Pep’s Spurs (H) Post-Match Interview

[Manc in London]

Makes sense now why many senior players were benched. Clearly the passion is not there at the moment. When you look at Rico and Julian you can see how hungry they are. I'm not a fan of booing and it was probably aimed at the Ref, bit maybe it opened the eyes of some of the players at half time.
Yes, the fan base probably got too comfortable but at £70 a ticket for a mid week game you are always going to get more tourists than passionate fans.

I would probably add Ake to that list too. The players showing the most drive are those who have not experienced as much success/appearances at City as most of the others. It does not appear to be a coincidence.

I don't really buy into narratives about players not trying. At the top end of sport, the differences are often marginal. It only takes a slight drop-off in terms of intensity, desire and determination to see significant differences in results. I think it understandable that intensity etc., among some players reduces after they have been successful. To be honest, I think it admirable that some continue to have at least the same intensity, desire and determination after much success.

 

[ancoats]

A wake up call ???
We are second in the league. A league Pep has won for us four times in five years and you say it is he who needs a wake up call.
City fans are becoming (or possibly already have become) the self entitled, arrogant sods that we used to despise over the road.

We are all over the place and the defence is a shambles without a left back for balance. 2nd in the league is all down to Haaland and his goals, Take them away we will be in big trouble, You can not leak goals like we have this season and win the title ? We are giving teams a couple of goals and hoping we out score them at the other end.

As for being the self entitled, arrogant sods ? well, am proud to be shouting from the rooftops and holding my head up high about my team, it's called being champions and Proud

 

[Corky]

If fans are that important to the team why prevent them going to big deciding away games by ensuring family, friends and bodyguards take up a large minority of the away end?

I doubt any of them bothered last night.

 

[Tugay One Cup]

After an incredible second half comeback ?

That pours cold water over his whole argument no ?

His argument is that we shouldn't have to rely on incredible second half comebacks because nine times out of ten they won't happen.

The point is for everyone to switch on from minute one and not to turn it on as a last resort.

 

[Keeper!]

Pep can at times be strange, erratic and unpredictable but there isn't another manager in the world that I would swap him for.

He was neither erratic and unpredictable last night.

Stone cold pre-meditated rant and it's what makes him the best of his generation.

 

[Manc in London]

After an incredible second half comeback ?

That pours cold water over his whole argument no ?

Pretty sure I heard an interview with Pep a few years ago in which he said the best time to have a go at the players is when they are winning/have won. Adding that after a loss, criticism is counter-productive.

I have no idea how things work in the dressing room of a professional sports team but with Pep managing the egos of players at City, Bayern and Barcelona whilst being highly successful and working under a great deal of pressure, I can only presume he understands how to press their buttons to deliver results.

 

[ShedDweller]

personally I like it that the issues are out in the open, maybe this is the kind of speech Ferna gave last season to rattle the players cage.

Key now is the reaction, from players, staff, supporters. roll on Sunday 2pm

Exactly this, this is not unusual at this level, maybe going public is but we've seen it before. Even Delph's appeal for the 'Basics of Football'.

I'm delighted to see that Pep isn't satisfied. Gives me a lot more confidence that we can do something this season.

 

[meeesh]

His argument is that we shouldn't have to rely on incredible second half comebacks because nine times out of ten they won't happen.

The point is for everyone to switch on from minute one and not to turn it on as a last resort.

Yea,we are far too invincible to concede goals aren't we,happens loads of times,Villa last day of season rings a recent bell

 

[wolviedinho]

Let’s not turn his remarks into a huge drama.

Passionate words which we all have echoed this season. No need to feel attacked. We all want city to win and it was getting stale. The amount of threads here discussing the various issues proves Pep’s words have hit the mark.

The players better start responding. Fans have every right to tell them to do better. Fine line between being spoiled and knowing when it’s time to kick on again no matter how much past success. Exciting new chapter is emerging again. Pep will get the support he is asking for.

Glad to be out of the sleep walking malaise. Go find your old maine road coat of armour. We are city fans, the downtrodden, the weird and wonderful. You can say what you want about us but we all stand by and love our club. Once more unto the breach blues!

We got this shit.

 

[Half time draw tickets]