Not sure I would sign your wording describing Chelsea under Conte (lol), I would most probably talk about opportunism. But I completely agree with your point, that's what's all about. Guardiola succeeding in City will be a victory for football, with the expected influence on the game and its evolution. It's all about ideas to me too, I have nothing against Conte, he simply represents the football I want to beat. So it has to be a winning strategy, you understand, just playing the "beautiful game" is simply not good enough. Last thing I want to experience is another WC1982 again, Brazil's failure there was followed by an era of fucking negativity...
I said before the game that I expected Guardiola being bolder in his recent rotation policy. He wasn't, he's still insecure, relying too much on specific key players. I strongly believe we could have appeared much much fresher tonight, with much much more energy -and the game could have been easier for City. Anyway. As a consequence, many players played their 3rd game in 7 days tonight. While Sane played his 4th in 10 days. I honestly expected nothing better from him. He lacked sharpness, his decision making wasn't the best, his positioning problematic occasionally etc. But it was not his fault. The only reason he was fielded is because Guardiola strongly believes in his quality. How could he not? An exceptional talent, capable of producing amazing stuff -like our 1st goal vs Palace. Pep insisted on keeping him on the pitch until 84', hoping for a moment of magic if possible. In his eyes, it was a risk worth taking. But I can assure you, Azpilicueta won't be that lucky again next time he faces him... [that is, of course, if he's the one, not Moses, chosen by Conte to face him next time]
