City v Barcelona Post Match Thread

[roach3]

I’m a bit worried about big earl
He looked like he’d just finished a long season not on the verge of starting one.
Injured? Is this from last season because he’s had months off and if so why’s he playing at all?

 

[Stoned Rose]

Who's this?

You just can’t see it. And that’s ok.

 

[shevtheblue]

O'Rielly looks like a proper player, great first touch and control of the ball and no fear - also a similar build to Rodri. I think its a real find for Pep to move him into a 6, AFAIK he has been playing as an 8 and a 10 in the youth team. Putting in some games with Rodri and allowing him time to learn from him will do him some real good.

Thought Phillips looked much better at CB without the worry of players creeping up behind him. Some nice touches from him, some decent line-breaking passes and cross-field passes as well. I think Pep has made it clear he doesn't have a future here, hopefully another team see's a possibility at CB for him.

 

[failsworthblueboy]

If Phillips was the surprise gift in a packet of crisps you'd take the packet back and demand a refund.

The lad has been awful since the day he signed but I don't honestly think he has ever not tried his best.
Last night I thought he did ok, it was a smart idea to give the position change in pre-season it may well help him get his confidence and passing rhythm back, he doesn't fit into our system that doesn't make him a bad player, hopefully he'll get a good move very soon.

 

[Pingu the Penguin]

Its going to be a strange start to the season. I feel for the players at the moment. Rodders has played c.140 club and country games over the past 2 seasons with virtually no rest. It's not sustainable

 

[Crooked_rain]

Keep Fatah

Yeah i liked the look of him

Looked like he had a bit about him

 

[Skrastins]

Bobb- he had a assist for Haaland goal in 15th min, first half had very good looks for final pass

Kalvin- he had a very good showing in CB, defended quite good, for me not at fault for two goals, he would be great with Dias. Long passes were top class. Great save from Lewandowski

Grealish- looked so fresh and motivated, had a great game. MOTM between him or Kalvin

Kovacic- looked like he was not on vacation and was training all the time

Nico- Run and gun play sometimes, to eager to beat his man. Needs to learn composure. Will get minutes vs lower side teams this season

Gvardiol- yes, he was at fault for first goal and partly for second and had a few misplaced passes, i’ll chuck it for being rusty, but man was playing Stones role and quite good for being his first time, will be the ultimate utility player if we can get him playing as DM

 

[Crooked_rain]

I’m a bit worried about big earl
He looked like he’d just finished a long season not on the verge of starting one.
Injured? Is this from last season because he’s had months off and if so why’s he playing at all?

Why? He shouldn't had a goal and that would be a goal in each game and he's only playing 45 mins

He looks pretty sharp to me, considering it's pre season.

 

[waspish]

Who played the Rodri role? Or wasn't we playing with one?

 

[The Scarlet Pimpernel]

Don't think he played badly tonight. I don't even think he's as bad as people on here say. Am I on my own thinking this? Tell me I'm not on my own here ...

He’s not a bad player - just not suitable to fulfil the demands of the Rodri role in our team, his close control and distribution is below what we need in that position.