Guardiola’s Magical Quest for Set-Piece Sorcery…
Once upon a pitch at Selhurst Park, Pep Guardiola was seen muttering magical incantations as Crystal Palace conjured a sneaky goal from a free-kick. With a wink and a smile, Pep confessed that other teams have more set-piece sorcerers than City. Imagine City’s midfielders trying to win headers while standing on tippy-toes, practically needing broomsticks to lift them above their vertically blessed opponents!
As if under a spell of setbacks, Manchester City turned to prayer instead of practice whenever an opponent lined up a corner. But, fear not, football fans: the Etihad was about to be visited by a set-piece savior. Previously, Nicolas Jover sprinkled his strategic pixie dust on them before departing to Arsenal. Then Carlos Vicens waved his tactical wand and voilà! — City’s set-pieces became like Arthur’s Excalibur in the Premier League, massive and unbeatable.
But alas, this majestic era faded faster than a referee shuffling off the pitch. Injuries turned City’s defenders into invisible ghosts, leaving Pep’s crew reaching skyward without tall teammates like Rodri. But now, a new wizard of the corner flag steps on the scene — none other than James “the Sorcerer” French from Liverpool. With him and Pep waving their magic chalkboards, City is plotting to transform their set-piece woes faster than a striker’s penalty gold rush! So, Manchester City fans, brace yourselves for a spellbinding season ahead!
