Are we good enough defensively to win the Champions League

[MillionMilesAway]

No team in the world playing the way we do would be less exposed defensively. Very often we end up with only one of our CBs in our own half and if we lose the ball and with better opposition things get complicated (as Pep says). We allowed only 5 shots to Hoffenheim, two of those on goal, and still if you followed Pat Nevin comments on BBC websites last night, our defence was all over the place and under extreme pressure for all 90 minutes. We live by footballing sword and we die by that same sword and our only problem, CL included, is profligacy in front of goal.

What City do have is fast covering players - Sane was highlighted during the match, but Walker also does it, and Ferny is usually one of those nearby. A couple of breaks down the right side were dealt with by Laporte cutting off the angle for a cutback and letting Ederson cover the squarer ball.

I think Kompany and Otamendi were played with an eye on Sunday, when they won't be starting as I see it.

 

[cleavers]

Well if any defender who ever played was playing out from the back under pressure 20 times per game, every game, the odd pass will go astray and create a chance for the opposition. Pep's philosophy is that this doesn't matter in the bigger picture and he's been proved right in the Premier League, despite being told by nearly everybody that it wouldn't work.

Those two for me have it all: pace, strength, passing ability and football intelligence. I wouldn't swap them for anyone.

I thought Laporte was simply careless last night on a couple of occasions, making passes without looking.

I hope that we don't use Laporte at LB on Sunday though, Salah could have a field day, but we may have no choice, as I doubt he'll trust Zinchenko there, but he could use him as a wing back, with Walker on the right, and 3 CB's.

 

[cleavers]

We live by footballing sword and we die by that same sword and our only problem, CL included, is profligacy in front of goal.

It is a bigger issue for me, last night should have been over by half time, I know the keeper made 2 great saves, but we missed good chances again, too many of them.

 

[Thomas Hearns]

Best defence in England.

If we give some help to our ageing overworked defensive midfielder then I think we’re strong enough defensively to cope with Europe’s elite

 

[Didsbury Dave]

I thought Laporte was simply careless last night on a couple of occasions, making passes without looking.

I hope that we don't use Laporte at LB on Sunday though, Salah could have a field day, but we may have no choice, as I doubt he'll trust Zinchenko there, but he could use him as a wing back, with Walker on the right, and 3 CB's.

Totally agree that LaPorte was a poor at left back. That's the problem we face for Sunday of course. I really hope that Mendy is fit but if he isn't I'd possibly risk Zinchenko.

 

[ctid1894]

Thought our back line got exposed a few times last night. I don't think Laporte at LB helped but we seem to be cut open on a regular basis away from home in Europe.
Liverpool and Monaco away both spring to mind

If we’re going to get red cards for every tackle as you suggest in other threads probably not.

 

[cyberblue]

The way we play we will always be open at the back the solution is to put more of our chances away

 

[Tevez City]

We have the most expensive defence on the planet, they should be good enough.

 

[aguerrrroooooooooooo]

If we’re going to get red cards for every tackle as you suggest in other threads probably not.

Not really related to this thread is it?
I'm asking are we solid enough at the back but you obviously aren't interested in having that discussion so why would you come on this thread?
Because you're upset that I thought a challenge was a red card? Or more likely you just want to get into an arguement?

 

[Millwallawayveteran1988]

I’m not sure our style or Peps are suited to the CL regardless of the rest of the shit end of the stick we get decisions wise. Obviously Pep has won it but that was with Messi and a midfield of Busquets Xavi and Iniesta in the side.

Fernandinho so far has looked leggy in these games, slow of thought and pass and that is not a great sign against the better sides. If we an strengthen that area in January then who knows.

Personally I would say Barca/Juventus will go far this year.