I think that’s a worthwhile point, but I would counter it with the fact that people always attribute ‘this’ season’s rationale to us falling short to a specific event, or events. Frequently a particular injury. More frequently some nebulous gut feeling that things are different this season. Players are always ageing. We also have some incredible youngsters coming through.
I accept the stats aren’t encouraging in terms of Rodri’s contribution, but there’s a difference between a tactical and strategic approach to his absence, and we will certainly have to adopt the latter, but to suggest it’s completely beyond this team and management to achieve that is preposterous.
The other factor that people seem to discount is the fact that Pep Guardiola is our manager. He is, quite simply, the greatest club manger in the history of the game, and to discount that, when we are unbeaten after six games, with the fit players that remain, is both absurd and disrespectful.
It will be a challenge without Rodri, but one I am confident we are likely to meet. If we don’t, then I can certainly live with that, but I’m certainly not throwing the towel in before September is at an end, and thankfully this group of players won’t either.