Lyon CL QF Post-Match Thread

We're all gutted right now because once again a great chance has been passed up. I have to hope that we will move on quickly if only for my sanity. My main criticism of Pep at this moment is he didn't trust Phil Foden in this game - his movement & energy would have given Lyon something to think about and perhaps taken some of the onus off Kev - It worked perfectly in the game v's Real but for some reason he changed it.

I was concerned when several times in the first 20 mins we had players booting the ball out - how many times have we done that? It was like watching a different team to the one we've all seen this past few years - nerves, panic? I don't know. I also thought Mahrez did nothing when he came on - this was a game where he could have stamped his ability on it and showed why he should be playing - instead his only contribution was to try and take free kicks off Kev.

I would go next year with Sterling on the right and Torres on the left - Foden, Rodri and Kev to become the first choice in the middle. We need a striker as we can no longer count on Sergio to play most games. For me I would make a decision on Bernardo - it was a bad call to not bring him on tonight - it was his type of game. If we are not going to play him then let him go. I'd personally rather keep him as he works his nuts off even when he's out of form and he's a nice guy.

So - we will reflect and come back all refreshed, with a new face or two added to those already bagged. I'm not sure spending most of the budget on Koulibaly will make us instantly a better team. We need young, hungry players. Ake will surprise a few and yes we do need another centre back but I'm not sure I believe Koulibaly is 29 - bit like Roger Miller all those years ago! He looked old in is recent games although maybe he's just checked out of Napoli.

For me I'd move Gundogan, Mendy, Otamendi and Mahrez on, then try and gazump Chelsea for Havertz - do a Jorginho on em! And, maybe look to get Haaland in.

I want Pep to commit for two more years with the instruction to build a young team - It's no coincidence that some of the best teams right now are young and hungry.

So keep the faith blues it will get better - I'm off to kick a wall, then I'll feel better.
 
balotelli's back pocket said:
Who'd have imagined 20 years ago that we'd all be absolutely fucking fuming at losing a champions league quarter final.

Not having a go at those who are venting their frustrations, but I think there's also a need for some perspective. After a sore defeat this place can become a bit of a torture chamber, leaving you feeling worse and worse until you forget where we actually are as a club.

We are underperforming in Europe, I don't think anyone would disagree. It's been a disappointing season.

But it isn't the end of the world. We've come off two incredible seasons. A little over a month ago we didn't know if we'd play in the champions league for the next two years! We all gleefully told UEFA and the bastards undermining us where to go, even Pep.

Let's not let one failure take away from all that. We can win the champions league next year, or the year after. We can win it under Pep. We can (and surely will) win it once he's gone, whenever that is. We know that regardless of European failures, we can win the league over a season once we patch up our squad. Give me the league any day.

We all know we have big weaknesses. Tonight some were exploited. Top players made errors. Shit happens. We'll strengthen and go again.

It's ok to be disappointed. We all are, bitterly. But remember, when the dust settles, we're still fucking good. Just not the best... yet.
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Post of the night, some sense amongst a sea of absolute bollocks..
 
Chrisja1000 said:
Genuine question, Laporte seems immune to any criticism, he’s not been fantastic since he’s returned from injury and again was average at beat tonight. I just don’t see the hype, he’s out best defender , which isn’t saying much, but seem to have mistakes in him. Maybe he will thrive with a half sent partner next season.
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Just this and I love Laporte. Hope he can get his confidence and speed back or he’s done,
 
1. denial
2. anger
3. depression
4. bargaining
5. acceptance

When we reach the fifth point, some other serious points will need to be raised. Not a great fan of Julien Laurens, but he makes a very good point on BBC web-site. I am currently at point 3, somehow luckily living through COVID era, poor results and games don't affect me so badly as they usually did. But at some point in the future we, or better to say our owners, will need to talk about Pep and what's next for him and for us. The whole cycle is gone and we are almost at the point where we were in 16/17. And with four disgusting CL campaigns! Results against Real are gone forever, what is left is this shameful performance of tonight.
 
blueinsa said:
Fucking hate the competition, literally feel fuck all for it so I'm genuinely not arsed.

Typical City tonight with weird selections, shit finishing, VAR and mistakes but make no mistake, no fucker is beating Bayern.
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don’t know about that, PSG with a fit Mbape and Veratti back in midfield can cause them some serious trouble at the back. Should be a great match.
 
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