14 | Nico Gonzalez - 2025/26

[Gabriel]

Phillips, Nunes, and now Gonzalez, it's starting to become a problem now.

That’s being generous.

 

[Berti No Show]

He will be loaned out by end of the window. It’s obvious pep doesn’t rate him

Pep was the one who wanted him though? It is absolutely baffling. He called Nunes one of the best players in the world then bought him and then labelled Nico a mini Rodri and doesn't play him after these comments. It's mad behaviour from Pep.

 

[Txiki Txiki Bang Bang]

Pep was the one who wanted him though? It is absolutely baffling. He called Nunes one of the best players in the world then bought him and then labelled Nico a mini Rodri and doesn't play him after these comments. It's mad behaviour from Pep.

I don't get this behaviour tbh, Same thing with Phillips. I refuse to believe Pep is irrational or spoiled with too many options

 

[Berti No Show]

I don't get this behaviour tbh, Same thing with Phillips. I refuse to believe Pep is irrational or spoiled with too many options

Not having a go, but can you imagine Arne Slot playing a 35 year old ahead of a 23 year old, 55 million January signing who was brought in to improve us? I can't. Crazy behaviour.

 

[Colin Bells Boots]

Phillips, Nunes, and now Gonzalez, it's starting to become a problem now.

Pretty sure Nic must be wondering what he has/hasn't done to get a chance.

Nunes is probably less concerned even though playing in a position which is not his norm.

But even Phillips must realise he is nowhere near good enough for this team, however thick he might be. But the money is good and the contract unbelievably too long, so he probably doesn't care.

 

[super_city_si]

This lad can play though. Hes a bit cumbersome admitted but he’ll not get better without playing. We’ve had some great performances with him playing. I think hes way above the phillips and Nunes buys. Dont get peps reluctance.

 

[super_city_si]

Not having a go, but can you imagine Arne Slot playing a 35 year old ahead of a 23 year old, 55 million January signing who was brought in to improve us? I can't. Crazy behaviour.

Gundo can play a great role still as mentor and coming off the bench but I’d rather we get rid of him if pep is going to insist on starting him.

 

[supercity88]

We obviously wanted to win the tournament and whilst we made sure to rest and rotate players, you get a real insight into who Pep values and who he doesn't.

I wondered if we'd use the tournament as a pre-season setup to try the younger players and see whether they can do a job. Or to put others in the shop window.

There were some good moments and positive signs undoubtedly but it is worrying Nico is so far down the pecking order. If Pep wants a refined squad, how will he and other new signings fit in? I don't see the point in sticking to some of the older heads who might perform but are short term options and leave us with the same problems in 12-24months. Makes sense to build for the future with the younger players and if they're not good enough you replace them.

 

[Cheadle_hulmeBlue]

Pep was the one who wanted him though? It is absolutely baffling. He called Nunes one of the best players in the world then bought him and then labelled Nico a mini Rodri and doesn't play him after these comments. It's mad behaviour from Pep.

Did he want him? Based on what we’ve seen I’m not sure pep wanted or rates any of the January signings - Marmoush aside

 

[Brewster's millions]

Did he want him? Based on what we’ve seen I’m not sure pep wanted or rates any of the January signings - Marmoush aside

I think there’s something to this.

Again, if Gonzalez was our main midfield target from the off in January, then it’s difficult to explain why we waited until deadline day to pay his release clause. Doesn’t really make sense.

If Guardiola doesn’t rate him, and doesn’t trust him to deputise for Rodri, then we need to make a decision on him. There’s no point in having Gonzalez sitting on the bench not playing and we need to get the cover for Rodri sorted out before the season starts. We can’t have two seasons compromised because we’ve failed again to address an obvious deficiency in the squad.

 

[RayCTID]

Yeah let's splash 60 million on a guy and immediately discard him, didn't realise we've become the rags.

The issue is he isn't being utilised and there are a few players ahead of him as far as Pep is concerned. He does have ability and under normal circumstances he should be given the full season to adjust but the squad has to be reduced. Gundo has played more minutes in the CWC and most of last season and is one who Pep does trust despite not being amongst the team leaders.

 

[Kippax Street 1880]

Baffles me how he doesn't play more absolutely baffles me

 

[Dazzle84]

The invisible man

 

[Millwallawayveteran1988]

spending £50m on someone to then hardly playing him is borderline negligence from whoever sanctioned it.

 

[madloaf]

A Rodri, Nico, Reindeers, Cherki, Foden midfield 5 with all the width from the full backs is my dream that will never happen. Like so many others. Fuck you dreams.

 

[Shazza458]

Red flags here for me with Pep’s reluctance to play him.

 

[Norman kneejerk]

Surely we don't spend 50m and then sit there with our fingers crossed waiting for Peps verdict. That doesn't seem a good way to do things because of the obvious wastage. Peps got to at least rubber stamp their potential you would think.

 

[TheBlueCat]

Did he want him? Based on what we’ve seen I’m not sure pep wanted or rates any of the January signings - Marmoush aside

Not sure any of them are that good. The centre backs look like project players.. Kush looks well short of what we need. Gonzales looks slow and cumbersome, doesn’t look like a premiership player. Marmoosh looks great one minute and dreadful then next ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯ ..

 

[Mancini’s Pastilles]

Anyone else think Pep is punishing him for the go at him vs spurs?

 

[hammersmithlad]

Anyone else think Pep is punishing him for the go at him vs spurs?

This made me chuckle :-)