Neville Kneville
Well-Known Member
Looking at the european results, clearly a big win today for City.
With the CL cming up and after the international break, a lot of Europe's topsides have really struggled. Barcelona couldn't beat 9 men at home. (No Messi or Suarez). Bayern Munich lost.
Arsenal played badly, so did Liverpool and Spurs. I think the international break is very disruptive so a big win today
Interesting that Barca have players 'missing' for their home game prior to an away Champions League game, having of course lost their last one to City.
Looks to me like it's suddenly got real to them as well, they could miss out on top spot, & even the great Barca have decided to risk taking a hit in the league, prior to a key CL game.
In spite of his protestations though, I think Pep is realising that playing like Barca or his bayern team in the Premier League, when you add in the international breaks & cup, CL games, is harder than doing it in Spain or Germany & he's giving the players a bit of leeway in the short term. Seeing the bigger picture. Hence Yaya.
I imagine this will result in a younger, fitter squad next season, in the effort to get closer to his desired level.