It’s not an illusion and as for Pep to throw in without preparation he was experimenting with all sorts look at the one man midfield with Rodri been over run against Chelsea, the various changes in the latter matches he was preparing them for a final and not once did anyone see that team selection it was not even hinted at, because we had a DM in every single game. The players underperforming was probably due to lack of confidence in the what was been asked just like Lyon last year, we ripped Madrid a new one and then what he changed it and the players were all over the shop! The team would’ve been more relaxed and with that breeds confidence, Gundogan Foden KDB didn’t seem to know where to be at times. 60 games you play a system and everyone is used to it then the 61st after 5 days prep! Pep fucked up and by all accounts was nervy before the game this obviously translated to the players, why was he nervy he has the best team on the planet he was nervy because he wasn’t confident why wasn’t he confident because he over thought it again. He’s a flawed genius we have to accept that but what if he does it again and again? He is not beyond critiscm no one is.