MANCHESTER CITY: MANGALA FACES OTAMENDI CHALLENGE BUT KEEPS PELLEGRINI’S TRUST
While the arrival of Nicolás Otamendi has been welcomed as a defensive boost for Manchester City, it casts a shadow over Eliaquim Mangala’s ambitions to fully establish himself at the club. After a mixed 2014–15 season, the Franco-Congolese center-back was hoping to bounce back and solidify his position in the heart of the City defense.
However, with Otamendi, a high-profile Argentine international, joining the ranks, Mangala now faces stiff competition for a starting role alongside captain Vincent Kompany. Despite the pressure, City boss Manuel Pellegrini moved to reassure Mangala during a recent press conference:
“I decided that Mangala had to stay. Currently, with the way they are playing, it is impossible to move Kompany and Mangala from their positions, as well as all the other players. They are in a good phase. We have not conceded a goal in the first two games,” stated the Chilean manager.
Mangala has indeed started the season strongly, contributing to a defense that has yet to concede a goal. But with Otamendi unlikely to have joined City to sit on the bench, the competition is far from over.
To retain his place, Mangala will need to maintain top form and demonstrate that he can outperform Otamendi, proving himself worthy of the club’s long-term trust at the back.
