To conclude the series of articles from our match reporting team, today we read the views of Paul Weston on last season and looking forwards to the fast approaching new season
Before the season started what were your hopes on what we could achieve?
I hoped for comfortable mid-table and not disgracing ourselves in The Champions League
So on that basis out of 10, how would you rate last season overall and why?
In the end I would give it a 7. The Champions League performances (apart from the fiasco against FC Porto which I witnessed) exceeded all expectations and, indeed, we were very close to going even further in the competition. The eventual League position was just about OK but there was a feeling that it could have been so much better.
Why do you think we had relative success in the Champions League while struggling in the Premier League ?
I think our style of play caught out some teams initially in the Champions League. All the team played to their potential and were comfortable with tactics. In the league confusing formations and tactics just did not work, also combined with players’ loss of form.
When it was announced, did you agree with the sacking of Claudio Ranieri ?
It had to happen otherwise we were heading towards relegation for certain. It was a very sad ending to a wonderful period in City’s history and we should always be grateful to Claudio.
And now with the benefit of seeing the results, were the owners proved right ?
Business is sometimes brutal and it was the right decision. Time will tell whether Shakespeare is the right long-term solution. I hope so but assistant managers rarely turn out to be good managers.
What was your personal highlight of the season?
I think it is a tie between the home match against Sevilla when the atmosphere at the KP was just awesome and the home match against Liverpool when City turned the corner in the league season by returning to their title-winning style.
Kasper won the Player of the Year Awards, would he have been your choice and who else do you think deserves praise for their performances
Kasper was the most consistent throughout a patchy season for the team. He has improved his command of the box but still needs to improve his distribution, which ranges from brilliant to woeful.
Which player do you think made the most progress last season and why?
It would have to be N’Didi who just slotted into the team quickly and looks a real find. Too many other players did not progress as much as they should have.
Which player did you think underperformed the most last season and why ?
I am not going to pick Mahrez because he seems too often to be the scapegoat. He was often marked by 2 or 3 players so other players should have benefitted by the gaps created. Yes he underperformed often but my vote would go to Slimani.
Our style of play may not suit him but I fail to understand why we spent so much on a player who cannot run fast, head the ball in open play, tackle effectively or remain fit! The jury is out as far as I am concerned and it will be interesting to see the strikers pecking order if Iheanacho joins us as rumoured. I would rather keep Ulloa than Slimani.
What were your views on the signings made during last season ?
Ndidi: the best signing and lots of potential still. Effectively tackler and dangerous when going forward.
Musa: he seems to have lost confidence and is very lightweight. I cannot see how he fits into our playing style.
Mendy: looked overweight and slow before he got injured and, even when he returned, contributed little.
For match reporters who attended away games, which ground gave you your best away experience and why ?
I only managed to get to the away match at West Ham’s new stadium. It was a rather different football atmosphere but I will take going 3-1 up in 45 minutes as my best away experience any day!
Moving onto next season
What changes do you think are necessary to improve on this year’s squad?
We still need another centre back signing and back up right back. If Mahrez leaves then we need a replacement. I am not sure whether Gray is as good as he thinks he is and he will have to improve his overall game and team contribution to gain a regular place.
We need a better back-up goalie. Zieler was a real disappointment. I cannot remember any game changing save that he made and he did not lead the defence with confidence. Let’s hope that the Jakupovic rumours are true.
While watching Premiership games during the 2016/7 season, which player from another club would you advise Shakey to sign?
Sigurdsson would be ideal although it is looking more likely he will move to Everton who are splashing the cash.
Any other observation you would like to make
I hope that any new signings get the chance to bed in early before the season starts. We must start the season well and get some points on the board early otherwise immediately the pressure will build on Shakespeare. Let’s have a really good go at a Cup run this year too.