I've seen people having a go a Pep for starting Zinchenko & not starting KDB, Foden & Grealish.
1. It's confirmed they were either injured or carrying knocks.
2. Pep has definitely learned from last seasons UCL Final, where he inexplicably went without Fern or Rodders as CDM's. Last night we play a familiar formation, & brought in the best players to fill the positions.
3. On reflection, Pep could have started Jesus, but he went with the more solid & safe choice of Zin. We lacked the central midfield creativity we sometimes take for granted, so Pep observed our safety first approach, & changed it as soon as it was necessary.
4. If not for the lack of a clinical world class striker, I'd be supremely confident this season. We've played more expansive football before, but NEVER have we looked a more complete package than we do right now.
5. Grealish needs time, & Sterling needs the opportunity to fully regain his confidence & form. For Grealish, see Rodri. For Sterling, see Bernardo.
6. Finally, we were fuckin awesome last night! The crazy thing is I thought we played better in Paris, & were undone by two sublime goals, & our own profligacy in front of goal...
A world class striker ASAP please Txiki! :-)