Opposition View – Manchester City

The curtain comes down on the 2015/6 season on Sunday as Manchester City visit south Wales. Ric Turner from http://bluemoon-mcfc.co.uk/ answers our questions ahead of the game.

How’s your season been?

It’s been a very disappointing season overall. Obviously winning the Capital One Cup and getting to the semi-final of the Champions League was nice, but we’ve badly underperformed in the league, to the extent that we could yet miss out on a top four finish.

You go into this game needing a draw to confirm a top four finish, how important is it for you to make sure that happens?

From the club’s point of view, it’s vital that we qualify for the Champions League, for financial and prestigous reasons. I’m a bit more relaxed about it, and don’t think it would be the end of the world if we finished fifth. It would give us a chance to blood some youngsters, and visit some new places. Some of my favourite European away trips have come in that competition.

How do you feel about the arrival of Pep Guardiola next season and do you feel the announcement that he would be arriving had a detrimental effect on your side?

I’m extremely excited about the prospect of Guardiola taking over. It’s quite a coup to secure the services of the most sought after manager in world football, and I can’t wait to see how we set up under him. I don’t think the announcement had a detrimental effect on us though – we’ve been in steady decline for the last two seasons.

Who have been your star performers and who needs to up their game?

Fernandinho, Joe Hart, Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne have excelled, whilst most of the others have underperformed to some extent.

Wilfried Bony hasn’t hit the heights that he may have done since you bought him from Swansea. Do you think he will be on his way out over the summer?

Hopefully. I was pleased when we signed him, as he always caused us problems whilst playing for you and I thought he’d thrive playing alongside Aguero. However, he looks extremely low on confidence and fitness, and I can’t see him being part of Guardiola’s plans.

Which positions do you need strengthen over the summer?

Central midfield and full backs are the most pressing issues, and another striker wouldn’t go amiss.

What do you make of Swansea this season?

I wasn’t convinced that Guidolin was the right appointment, but to his credit he has turned your season around pretty impressively. Unfortunately for us you’re going into this game in great form!

Predict the score

2-2. Hopefully you’ll rest some players as promised, and our greater need will enable us to get a result. Go easy on us.