However, ESPN have grabbed an interview with one of the men of the moment in Nicolas Otamendi.
After a number of influential displays in the heart of the defence, the Argentine was asked about City’s title chances, and he believes this squad is well placed to handle the pressure of being top of the Premier League as we approach the busy run of winter fixtures.
He told ESPN: “It’s not easy to be in the position that we are in at the moment because everyone looks at you as the principle candidate for winning the title, and there is a long way to go yet.
“Of course we like to be up there, but it gives us extra pressure game after game.
“Anyway, we are a strong minded team and we know how to handle that pressure. It’s better to have that feeling because we are ahead of everyone and that means that we are doing our work correctly.
“I think that we are working calmly and being patient. The championship is long and we have to go step by step.”
Absolutely – no one in the City dressing room is totting up any chickens this early in the season!
Following a run of two goalless draws in the past three weeks, Otamendi also defended the club’s focus on winning with style.
The Argentine believes his manager and team will only be happy if they can combine victories with entertainment.
Added Nicolas: “We can’t think only in that we want to win the title. We have to find a way of playing. The coach and all the group of players that are in the squad expect to play well.
“We don’t like to win without showing a style or a way of playing because that gives three points, but can make you lose at any moment.”
Elsewhere, you can tell it’s an international break when you find a dramatic increase in gossip column inches.
January may be two months away, but that isn’t stopping the rumour mill from churning out stories.
According to the latest gossip, City could be preparing a bid as early as January for the Algerian international, who has seen his career take off since his move to Serie A.
The paper’s Stuart Brennan reports: “Manchester City have been linked with a move for Napoli left-back Faouzi Ghoulam.
“And reports in Italy claim that the Blues could even try to snap up the 24-year-old French Algerian in the January transfer window.
“Ghoulam is a 24-year-old who was born in France and played for them at under-21 level, but now plays for the Algerian national team.
“He began his career at St Etienne but since moving to Napoli last winter his career has taken off.
“The pacy full-back combines defensive solidity with strong attacking ability, and Chelsea are already said to have had a £10.6million bid turned down by the Serie A club.”
Wouldn’t be such a good story unless at least one other Premier League club was mentioned, right?
Speaking of that tactic, here we go again…
Writes Rhys Turrell: “The 19-year-old has impressed in the youth ranks at Stamford Bridge but is yet to be handed a chance in Jose Mourinho’s senior side.
“And French outlet Le Ten Sport claim Musonda’s lack of opportunities has led to the youngster considering leaving the club.
“Paris St-Germain are also said to be keen on a deal, while Monaco, Marseille and PSV Eindhoven have been linked with loan offers with the option to make the move permanent.”
That’s your lot for today, so until next time do remember this is just paper talk and no deals are done until you see confirmation right here on mcfc.co.uk.
See you tomorrow, same time, same place, for much more of the same…
