Chairman's Interview

Interesting body language, arms folded and defensive when questioned about the champions league but completely relaxed and open when questioned about the dynasty, that loss in the final hurt a lot more than he said!

Excellent observations Columbo;)

I noticed that myself, not sure if we should read too much into it. If the owners are not pissed off by that abject performance then they are in the wrong sport. Privately I would expect a robust review but publicly it will be calm and supportive imo.
I found the reaction immediately after the match when Pep went up for his medal much more interesting. It was an immediate reaction not one he had had overnight to think about and realise that the world and his aunt had been commenting about the after effects.
Immediately after the match he gave Pep a huge hug and there was empathy on his face but no 'condemnation' or anger. He really does mean and feel that this was a one off match. We will come back and, because we are Manchester City, will fight to the end. JMHO
 
what was the tactical mistake and how did it stop us winning?
The tactical mistake that much is being made of by all the football geniuses around the world who write for a living rather than play or manage a football team was only significant in one moment. Even then there were other factors. If we did have a DM like Rodri of Fernandinho they would not have had the pace to track Werners run which opened up the space, Eddy was in no mans land such was the quality of the pass, 2 yards harder Eddy sweeps it up two yards slower the chance never occurs.

You can only pick 11 players, it was decided to play high and wide, unfortunately we came up against two full backs who had brilliant games, Kante snuffed out Kev, Foden was barely in it so the service never materialised. A DM would have made no difference to our attacking. We were up against a side with the best defensive record in the CL and we couldnt create a chance, that was the problem. Yet it could all have been different if Fodens shot was not blocked so brilliantly by Rudiger. It was exceptional defending.

Would playing a DM have given us more control, possibly, but controlling the game without creating does not win you games. It was always going to be tight as both teams defensive records show, Chelsea took their chance our main chance was blocked by Rudiger. That was the difference.

Tuchel has made Chelsea very hard to beat, they are as good a defensive side as you will see, they also have pace on the counter. A DM could have passed the ball all night in triangles with our CBs but it still would not have created anything.
 
A one off brainfart/tactical cluster fuck is not a problem,but when its becoming a chronic isssue.....then yes,such a self inflicted loss needs addressing and explaining.

Pep is a wonderful manager,he has been incredible for us and i recognise how fortunate we have been,but he clearly isn't faultless,or untouchable,and that too should be recognised.
Pep is the best coach in the business for sure. I just wish he wasn’t allowed to pick the starting 11 in the CL once we are out of the group stages.
 
The tactical mistake that much is being made of by all the football geniuses around the world who write for a living rather than play or manage a football team was only significant in one moment. Even then there were other factors. If we did have a DM like Rodri of Fernandinho they would not have had the pace to track Werners run which opened up the space, Eddy was in no mans land such was the quality of the pass, 2 yards harder Eddy sweeps it up two yards slower the chance never occurs.

You can only pick 11 players, it was decided to play high and wide, unfortunately we came up against two full backs who had brilliant games, Kante snuffed out Kev, Foden was barely in it so the service never materialised. A DM would have made no difference to our attacking. We were up against a side with the best defensive record in the CL and we couldnt create a chance, that was the problem. Yet it could all have been different if Fodens shot was not blocked so brilliantly by Rudiger. It was exceptional defending.

Would playing a DM have given us more control, possibly, but controlling the game without creating does not win you games. It was always going to be tight as both teams defensive records show, Chelsea took their chance our main chance was blocked by Rudiger. That was the difference.

Tuchel has made Chelsea very hard to beat, they are as good a defensive side as you will see, they also have pace on the counter. A DM could have passed the ball all night in triangles with our CBs but it still would not have created anything.
Spot on!
 
Pep is the best coach in the business for sure. I just wish he wasn’t allowed to pick the starting 11 in the CL once we are out of the group stages.

Its done my nut in,i am really struggling with his thinking/reasoning (especially as he hasn't provided such)

What made it worse was while we all saw a disaster on paper beforehand,he did nothing to alter it when after 20mins the players were proving it.

Still shaking my head at it all.
 
Interesting body language, arms folded and defensive when questioned about the champions league but completely relaxed and open when questioned about the dynasty, that loss in the final hurt a lot more than he said!
That's the impression I got. I wasn't convinced by his repeated praise of Pep.It just felt a bit over the top, almost like Khaldoon was over-compensating. I have a gut feeling that the pressure of the last couple of months may have finally got to Pep and the players. I think Khaldoon's words did not match his body language. I think he looked quite angry but was masking it.
Pep and the players have been magnificent this season with all the Covid trauma, bereavements, injuries, the FFP case, etc. They have risen to every challenge but I think the CL final was just a step too far. There was no lack of effort from anyone at the club but mistakes were made and mental fatigue must have played a part. I hope Khaldoon can find the re-set button for the club and Pep gets the well-earned rest he deserves.
 
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Some know nowt sly sports rag, is there any other kind?, trying to take the piss in work today. I just shrugged and said that I had watched my team in the third division and now the Champions League Final. Finished off with are you looking forward to renewing your season ticket for next season then. He scuttled off for some reason.

I enjoyed the interview and look forward to the next two parts. He looked tired and could have put this off until he had got a better nights sleep. I do think he gets us and the excellent Gary James interviews with Noel Gallagher last week spoke volumes about his attitude towards being in charge from day one.

I am not being happy clappy, but, we've had worse seasons/chairman/managers/players down the years.

Keep the faith - as we used to say all them years ago.
 
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