Stoke (a) 20/08/2016 - pre-match thread

[Uptop]

A good chance to test our new tactics against a side who in some ways typify the average PL team; Physical, decent passing, can park the bus and counter, set pieces are dangerous.

Be interesting to see how we perform. I wouldn't be too surprised if things dont go entirely to plan but hopefully will be a good learning process at least.

 

[kaz7]

Pep: Until 31st, everything is open... If Joe is still here, he will fight for his place.
Pep: [On Kelechi] His intensity is high and when the ball is in the box, he is there. He has something special in the box. #mcfc

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[kaz7]

Pep: Sane trained with us today, I think in one or two weeks he will be ready. Bacary has a little problem but not too big. #mcfc

 

[kaz7]

Pep: Now is not the time to change [the team] a lot, I am really impressed with how intelligent they are. We play at a high level. #mcfc

 

[kaz7]

Guardiola says he won't force Hart to stay and he can leave if he wants. If he stays, he must convince Pep. "Nothing has changed."
Pep on Joe: "I said to him from the first moment - if he stays he is going to improve."
Pep says Sané is training and will be ready in one to two weeks. Sagna has a small problem. Kompany is training but needs more muscle tests.
Gundogan, Sané and Kompany are all training now and the Germans should be available to play after the international break.

 

[kaz7]

Pep on Yaya Touré: "When he increases his intensity without the ball, he will be involved."
Finally a manager who see's it

 

[BlueCityfan]

Pep on Yaya Touré: "When he increases his intensity without the ball, he will be involved."
Finally a manager who see's it

I think the answer might be: "never". Yaya didn't have the work rate at his peak, let alone now.

 

[MeatHunterrr]

I think the answer might be: "never". Yaya didn't have the work rate at his peak, let alone now.

yup, as good as gone

 

[blue b4 the moon]

Pep on Yaya Touré: "When he increases his intensity without the ball, he will be involved."
Finally a manager who see's it

Long time picking up his money doing fuck all then.

 

[terrace stoke]

The terrace in Stoke just down the road from the train station will be the desagnated pub for away fans it will be open and serving drinks from 9am

 

[kupest]

Takes balls to not put Yaya in the squad at all for 3 games in a row. Love Pellers but this is what I really wanted to see in a manager. Take players who work their asses off and have 0 passengers.

 

[Plain Speaking]

BBC using the old badge for the City logo on its sports news.

 

[ninjamonkey]

Sounds like Yaya is finished. Saw a marked improvement during pre-season from him but it would seem his legs just won't give him the intensity Pep demands. Shame, think he still could of been key for us this season if he could get to the required levels.

 

[Deepest Blue]

Any links to full presser? 30 odd minutes I believe.

 

[kaz7]

Any links to full presser? 30 odd minutes I believe.

 

[Deepest Blue]

Cheers Kags.
Look forward to Part 2 later.

 

[schfc6]

Slightly off topic, but during his press conference did Pep say Gael & Kelechi are signing new deals?
I know Iheanacho has, just wondered weather I was hearing things regards Clichy.

 

[yeah whatever !!]

It'd be a bonus if Shaqiri was ruled out. He was excellent against us last season.

He ripped us a new one in all honesty..

 

[@BluePhil8]

Long time picking up his money doing fuck all then.

Cool, let him do that whilst the team that Pep puts out does us all proud.

 

[acess87]

Can't wait for the game. Our first real test. I'm sure from week to week, from training session to training session, we will witness improvement everywhere.

Pretty confident we will win tomorrow!