Last season it would have been unthinkable to question Pep but we ended the season playing 3 at the back and Gundogan and Rodri in front of them in a CL quarter final with Bernardo and Foden on the bench.
We've gone from playing 433 with one deep midfielder to regularly playing two deep midfielders.
Problems were understandable after Laporte was injured but thereafter I don't know why he kept doing it. Perhaps he was unhappy with Rodri?
Every coach is known for a certain style of play. We were forced by injury to make some changes in our set up this season. Fair enough, but why when Laporte returned did we not return to the style and system that has served us so well?
Pep had his critics in the media when he came to City. They will feel vindicated at the moment.
I wonder what Pep will do now. He may have two choices:
- Extend his deal,
- See out his contract.
City may however want him to extend or leave. I think that's unlikely because we lost Arteta and there does not seem to be an obvious replacement.
The season was disappointing. Initially it felt like bad luck, but the conclusion of the season in the FA Cup semi-final and the Champions League was very disappointing as both can be linked to questionable midfield selections. City were a smooth functioning machine last season. Why when personnel became available did we try and have to invent a new style for us. You should have stayed true to yourself Pep.
Now we contemplate the end of the season, and wonder what lessons Pep himself will draw and what we can expect from the next season.
I am pleased we bought Ake, but ideally I'd like Koulibaly too. If we have a solid defensive pair then surely a defensive midfield two will be dropped.
I thought we all knew what Pep was about but now questions are left hanging in the air.
