin Slideshow
Keep Reading
Flag
Props (2)
This article is

What is the duplicate article?

Why is this article offensive?

Where is this article plagiarized from?

Why is this article poorly edited?

Flag This Article
Manchester City Manchester City: Like this team?
Crop_45x45
or to post a comment

39 Comments

There are no comments yet. Get the conversation started by leaving the first comment

Loading comments...
just now posted just now
  • Loading...
  • Nobody has liked this comment yet
Cancel

This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete

Follow B/R on Facebook

Fans of bleacherreport

Follow @BleacherReport on Twitter
Manchester City

Subscribe Now

We will never share your email address

Thanks for signing up.

We're Scouting Top Writers

Grading EPL Managers on Their Performance This Season Hint: you can use arrow keys to navigate through this channel.