***barca v city official cl match thread***

[freshie]

Don't think Fernandinho had a good game at all. He was run ragged.

Cos he put a shift in. At least he tried to break up Barca's attacks unlike many of his teammates who watched in awe as Messi and Co skipped past them

[iwasthere2012]

hard one considering we still have to qualify for next year, but if Pellers had the balls to drop a couple and stick a few youngsters in for the rest of the season, I'd back him. Tough I know, but I can see the present squad fucking away a top 4 position anyway.

This would be a terrible time to bring them in.

City fans are the worst in the world for getting on players' backs & many won't give a fuck they are kids, when they struggle, & we start losing, which is what would likely happen. If they don't boo the kids, they will shout abuse at the players next to them, which still destroys the kids' confidence anyway.

Best to let this lot lie in the bed they have made. One or two kids, just given a bit of a chance here & there off the bench would be ok I think, but not on any large scale.

If there comes a time we are solid in 2nd or alternatively doomed out of the top 4 with nothing to play for, then I would use more of the kids.

That's what I'm talking about though Ted. Drop a couple from the matchday squads not the starting eleven and see if we can get some minutes on the park for a couple of youngsters in certain games, instead. I think there is a few players that really need a rude awakening. I think Pellers has his work cut out to make it clear that nothing less than total commitment will be tolerated.

I'm all for them getting in the squad.

I imagine there will actually be moments where we are winning a game comfortably, even after recent disasters, & he can use one or two then.

Not just that though. I think a few that are far to comfortable now, not even getting onto the bench might send a message. It depends on whether Pellegrini is going to be backed or not. Personally I think he has to be. We've all had the argument about is it the manager or the team that is at fault. I think we all know it's the team but aren't sure if it's also the manager. I think, back him let him see out his contract and start the pruning of the deadwood immediately. Cut out the malaise now don't wait for summer.

[Ted Hughes]

I don't think they are consciously loafing though.

I just think they are naturally unable to find the extra 'legs' to do it. They may not know why, themselves.

One or two, like Zabba & Silva, may be a bit livelier next season, after having a summer off.

[Im_Spartacus]

I didn't see the game as I was in Kuala Lumpur and way too pissed for a 4am start.

So I searched for a match report this morning and found this..............there is a picture on the report of Aguero missing a penalty, but no mention at all of it within the report???? Was it near the end? Was it a match report written on 60 mins??

What gives?

And was Harts performance really the best in living memory from a British keeper? Sounds impressive

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/foot ... 18316.html

[Goaters 103]

Hart was utterly magnificent but we got torn to shreds by the best player in the world.

First half was an embarrassment but 2nd was better. A pity we didn't take the pen opportunity but that piss poor spot kick summed up our season - we've had chances in all comps and spurned them all.

Time for some brutal hometruths to be told to our squad. Our so called big name players simply haven't had anything like the influence we need in the big games - yes that's you Kompany, Toure, Silva and Aguero.

In the CL we are going into battle at the top table armed with Butter Knives and not genuine firepower. We are missing a genuine superstar player and not some of the frauds we have, and we look so ponderous and devoid of pace and snap going forwards. Some genuine top class additions are required - at least 2 or 3 in midfield - and a quality left back, or we will keep getting the same results.

[iwasthere2012]

I don't think they are consciously loafing though.

I just think they are naturally unable to find the extra 'legs' to do it. They may not know why, themselves.

One or two, like Zabba & Silva, may be a bit livelier next season, after having a summer off.

It's a matter of choices. I think Zabba and Silva have been poor by their standards but I would keep them and hope in a rejuvenated team that their form will come back. I would add Kompany to that although some people I know, think that he is the problem. Maybe, maybe not. If it is the case then yes move him on if Pellegrini sees him as a problem.
I would cash in on Yaya, Nasri, Kolorov, Dzeko. The reality is Jovetic and Milner may be moving on. Sagna and Lampard will be gone too. That would leave a fair old hole in the squad all in one go and realistically you can't really see it going that way.
One things for sure it is going to be a very important summer and whoever moves on should only be replaced by 3 -4 absolute first team improvements. No room for wasting money anymore.
The rest of the squad's homegrown quota should go to youth coming through including those coming back from loan. They can't try any less than some of the squad fillers at the moment.

Glad I'm not the manager, because as you see it's easy to say change is needed, but when you start listing ins and outs it gets very difficult.
I would like to see a culture shift starting now though. Commitment to the common cause needs to be rewarded and anything upsetting the common cause needs weeding out immediately. Stop the rot.

[Ted Hughes]

Hart was utterly magnificent but we got torn to shreds by the best player in the world.

First half was an embarrassment but 2nd was better. A pity we didn't take the pen opportunity but that piss poor spot kick summed up our season - we've had chances in all comps and spurned them all.

Time for some brutal hometruths to be told to our squad. Our so called big name players simply haven't had anything like the influence we need in the big games - yes that's you Kompany, Toure, Silva and Aguero.

In the CL we are going into battle at the top table armed with Butter Knives and not genuine firepower. We are missing a genuine superstar player and not some of the frauds we have, and we look so ponderous and devoid of pace and snap going forwards. Some genuine top class additions are required - at least 2 or 3 in midfield - and a quality left back, or we will keep getting the same results.

Aguero's problem is the injuries. He's either carrying an injury or worried about getting one, most games he plays.

The pre injury 100% Aguero would have possibly got us a couple of goals tonight against their dodgy cbs.

[Ted Hughes]

I didn't see the game as I was in Kuala Lumpur and way too pissed for a 4am start.

So I searched for a match report this morning and found this..............there is a picture on the report of Aguero missing a penalty, but no mention at all of it within the report???? Was it near the end? Was it a match report written on 60 mins??

What gives?

And was Harts performance really the best in living memory from a British keeper? Sounds impressive

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/foot ... 18316.html

Hart made about ten key saves. Imagine a typical rags' game, where the oppo just keeps running through & DeGea keeps saving it; like that.

Ageuro's pen was about 15 mins to go & imo would have put a totally different perspective on the game. Barca had done a hell of a lot of running by then. I remember a similar thing at Arsenal where they battered them but kept missing, then suddenly found Arsenal coming at them right at the death & their legs suddenly went.

[iwasthere2012]

Hart was utterly magnificent but we got torn to shreds by the best player in the world.

First half was an embarrassment but 2nd was better. A pity we didn't take the pen opportunity but that piss poor spot kick summed up our season - we've had chances in all comps and spurned them all.

Time for some brutal hometruths to be told to our squad. Our so called big name players simply haven't had anything like the influence we need in the big games - yes that's you Kompany, Toure, Silva and Aguero.

In the CL we are going into battle at the top table armed with Butter Knives and not genuine firepower. We are missing a genuine superstar player and not some of the frauds we have, and we look so ponderous and devoid of pace and snap going forwards. Some genuine top class additions are required - at least 2 or 3 in midfield - and a quality left back, or we will keep getting the same results.

Aguero's problem is the injuries. He's either carrying an injury or worried about getting one, most games he plays.

The pre injury 100% Aguero would have possibly got us a couple of goals tonight against their dodgy cbs.

Not sure it's just injury, Ted. I know we all see things differently and speculate even more differently, but to me Aguero definitely looks like he's trying too hard sometimes but not because he wants to get back to his pre injury best. To me it looks like he doesn't trust those around him. I think Aguero is genuinely world class at his best but increasingly he looks bewildered by what's going on around him. Where the fault lies I don't know but you can see disharmony amongst certain players.

[Bridge'srightfoot]

Did anyone else know Aguero would miss?
He looked so unconfident all night.

[Ted Hughes]

Hart was utterly magnificent but we got torn to shreds by the best player in the world.

First half was an embarrassment but 2nd was better. A pity we didn't take the pen opportunity but that piss poor spot kick summed up our season - we've had chances in all comps and spurned them all.

Time for some brutal hometruths to be told to our squad. Our so called big name players simply haven't had anything like the influence we need in the big games - yes that's you Kompany, Toure, Silva and Aguero.

In the CL we are going into battle at the top table armed with Butter Knives and not genuine firepower. We are missing a genuine superstar player and not some of the frauds we have, and we look so ponderous and devoid of pace and snap going forwards. Some genuine top class additions are required - at least 2 or 3 in midfield - and a quality left back, or we will keep getting the same results.

Aguero's problem is the injuries. He's either carrying an injury or worried about getting one, most games he plays.

The pre injury 100% Aguero would have possibly got us a couple of goals tonight against their dodgy cbs.

Not sure it's just injury, Ted. I know we all see things differently and speculate even more differently, but to me Aguero definitely looks like he's trying too hard sometimes but not because he wants to get back to his pre injury best. To me it looks like he doesn't trust those around him. I think Aguero is genuinely world class at his best but increasingly he looks bewildered by what's going on around him. Where the fault lies I don't know but you can see disharmony amongst certain players.

Aguero at 100% is two yards quicker than the player we are watching now imo. And hits the ball consistently harder.

He plays about 15-20 games at 75% then starts to get confident, then hits 100% for a while, becomes close to the best player in the world, goes off injured.

[freshie]

Hart was utterly magnificent but we got torn to shreds by the best player in the world.

First half was an embarrassment but 2nd was better. A pity we didn't take the pen opportunity but that piss poor spot kick summed up our season - we've had chances in all comps and spurned them all.

Time for some brutal hometruths to be told to our squad. Our so called big name players simply haven't had anything like the influence we need in the big games - yes that's you Kompany, Toure, Silva and Aguero.

In the CL we are going into battle at the top table armed with Butter Knives and not genuine firepower. We are missing a genuine superstar player and not some of the frauds we have, and we look so ponderous and devoid of pace and snap going forwards. Some genuine top class additions are required - at least 2 or 3 in midfield - and a quality left back, or we will keep getting the same results.

Aguero's problem is the injuries. He's either carrying an injury or worried about getting one, most games he plays.

The pre injury 100% Aguero would have possibly got us a couple of goals tonight against their dodgy cbs.

Not sure it's just injury, Ted. I know we all see things differently and speculate even more differently, but to me Aguero definitely looks like he's trying too hard sometimes but not because he wants to get back to his pre injury best. To me it looks like he doesn't trust those around him. I think Aguero is genuinely world class at his best but increasingly he looks bewildered by what's going on around him. Where the fault lies I don't know but you can see disharmony amongst certain players.

I'm with Ted on this one. I was thinking along similar lines when watching Aguero tonight

[iwasthere2012]

Hart was utterly magnificent but we got torn to shreds by the best player in the world.

First half was an embarrassment but 2nd was better. A pity we didn't take the pen opportunity but that piss poor spot kick summed up our season - we've had chances in all comps and spurned them all.

Time for some brutal hometruths to be told to our squad. Our so called big name players simply haven't had anything like the influence we need in the big games - yes that's you Kompany, Toure, Silva and Aguero.

In the CL we are going into battle at the top table armed with Butter Knives and not genuine firepower. We are missing a genuine superstar player and not some of the frauds we have, and we look so ponderous and devoid of pace and snap going forwards. Some genuine top class additions are required - at least 2 or 3 in midfield - and a quality left back, or we will keep getting the same results.

Aguero's problem is the injuries. He's either carrying an injury or worried about getting one, most games he plays.

The pre injury 100% Aguero would have possibly got us a couple of goals tonight against their dodgy cbs.

Not sure it's just injury, Ted. I know we all see things differently and speculate even more differently, but to me Aguero definitely looks like he's trying too hard sometimes but not because he wants to get back to his pre injury best. To me it looks like he doesn't trust those around him. I think Aguero is genuinely world class at his best but increasingly he looks bewildered by what's going on around him. Where the fault lies I don't know but you can see disharmony amongst certain players.

I'm with Ted on this one. I was thinking along similar lines when watching Aguero tonight

Not doubting that, but I just sense something else, not just from tonight. Can't really articulate what it is, but there is an unease that I also sense with Silva that I think is affecting their games. Not sure why with Silva but with Aguero I sometimes think he doesn't trust what is around him. I could be reading it all wrong.
I'll be interested to read the thoughts of a few that where at the game to see what the feeling around the crowd was. Not that I think it was something peculiar to tonight.

[zuricity]

Kun was rubbish tonight. Did not have a clue. fukcin average. Spare me the bs about great players.

Messi nutmegged everybody tonight and didn't break sweat. The manager screwed up big time tonight and deserves to be released from his contract.

Don't start about Silva and YaYa going missing.

[getdressedmctavish]

One thing for sure this football management lark aint easy. When Pellers came in we all praised him for getting the best out of Nasri and Dzeko and putting Fernandino alongside Ya Ya, the latter of whom was at the height of his powers, atleast in the prem.Kompany was generally regarded as one of the best CB's in the world and Zabba as the best in the prem. Navas gave us the pace and width we needed and there was a good feeling in the squad. Pellers gave the players the freedom to play and we were all purring.Now look at it. ya Ya's head and body gone, Kompany doing an imitation of Johnny Evans only not so good, Zab knackered, Dzeko and Nasri reverted to type, Fernandino struggling to work out what his role is, Aguero and Silva running around with their eyebrows screaming at what their seeing, Navas doing a better schoolboy impression than Paul Hince. And we still haven't found a reliable second CB, a powerful goal scorer or a competent left back or a comsistent defensive mf. The job's yours.Where the fuck do you start?

[phips]

proud of City (Hart) for keeping the tie at 3-1. could've and should've been worse.


if I was Pellegrini I wouldn't start Nasri again all season. embarrassing, petulant, childish performance.

[DoomMerchant]

One thing for sure this football management lark aint easy. When Pellers came in we all praised him for getting the best out of Nasri and Dzeko and putting Fernandino alongside Ya Ya, the latter of whom was at the height of his powers, atleast in the prem.Kompany was generally regarded as one of the best CB's in the world and Zabba as the best in the prem. Navas gave us the pace and width we needed and there was a good feeling in the squad. Pellers gave the players the freedom to play and we were all purring.Now look at it. ya Ya's head and body gone, Kompany doing an imitation of Johnny Evans only not so good, Zab knackered, Dzeko and Nasri reverted to type, Fernandino struggling to work out what his role is, Aguero and Silva running around with their eyebrows screaming at what their seeing, Navas doing a better schoolboy impression than Paul Hince. And we still haven't found a reliable second CB, a powerful goal scorer or a competent left back or a comsistent defensive mf. The job's yours.Where the fuck do you start?

i start by selling the giant-sized cunt that is Yaya Toure.
Next, i fucking decide which of Nasri or Silva has some value and jettisoning them as well.
I'd sell fucking the BozSpaz that is Jayko. Buh-bye.
I'd also sell Jojo to Italy. Show them your abs and your homoerotic Instagram, please.
I'd promote some fucking kids! Fuck it. Couldn't actually be much worse than the half-assed effort we've seem at times this season. A striker and a midfielder and a CB. Get the lads in.
I then find a fucking affordable LB who can actually fucking defend worth a shit and isn't 30M.
Once i've gotten that done i start rebuilding my midfield with 2 buys...i'd like Schniederlin, and (Pogba or Isco)
Then i finally determine what i'm doing with Mangala, and Vincent. If they can't play together and i decide they can't then i'd sell Mangala and buy again this summer and admit defeat. Honestly, we could have found 2 CBs in the Champo that would have served us better this year i feel. No joke. Promote a kid, buy another. Keep MDM.

That's what i'd fucking do.

Also, i'd give the Artist formerly know as "Old Cunt" about 15 minutes to show me he has a plan like the above after the last match of the season, IF and only if he finished in the top 3 cuz if he doesn't he's fucking getting his marching orders no matter what, and if he didn't have said plan then i'd show him the door and get someone else in. Anchovie preferably.

Easy peasy.

cheers

[dick dastardley]

Get rid of Nasri and get Lopes in, lose yaya and bring in a quality midfielder.
Give bony a run in the team u can't expect him to click into gear with bit parts in games