It's not my fault some people expected a walk in the park tonight. Jardim (who has a great future as a coach) has done a fantastic job at Monaco. A team with great tactical awareness, players with inteligence and composure, and the ability to adapt their game and pace acording to the demands of the actual play going on in front of them every god damn minute. Either to keep the ball, maintain possession, develop from the flanks, or go direct centrally etc etc etc. Their cohesion is outstanding, and Jardim's play book is characterised by considerable variety, Monaco are able to attack creating a number of different situations...
He's working 3 years there (I believe even his boss gampled signing him), he has developped players out of nowhere and in the process he changed their style completely (in his early days he was heavily criticised for his defensive approach, Monaco were considered a "boring" team to watch (!) despite decent results). The progress of the team is awesome, Monaco are leaders in Ligue 1 (ahead of P-S-G, a win and a draw against them this season!!!), a highly mature side performing according to its manager's philosophy...
City, on the other hand, are a work in progress. Plus, I'll say it once again, they do have significant limitations due to wrong decisions taken last summer. Which are hurting Guardiola's effort. Unfortunately for him, he trusted the wrong people, people who didn't deserve his trust. But what is done is done, nothing to do about it before the end of the season. What is important is that the team is growing quickly, establishing a certain style while improving players (even seniors), developping youngsters (who are already playing a key role in the team) etc etc etc...
Despite our weaknesses and limitations, despite once again been fucked by the men in black, City overcame all negative circumstances, came from behind (twice!!!) once again, and delivered a magificent win which should make their true supporters feel proud. Responding as a unit throughout 90 minutes. It will be a bitter flight back to Monaco tonight for Jardim and his players. Given their confidence, given the way the match progressed, it will be difficult to accept the final result. Surely a shock for them. Conceding 5 goals while being ahead at halftime, while being ahead after 2/3 of 90 minutes...
Sometimes I wonder if I'm posting on the right forum. I've become familiar with the pessimism, negativity and overeaction characterising City's environment, however there are posts dificult to explain (and it's not the first time). Quite clearly there are people in here actually feeling happy when stuff seem to get going against City. But they're not clever enough are they, eager to express their negativity before things are decided, ridiculously exposed in the process...
City are building a status. They are also building a specific style, a specific identity under Guardiola. It's called a vision. Haters should get familiar with the idea that it's the kind of vision bound to attract new supporters. Football history is a continuous battle between creativity and negativity, between attacking and defensive minded approaches -I'm pleased City have commited to the positive side. As far as I am corcerned, I would prefer this vision anytime (despite its temporary flaws) against Conte's, Murinio's, Simeone's (or you name who's) "effectiveness". Thank God there are milions like me out there, enjoying the "beautiful game"...
The man is here to stay. And he will be afforded the time the quality of his work deserves. So how about for some people simply considering throwing their poison elsewhere, just fuck off and let the rest of us enjoy the journey. Just saying...
PS. As for Monaco, I wish them zero luck in the 2nd leg, but they are my second choice for the Championnat this season. I would really hope for Lucien Favre's Nice to do the impossible and win it. If they cannot, good luck to Jardim. In either case, I would expect overated Unai Emery to resign (before getting the sack). Given the money they've spent (and keep on spending), winning Ligue 1 is only natural for P-S-G, hardly an achievement. As far as I am concerned, the situation is already embarrassing for the Paris side. And if they finish anything but first, I would expect their manager to admit his failure and do the only decent thing there is...
