Neville Kneville
Well-Known Member
You're probably right about the Euros, but I'm not sure Denayer or Byrne would have benefitted, because both left for regular football, and I don't think either wanted a rotation/back up role this season, which is completely fair.
Denayer in particular, I just can't see how Pep would have not preferred to have a 4th centreback this season. At least Denayer's agent made it seem Pep was very involved in choosing where he went on loan, which makes me optimistic.
I just mean that, if Pep had more time when he arrived, he might have made a stronger case to those players, to stick around, rather than basically telling them, honestly, they are unlikely to get much of a chance. And there is no point in lying to them.
I suppose what I mean is that thier seniority is actually working against them compared to Garcia etc. he can afford to hang around, being coached by Pep, playing a few minutes here & there. They are past that stage.
If Pep had Denayer, Byrne,Barker, etc etc at 17-18, they would imo, all have played some kind of senior football for City by now & then, if necessary, gone on loan.