So, first let's just make one thing clear, I AM NOT ATTACKING CITY NOR AM I SAYING CONSPIRACY. I'm TRYING to be fair and objective and understand what's going on.
I just wrote post critiquing Everton for having an "agenda" as well. That's called normal (sadly) in cases of anything involving neoliberal capitalism where some entity stands to benefit or lose in a situation, and in particular when facing a unique situation like this with little precedent.
I believe that's what VERY MUCH a massive part of what is going on.
That also doesn't mean City are necessarily "hiding" things. However, if true, the strategy isn't without precedent for being justified, especially if they feel they will be unfairly treated by clubs looking to gain advantages and have already felt victimised by those out to get us (I think it's safe to say City and our fans feel that way 100% from UEFA, 'the cartel", "the agenda", The Sky 4, etc. etc.).
In the global football transfer market, however, this is called "business" and competitive advantage is a widely adopted strategy but this feels outside of that more justified "cut throat" capitalist behavior for some, and certainly the likes of The Guardian-like writers who team up with the more Tory/working class Brexit fans who also hate City.
- Now, normally privicy and confidentiality apply with medical conditions, but these are public figures and as far as I know no one has hidden COVID cases in football. That actually sounds even worse than not revealing, no?
- I DO think there should be an investigation and precautions SHOULD be taken. I don't suspect that is the question. Maybe the question is how late the information was given to Everton or perhaps the PL. Even if it is "legit" I can see why they might feel worried about the timing.
Are Everton right to assume the worst of City? Not a "conspiracy" but that CITY THEMSELVES tried to manipulate things and the PL didn't push hard enough. I AM NOT SAYING THEY ARE, but maybe that's their thinking and that's NOT the same as a conspirasy.
- I don't know how to answer the question "Why should City be afraid of Everton?" other than ask to go check the PL table at this stage, and Everton's aspirations. Does that help?
You cannot honestly say losing all those players would not be a MASSIVE blow to ANY side on the pitch and to morale which would be a major risk for affecting performance. These aren't fringe players these are starters and key players to a side fighting back to the top of the table. Seems odd to suggest otherwise. I would not feel so confident going in if all those players were announced yesterday gone and we played today. Pep has surely been training with several of those players to play in THIS game.
- To say comfortably "no one is trying to gain any competitive advantage" is based on WHAT evidence? Like those top PL clubs who voted us to be banned sooner rather than later when we had the CAS case? Was "no one is trying to gain any competitive advantage" there either? All clubs do, including us.
