It's not that simple. How many times in how many games haven't we capitalised on that strategy? Teams paying a huge price for pressing us high up? With City patiently circulating the ball, inviting opponents closer and closer, eventually elegantly releasing a player like David / Kevin running with the ball facing the net (with Leroy / Raheem moving in space / cutting in), organising a combination or getting a teammate on a 1 vs 1 situation against their GK? We have scored goals and created numerous, I mean numerous chances this way all season, check random highlights of City matches and you will remember me...
I replied to your post regarding the average United fan. Yes, I do get your point (regarding the media propaganda), but do you get mine? Peggy, it's a depressing reality for United fans, the same for Liverpool fans. By the way, Liverpool have not even participated in European competitions this season (a huge advantage for them), yet they are already out of both Cups, struggling to maintain a position in the top 4 of the PL. Too little for Klop given the expectations, surely you agree? Who, by the way, is a happy man tonight because Wenger lost, the man is desperate. Liverpool fail to secure a top 4 position, you will feel sorry for the guy...
What I'm trying to say is that, for both United as well as Liverpool fans, the reality related to their respective clubs is full of negativity. They face serious problems building on something positive, therefore they come to you playing down City's campaign. But believe me, they do know that City's vision is crystal clear, everybody is witnessing signs of it on the pitch this season. We didn't get our strategy right (that's the frustrating part for me, even though I understand how complicated designing a strategy can be: there's no doubt in my mind we could -and should- have done better provided some people had done their jobs professionally) otherwise we would be more successful this season. But it's OK, we'll fix it and move on, foundations are solid. On the other hand, could people supporting those clubs share this kind of optimism? Think about it. So trust me when I'm telling you that you certainly do not need any kind of help here. My point is that you probably have too good a heart, you just don't get satisfaction out of destroying these people (lol), I mean the arguments are there...
As for tomorrow: Biggest problem is the team's psychology. Wednesday was a shock -and players are human. I've said it numerous times, I'll say it again, there are no cynical bastards in that squad, another reason to love them besides their footballing qualities. Which means I can understand frustrations, disappointments, I can understand the guilt some of them perhaps feel (with others insecure and unsettled with the media speculation ahead of summer). Guardiola and his staff had less than 4 days to help them recover their morale, it's not easy, it's not easy at all, people familiar with dressing room atmospere know what I'm talking about, managing a football team can be unbelievably complicating in moments like this. And it's exactly in such moments that the fans can play an absolutely crucial role, showing their faith, pushing the team to success. The work-rate, the effort I've seen this season on the pitch is outstanding, let's not forget this; just that sometimes it's beyond your will. So we get behind manager and players, we make them feel our support. And we keep doing that regardless of what happens tomorrow...
I'm optimistic the team will respond. Good luck to Pep and his players.
