Gael Clichy was on Amazon Prime punditry duty for Manchester City vs Feyenoord
Gael Clichy was on Amazon Prime punditry duty for Manchester City vs Feyenoord
When you look at the most successful sides in football’s history, you will most likely find strength through their organisation.
A quality brought about by a club’s leaders. Whether it’s their captain or the team’s best player, leaders are often what makes the difference between the best and the rest. Manchester City have achieved great success in both domestic and European competition.
So, it can be argued they have had great leaders in each of their trophy-winning sides throughout the years. Although, former City star Gael Clichy is unconvinced today’s City side has the leaders he had in his time at the club.
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Last night’s UEFA Champions League clash at the Etihad saw City blow a three-goal lead in the last 15 minutes to draw against Feyenoord.
While analysing the match for Amazon Prime Video Sport, Clichy was asked who City’s leaders are.
He said, “I don’t know, but [in] my time we used to have Nigel De Jong. Obviously, Vincent Kompany. Gareth Barry, very silent leader but [he knew] when he had to say things."
Clichy played for City for six years where he won the Premier League in his first season under Roberto Mancini. In that season, he played alongside Kompany and behind De Jong and Gareth Barry.
He went on to win four more trophies with Kompany mostly under the management of Manuel Pellegrini. Even before his time with City, he famously won the title with Arsenal in their invincible season in 2004.
So, he’s no stranger to strong players leading strong defences in an organised and disciplined setup. Despite watching and following City win several titles since his departure, he’s still unconvinced Pep’s side has the leaders he had that could lead a side back from poor form to winning ways again.
“You need those personalities. Do they have this tonight? I’m not sure,” Clichy said after seeing City fail to see out their comfortable lead against Feyenoord.
“On the pitch, I couldn’t see one and in the dressing room, I’m pretty sure Kevin De Bruyne is there for the making but is it really his character?”
Kyle Walker was named as the club’s captain as the start of the season. However, four other vice-captains were named in Kevin De Bruyne, Ruben Dias, Rodri and Bernardo Silva. Three of which have suffered long-term injuries this season leaving limited leadership options.
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