One of the things that make Manchester City a well-run club is their desire to constantly improve. That is why the Citizens hardly ever let an opportunity go by that benefits them in the long run. Unfortunately, that also means that Manchester City are willing to part ways with players they do not think would be essential.
Such was the case of Oleksandr Zinchenko, a player who initially arrived at Manchester City back in 2016. Primarily an attacking midfielder at that time, he was gradually converted into a left-back by Pep Guardiola and went on several loans before becoming a trusted member of the first team.
However, that trust did not mean that Zinchenko would become a fundamental member of the first team. In search for more minutes, the Ukrainian full-back ended up leaving Manchester City to join Premier League competitor Arsenal in a deal worth €35 million in 2022.
Now, it seems that despite their failures in dethroning Manchester City, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Arsenal continue to try. However, for the Ukrainian defender, as highlighted by Sky Sports, mirroring the path of the Manchester-based English champions is not the solution:
“I don’t think we need to try and copy Man City. Of course, they are probably at the moment the best team in the world. Because if you look at the stats and titles they have won in the last couple of years, it is amazing.”
“Of course, You need to always look at the best and try to be to not like them — we need to try to be on top of them.”
Unfortunately for the player, the reality of things seems to speak differently. Arsenal have already picked up Mikel Arteta in the past, a man who famously learned from Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola, and then continued to poach out-of-favor talents such as Zinchenko and even Gabriel Jesus.
Moreover, their playing philosophy built by Arteta seems to borrow heavy inspiration from Guardiola’s record-breaking team. No matter how much they try to deny it, it is clear that the Gunners are more than willing to borrow the aspects of Man City that suit them well.
Despite those efforts, they are yet to taste success in the Premier League. While Guardiola’s team continues to dominate and run rampant, the London-based side’s biggest achievement thus far was trying to go toe to toe with the latest English Premier League champions last season.
