Bridge relishing City squad battle

September 02, 2010

Wayne Bridge

Wayne Bridge insists the competition in Manchester City’s 25-man Premier League squad will drive everyone on – and he cannot wait to be part of it.

Roberto Mancini left fourth-choice goalkeeper David Gonzalez and fringe striker Kelvin Etuhu out of the squad he submitted to the League ahead of Wednesday's 5pm deadline.

Roque Santa Cruz made the cut – as revealed by M.E.N. Sport – as did fellow striker Jo, who looked to be on his way out of Eastlands over the summer after spending 18 months on loan at Everton and Galatasaray.

Former youth-team captain Michael Johnson, who was inaccurately linked with a deadline-day move to Portsmouth, is also in the squad.

Johnson has been out of action since damaging his cruciate knee ligament in training last December.

Mario Balotelli heads a long list of under-21 players available for first-team duty – along with Dedryck Boyata, Greg Cunningham, Abdi Ibrahim and Alex Nimely – who do not have to be included in the 25-man list under Premier League rules.

Left-back Bridge, who is battling back from a broken foot and hopes to be available for the home game against Blackburn a week on Saturday, is excited by the strength of the squad.

He said: “It’s a great squad, and everybody’s going to get the chance to play. You need a squad this strong if you’re going to compete for everything you go for.

“We’re all fighting for a place, and when everyone’s fit, it’s going to be great competition.”

City’s Premier League squad

Goalkeepers: Shay Given, Joe Hart, Stuart Taylor.

Defenders: Jerome Boateng, Wayne Bridge, Aleksander Kolarov, Vincent Kompany, Joleon Lescott, Shaleum Logan, Micah Richards, Kolo Toure, Pablo Zabaleta.

Midfielders: Gareth Barry, Nigel de Jong, Adam Johnson, Michael Johnson, James Milner, David Silva, Yaya Toure, Patrick Vieira, Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Forwards: Emmanuel Adebayor, Jo, Roque Santa Cruz, Carlos Tevez.

What is your verdict on the line-up? Have your say.

| Submit Comments | Comments (84) |

Showing comments 1 to 25 and replies | View All

Templar Citizen (02/09/2010 at 09:40)

So far the players under most pressure from last season have stepped up to the plate (Kolo, Micah especially) I wonder if Bridge can too!?

big blumer, sydney (02/09/2010 at 10:27)

Micah stepped down against spurs, stepped up against liverpool and for me was looking good against sunderland, composed dare i say, untill he tried to get a place in the lions rugby team (as opposed to the 3 lions team) with that rugby tackle maneouver. To be fair tevez slotted a wonderful conversion a'la Jonny Wilkinson after Yaya tee'd him up so the rugby theme was running strongly with the boys on Sunday. Perhaps a pre-match Haka before the Blackburn game wouldnt go a miss. (I was sick all day monday but youve got to laugh havent you lads). Micah for me has stepped up slightly, but can he maintain it on a regular basis without being maicon richards one minute, and dean richards the next...................p.s. - whoever first penned "maicon" richards im pretty sure did it sarcasticaly and although im happy micah is still with us i just want to say - i love that nickname - especially for when he makes a b@lls up.........

reido, perth australia (02/09/2010 at 09:44)

wonder how far michael johnson is off being fit anyone know? be nice to see him back playing with class!

Bigg Boi Mells, Sat on Mario Ballotelli's left shoulder telling the angel on the other shoulder to P**S OFF! (02/09/2010 at 11:45)

Michael JOHNSON??? We have more chance of seeing Michael JACKSON play for us than Mr Johnson! Love the lad, top player, but the new Paul Lake? Oh for sure! Gonna be a short career for Mike it would seem. Hope I'm wrong tho.... would be like signing a brand new player if we get him up and running, but I think we should have given his place in the squad to another guy who's had plenty of surgery.... Lee Majors (AKA Steve Austin)..... as I heard he's up for sale for $6,000,000!!!! Apparently he got a right leg like a pneumatic drill, and has an eye for defence splitting pass or two!!! Ha ha! ;-)

the camel's foot (02/09/2010 at 20:39)

theres an article on citys site today about michael. he looks quite lean from his photo and is hoping for a game round about xmas time

red or dead, Manchester (02/09/2010 at 09:48)

Lucky player with limited ability on a crazy wage, modern average footballer.

Varelapinto, Dukinfield (02/09/2010 at 11:33)

Can't wait for you to stop being 'red' by switching to your alternative status. Stupid, bitter rag.

nick wood (02/09/2010 at 22:00)

i think city should buy old trafford and turn it into a tesco express

micheal ok, The Emerald Isle,surrounded by BLUE water. (04/09/2010 at 22:39)

just like anderson,gibson etc etc
CTID

james cromley, stockport (02/09/2010 at 09:49)

Come on if Bridge were any good he would still be at Chelsea and Lescot at Everton. You've been sold a couple of pups. Too much money in the wrong hands.

big blumer, sydney (02/09/2010 at 10:43)

you should be on "The Apprentice".........im assuming your a UTD fan, i read today that the Homeless guy you paid nearly 8 million for was available for 125,000 a few months ago - sounds like too little money in the wrong hands. Oh well, im sure he can sort you out with free Big Issues's for life.........

derek jones (02/09/2010 at 10:49)

Peculiar comment as they are both internationals you rancid red!

The Insider, CTID. (02/09/2010 at 11:53)

And you were sold a big issue seller !!!

View all 7 replies

j the el, mancunia (02/09/2010 at 09:51)

why are we still discussing santa-cruz and jo at city...?

Ave It!, Cheshire (02/09/2010 at 09:52)

Does anyone know if Cociedo is still at the club?

david7mcfc, Manchester (02/09/2010 at 10:31)

Caicedo has gone on a years loan to Levante in Spain.

big blumer, sydney (02/09/2010 at 10:44)

loaned out to Levante in Spain for the season

Bigg Boi Mells, Sat on Mario Ballotelli's left shoulder telling the angel on the other shoulder to P**S OFF! (02/09/2010 at 11:48)

He's not playing for Levante really. With Felipe being the size of Mike Tyson in '87, we've actually sent him out as 'Liaison Officer' to correct a couple of people on behalf of the City board...... He's currently on his way to Aston Villa and Bolton to 'have a little chat' with Messrs Ireland & Petrov, regarding their recent ill advised statements about our club.....

R.I.P to them both!

View all 4 replies

bricktop, manchester (02/09/2010 at 09:53)

are u serious? richards is are weakest link and always will be he cost us yet again at sunderland due to lack off concentration n positioning, theres always a mistake in every game from the lad and also hes not a rite bak he cant pass cant shoot cant beat a man n got no creative skills as soon as boeteng is fit hel be straight in at right bak any 1 agree???

big blumer, sydney (02/09/2010 at 10:47)

i might agree if i could read (or red if you want) your post. Micah is a "rite bak" and in my book (bok) has improved his game (gime). I agree he needs to improve his concentration but then again you need to improve your spelling. Ive got the patience for both of you (ye)...................

ThanksThaksin (02/09/2010 at 09:59)

“We’re all fighting for a place, and when everyone’s fit, it’s going to be great competition.”

Great comment, get fit 1st Bridgey we have plenty of games to look foward to & everyone will get his chance to compete!.
Nice to see Michael Johnson in the list he was looking in pretty good shape in Abu Dhabi.

CTID

ex.hattersleyblue, kettering (02/09/2010 at 10:16)

There will have to be a massive improvement in bridge's defensive play if he's got any chance of dislodging kolorov once he's fit. For me I don't think he will be up to it .the last few season's have shown that he costs us to many soft goals. ..

big blumer, sydney (02/09/2010 at 10:18)

He's not in Kolarovs league but as with RSC bridge is showing the attitude we need so fair play he is a decent back up option.........

Remember our formation vs Valencia, when everyone is fit im hoping Mancini will play the following in a decent amount of matches........

HART

BOATENG K.TOURE KOMPANY KOLAROV

MILNER DE-JONG Y.TOURE

SILVA

TEVEZ BALOTELLI

I like AJ and Milner on the wing but with Boateng and Kolarov getting forward (essentially as wingers), Silva playing behind 2 world class strikers and Milner and Yaya also pushing on we could be devastating.

AJ has a big part to play this season and i rate him very highly but i cant wait to see Silva playing behind a front 2. He isnt quite up to speed yet but you can see he is happy to play at pace and his movement and willingness to take responsibility have impressed me so far. More than that though he always has his head up, looking to create, his quality shines through even though he's looked a little rusty - but i think to play this way we need our 1st choice fullbacks coming into the midfield and beyond as they have the technique and pace to do this much better than lescott and micah, the pace to get back as well.....................

Dibble (02/09/2010 at 10:23)

strong squad
only slight issue is our forwards

If Carlos is not on form or injured,, our options are a bit limited
Balotteli is too young and not got PL to carry our attack long term (for a while)
ADE seems to be playing as if he want to leave.
Jo is just not good enough
Santa will be injured next time he plays

our options aren't as good as they should be after spending so much money

saying that
goal keeping, defence and midfield look very strong

"CityLady" , Hermanus, South Africa (02/09/2010 at 10:25)

Type your comment here...Sorry but I do not think bridge will get many games when Kolarov comes back as in my eyes he's probably 4th choice given that Kolarov, Lescott, Zabaletta and Barry can play there too he's probable 5th choice. Bridge is not the player he once was and this Terry saga hasn't helped no doubt, don't get me wrong I would love to see him back to his best but unfortunately we have never seen his best.

big blumer, sydney (02/09/2010 at 10:53)

Depends what Mancini is priortising i suppose. In Kolarov he has a world class full back who has it all going forward and the strengh, pace and discipline to defend well also. Bridge is better going forward than the others but can be suspect when on the back foot. for me our second best left back is Boateng - he proved that for me at the world cup, the lad has the technique and temprament to play anywhere in defence, although RB is where i want to see the lad settle

hmmm, here (02/09/2010 at 12:11)

Kolarov will be clear first choice but I'd be a bit surprised if Bridge isn't second. Possibly third behind Lescott but I think he'll be back to a central option. Boateng and Barry will be in the team in other positions, and aren't left-backs (Boateng did will there but nobody was able to ask any real questions of him). Zab does a great job filling in but again, he's not a left back and he is short on pace.

Bridge isn't a world beater by any means, and often guilty of not stopping the cross. But he is a specialist in the position and not nearly as bad as some make out. It's a tough position to play as there are a lot more dangerous right footed players attacking you. Others would have their weaknesses exposed if they had to play the position week in week out.

crazy p, sheffield (02/09/2010 at 10:42)

bricktop, manchester Richards may have cost us a point but Tevez cost us 3

short term history for rags the future is blue, audenshaw (02/09/2010 at 10:51)

Very happy, could do with Messi, just an afterthought how many of our under 21s will be seniors next year.

Charlie Kay (02/09/2010 at 11:17)

David Gonzalez is U21 and therefore didn't have to be registered, so we have in effect four keepers available to the 1st team squad. Come on MEN, let's do our research properly!

nottingham_blue (02/09/2010 at 12:30)

he's 28

Jack Thorley Trafford, Timperley (02/09/2010 at 11:18)

Bridge is one of the most one footed players I have ever seen! He was always lucky enough to have either Petrov or Robinho ahead of him giving him extra defensive cover!!!

Just had to be Blue, Bury (02/09/2010 at 12:17)

this is a spoof right, defensive cover petrov and Robinho

adders, Co.Cavan ex Manchester (02/09/2010 at 13:03)

Jack: I agree about Bridge`s one-footedness but Petrov gave as much defensive cover as a wet T-shirt in a thunderstorm !

adders, Co.Cavan ex Manchester (02/09/2010 at 13:05)

Oh yes, and I see Petrov has apparently been slagging City off again, if you believe the reports. How is it that it`s usually the players who are afraid to tackle and get stuck in who do the most complaining?

View all 4 replies

ancoats08, ancoats (02/09/2010 at 11:23)

with this new 25 players Premier League rules

how can clubs sack any manager then bring in a new 1 and then work with the old manager players

its going to be a right mess up and player power will get even stronger with the new rule

maybe Premier League should bring in a 1 manager for each window
you can not sack any manager when the window is closed

Evan Georgiou (02/09/2010 at 11:32)

We made the cut easily.....however,if it was my money ,I still would have sold RSC(6m)/Jo(4m)/Bridge(5m)/Logan(1/2m)....our youngsters are all better than them BUT unlike some posters I believe that Ballotelli will start every week with King Carlos injuries permitting....with Ade on the bench.Interesting to see if young Ball in the squad plays this season........

Bobby Johnstone's left kneecap, Ex-Hong Kong (02/09/2010 at 22:12)

Ball has been loaned to Swindon Town - I think for the whole season.

swin62, manchester (02/09/2010 at 11:39)

I would've love to have seen Dzecko signed and Jo out but
but you can't have everything you wish for.
All in all a formidable squad,best in the Premier League IMO.

Uwe the Goat, Brighton (02/09/2010 at 11:41)

Why are people so confident that Kolarov will immediately be better than Bridge? All we have seen so far from Kolarov is what seems to happen 9 times out of 10 when a player comes to the Prem from Serie A, they get injured straight away.

Strikers in Serie A do not have the pace and power that they do in England, look how far off the pace Bianci looked over here, so Kolarov is going to have to adapt his game.

That said Kolarov was one of the top rated players in Italy last year so he should come good but it might take a while.

I seem to recall Vidic and Evra being distinctly underwhelming in their first few months at Utd.

Ian, West Sussex (02/09/2010 at 12:09)

We really need both 1st choice full backs (Boateng and Kolarov) fit and available to secure that top 4 spot. Difficult to know why Jo and RSC have been included in the list. Certain players will resent a bench position for our higher profile games.

Ian, West Sussex (02/09/2010 at 12:17)

Bricktop 9.53 (reply function not working properly). Congratulations on attaining 1st class honours degree in English Literature from the former polytechnic of Lower Salford Quay dockside.

South Stand, a long way from Car Park No 1- CoMS, Ramsbottom (02/09/2010 at 12:25)

Never had a good forward since we let Lee Bradbury go! Ha!

And so many English players - 13 inc the 2 U21s and an Irish lad!

Life is so good at the moment, let's hope I live long enough to see the Rag counter ripped off the Stretford End.

I think I will buy a couple of Stretford End season tickets and sell them on a "per game" basis to all those "Mancs" that "can never get a ticket to watch Nited"

GJ (02/09/2010 at 12:27)

i'd rather see Cunningham given a chance. As for the posters blaming Micah for the S'land goal- Barry was to blame for missing the tackle, and RM has to look at his strange decision to put Barry at LB.

bubba, cleethorpes (02/09/2010 at 12:27)

Not up to it I'm afraid. Okay as cover I guess. He can't defend, he can't tackle, and he ball watches. Zabaleta, even though right footed is a much more solid option as cover to Kolarov. Pip.. Pip..

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