Insider: Man City may have already made new hire in secret after journalist’s reveal
The new head of sports science at Man City may already be in place shadowing the outgoing Sam Erith.
That is the view of medical expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in injury and data analysis.
The Athletic reported on Monday that Erith is leaving his post during the break for the World Cup to take up a role with the basketball team New York Knicks.
His work was featured heavily during the Amazon All or Nothing documentary that followed Man City during the 2017-18 season.
“I think he’s been there 11 years and obviously comes with a load of experience,” Dinnery told Football Insider‘s Connor Whitley.
“He had a few years at the Football Association and actually arrived from Tottenham where he spent six years as well.
“Mid-season is not ideal when it comes to replacing that level of expertise and that level of understanding the club.
“Ultimately, what Pep Guardiola wants from his staff, they want to implement his philosophies at every tier of the club.
“He wants those players to deliver the style of football that he wants and this team and group of staff will understand his mentality and philosophy.
“That will be seamless to them so having someone come in mid-season is not great.
“However, Man City are meticulous in terms of their recruitment so there will be plans afoot in terms of their recruitment strategies and who they bring in. They will have a good understanding of how and when it will happen.
“It’s not only mid-season, you’re going to have a lot of players who are away on international duty at the World Cup.
“The new person may already be in place doing some shadow work or transitional work.
“Otherwise, you might not get a chance to see players for a month while you are in post.
“It’s not ideal but when it comes to Man City and how he’s built his staff, I’d be surprised if anyone in the Premier League or even in world football, has a bigger supporting team.
“They are all very well versed, very well experienced and know the manager and team very well.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire has issued a “shock” claim as a £68million-a-year Man City payout is analysed.