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Paul Merson blasts Man City for one transfer mistake - 'An absolute joke'
Manchester City have been blasted by Paul Merson for not signing a new centre-back in the summer transfer window, as their defensive woes continue after the defeat to Wolves at the weekend.
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Manchester City should’ve signed a new defender this summer, claimed former Arsenal star Paul Merson.
He said it’s “an absolute joke” that the club didn’t break the bank to replace Vincent Kompany.
Kompany left City during the summer to take a player-manager role at his former club, Anderlecht.
But Pep Guardiola decided not to replace the Belgian, trusting that he had enough quality in Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi.
For them not to go and buy someone when they own a country is an absolute joke
Laporte picked up a knee injury during a 4-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion earlier this season. He’s not expected to return until February.
Stones has had a recurrent muscular injury that’s kept him out for the past few weeks.
That meant Guardiola has had to rely on Fernandinho as a makeshift centre-back until Stones returns.
“You can be the best manager in the world, but if you haven't got the players, it doesn't make any difference,” Merson wrote for Sky Sports.
“Pep Guardiola, who is playing Fernandinho at centre-back alongside Nicolas Otamendi, hasn't got the players.
“Fernandinho is going to get found out eventually. For them not to go and buy someone when they own a country is an absolute joke.
“They should have three or four players in each position.”
Otamendi partnered Fernandinho during the 2-0 defeat to Wolves this weekend.
The Argentinan had a torrid time throughout the match, and looked similar to the player that received criticism in Manuel Pellegrini’s final season in charge.
Guardiola will be hoping that he rekindles the type of form that earned him a place in the Premier League Team of the Year after the 2017-2018 season.
But, the manager may decide that enough is enough, and drop Otamendi for the highly-rated youngster Eric Garcia.
Garcia impressed for Man City during their Carabao Cup campaign last season, and could be a decent alternative until either Stones or Laporte comes back from injury.