Atalanta (H) - CL - Pre-Match Thread

[KS55]

Stones and Otta on the bench and no recognised CB starting. Looks like Pep really likes this paring and not just as an emergency

Does Pep no longer trust Stones and Otta? Hmmm...

 

[Clercqs]

Great to see Phil starting!

 

[SebastianBlue]

Stones and Otta on the bench and no recognised CB starting. Looks like Pep really likes this paring and not just as an emergency

I think it is more that he wants to see if it is actually viable, as one performance isn’t enough evidence to make a determination, and this match is as good as any to capture more data for or against.

 

[mosssideblue]

There is a enormous difference between not having CB or playing with 10 players and having Otamendi on the pitch.

Finally Pep realised what is the main disaster on the team

Why is he even afforded a bench seat if he is such a disaster?

 

[MeatHunterrr]

Why is he even afforded a bench seat if he is such a disaster?

To keep squad harmony? Pep even played Mangala and then shipped him off and bought Laporte

 

[axlgod]

I like the line-up.

I like it a lot.

 

[SebastianBlue]

Why is he even afforded a bench seat if he is such a disaster?

Keeping a volcano on the bench keeps all of the subs warm on cold CL nights.

 

[ws01]

Having and playing centre halves is so last season

 

[ninjamonkey]

Worked against palace but I really don’t want to see two centre midfielders at cb unless there’s no alternative. We’ve got 3 fit cb’s and none of them are deemed better than two holding midfielders? Wouldn’t have pushed mendy but the fitness staff obviously know what they’re doing so I trust he’s more than ready especially when we’ve opted not to have a replacement (I know cancelo can play there) on the bench. Great to see Foden and mahrez deserves his spot. Jesus can consider himself unlucky felt he deserved to keep his place,

 

[Fame Monster]

Loving Rodri at centre-back. Great to see Foden back in the side after he was strangely left out against Zagreb.