Eric Garcia to Barcelona

[domalino]

Do we say this just because he’s from our academy? If he was so good, Pep would’ve probably brought him in. Just a thought.

He's needed time to grow into his body. He was also a bit hesitant when he first came through, but 70 Championship games have given him that experience and confidence to play his game.

 

[Neville Kneville]

Do you think Pep would of played him if he wasn’t spanish?

No chance.

 

[Gabriel]

We have an opportunity with 2 or 3 lads to give them some games this season, but not wanting to sound negative I simply don't think it's part of Pep's plan. His job is to win every game so bringing through local talent is not really part of his mission I suspect

He’s assembling another squad where there is genuine competition for each starting berth, but there is no reason why young players cannot be included from the bench. With so much football and no pre-season, we may see senior players being given weeks away at points In the season to allow them to recharge, so the circumstances are changing. The rejection of the five substitute policy now makes this harder, of course.

 

[Nicholas van Whatsisface]

I'd like to find out by giving opportunities to Koulibali tbh & sort the rest out in the League Cup.

For sure.

I'm definitely not advocating making Tosin or HB automatic startes for next season - just giving them the opportunities Garcia would have got.

If we go with Koulibaly, Laporte, Ake, Tosin and HB for next year, I'd be happy with that. Garcia was going to provide rotation on the right side in our lesser games, so give those opportunities to the Academy lads.

Stones and Otamendi are done, for very different reasons - we need to move on from them both next year.

 

[@BluePhil8]

He looked good in comparison to Stones and Otamendi, but he will 100% be 4th choice behind Koulibaly (or another), Laporte and Ake.

He doesn’t panic and make rash errors, like Stones and Otamendi do. But, he isn’t blessed with pace or height. I genuinely believe he’ll become a solid consistent player but not an amazing one.

No point crying over players who have their head turned, once it’s turned that’s the end.

I’m concerned about our 4th choice though - would rather Harwood Belis than Stones or Otamendi.

 

[asahartford1]

No idea.

More deserving of games than Garcia but he was terrible at WBA.

Edit: when I say 'terrible' still miles better defensively than Garcia, but no idea how to play football.

i was going to quote your summary of Tosin a few years back, But as you have seemingly changed your stance, i shall not embarrass you.

 

[red 2 hats]

At least he gave us a seasons notice, unlike Sane, cash in now while we can get a fee, move on.

 

[oasisband909]

pretty gutted by this; look at the stats and we’ve been miles better with him in the team then the rest of the jokers at CB. added to the fact he is 19, an age when hardly any great defenders traditionally break through and its pretty depressing all round.

he definitely should have been the starter against madrid especially with their lack of pace. who the fuck else is going to play - ferna is a pretty crap next option.

 

[Jesus H Gabz]

Never remotely good enough, imo. I’d go as far as to say I never saw anything that made me think he could succeed in the Prem.

My biggest gripe is Pep playing him since we resumed after lockdown, to try and win him over. Transparent as fuck, and now leave us having to bring back Dinho to a position he’s not really played in since March. Terrible decision.

My thoughts exactly, it does look like a bit of a cluster f#{% situation, let’s hope one of Ferna Stones or Otta have been doing the business in training, think Ferna has ticked over enough to start the game, let’s be honest our defence looks in a better place than it was just before the first leg

 

[waspish]

No chance.

Yeah agree but with pep coming from Spain and especially Managing there you can understand his bias.