User posts clearly show that Pep has a problem — namely, there are obviously 2–3 players too many.
Everyone seems hungry and eager to fight for their place. Especially considering that Kovacic and McAtee are still in the picture. It’s hard to point out who should be let go (not counting Jack for obvious reasons — Jack is already gone):
- McAtee’s future seems all but decided, even though James has quality. But he had his chances this season and delivered a bit too little. Even after just two appearances, it’s clear Cherki has more to offer. James won’t jump ahead of Foden in the pecking order too;
- Gundogan’s future also seemed decided, although in the last few weeks — even before the Euros — he was in very good form. Still, Gundo will probably leave, because you just can’t fit Rodri, Reijnders, Nico, Kovacic, Echeverri, plus Bernardo and even Stones into the 6/8 positions;
- everything indicates that Bernardo and Stones are staying, same with Nunes, who is only looking better and better as time goes on;
- There was a report that Pep wants Reis to stay — if that’s the case, then even more so for O’Reilly and Rico Lewis;
- I wouldn’t want to loan out Echeverri and Bobb — they have huge potential and will be useful. There are no injuries right now, but there will be. And Echeverri really can cover multiple positions.
The cuts will probably come in defense: from the group of Ake, Akanji, Khusanov. Though the truth is Ake and Akanji are high-quality defenders when injuries don’t bother them. What a headache — but the kind of headache you don’t mind having!
