MANGALA: MANCHESTER CITY’S €40M WEAK LINK? ALLARDYCE THINKS SO
Manchester City’s €40 million summer signing Eliaquim Mangala is under scrutiny after West Ham United’s 2-1 upset over the reigning Premier League champions. And no one is being more direct than Sam Allardyce, who openly questioned Mangala’s readiness for the English game.
The Franco-Congolese defender, still settling in since his big-money move from Porto, was clearly targeted by the Hammers. Speaking after the match, Allardyce revealed that exploiting Mangala’s side of the pitch was a deliberate tactical choice.
“They leave him exposed,” said Big Sam. “He has just joined the Premier League. They don’t protect him, so we played as much as possible on his side with the space Clichy leaves. Kompany’s been at his level for a long time… But Mangala? He’s still finding his feet.”
The comments underline a growing concern that Mangala’s adaptation period is proving costly for City. Despite his physical attributes and potential, his positioning and decision-making have been questioned in high-stakes matches.
With City’s title hopes relying on a stable back line, Allardyce’s words may echo beyond Upton Park. If Mangala doesn’t tighten up soon, critics may start seeing him not as a star signing—but as an expensive vulnerability.
