Ridiculous to lash out at Pep.
Problems are straightforward:
- Spectacular roster of injuries amongst key senior players including both main strikers.
- No pre-season in which to prepare the squad for the season ahead.
- During the very short break between seasons, most first-choice City players were called up for international duty.
No manager can do much about any of these three factors.
Other unusual factors include extraordinary fixture congestion and zero motivating atmosphere in near-empty stadia.
Recovery from these issues may come too late for a realistic Premiership title challenge this season.
So perhaps the best hope this season is for Cup competitions which progress after the injury crisis (hopefully) recedes.
I certainly wouldn't wish to lose Pep based on three unfortunate factors beyond the control of him or any other manager. A fully-fit and fresh City squad is an entirely different proposition from what Pep is juggling with at the moment. And that is before considering any new transfers arriving before the window closes.
Sometimes you just have to acknowledge unfortunate circumstances. Today is one of those times. It's not on Pep.
And speaking of bad luck, when was the last time City had THREE penalties awarded against them in a single match?
The most welcome news for me right now would be Pep signing a long contract extension.