***City v Fulham |Official Match Thread***

[sheblue]

This ref is a total cunt, giving us nothing.

[mr_nool]

It's very strange that Pep brings in 4 players who haven't got much game time recently and deserve it but then totally changes the formation and the way we play. They should have got more minutes over the last few weeks. This makes little sense unless he is trying to make a point with them which would be unfair

It's like playing 5-6 kids plus fringe players in the cup. It's not fair in anyone. If you want to give a kid or a fringe player a chance to prove himself, he should be allowed to try to slot into a well functioning team and formation

[FA cup winners 2006]

Anyone thinks all these changes just accommodate Laporte?

No, if anything I think it's to prove why not to give Sergio a new contract

[Mase]

It's very strange that Pep brings in 4 players who haven't got much game time recently and deserve it but then totally changes the formation and the way we play. They should have got more minutes over the last few weeks. This makes little sense unless he is trying to make a point with them which would be unfair

It's like playing 5-6 kids plus fringe players in the cup. It's not fair in anyone. If you want to give a kid or a fringe player a chance to prove himself, he should be allowed to try to slot into a well functioning team and formation

I’ve always thought Ferguson did that well. When he did give the fringe players a chance it was surrounded by very good players.

Sometimes I feel like Pep sets some of them up to fail.

[nottsblue]

I don't understand this. My only explanation he is trying to see if this system might work if we are desperately in need to score.

If he is changing just for the sake of it, then this is stupid and will only fuck our player's morale

That's what training is for I'd have thought

We look very rusty and disjointed in midfield which is no surprise. Need to change at half time

We don't have that much time on the training ground with a game more or less every third day.

Well, away at an in form team who have just won at Anfield isn't the place to try it out I'd suggest

[blues2win]

Not enough quick crisp passing. Come on City!

[Harry Dowd scored]

After last weeks fucking shambles I was expecting a selection that was in tune with the record run we went on, I should have known better this is why we will not win the CL under Pep

[ruralblue]

I really don't understand this. Gone from complicated and struggling, to keeling it simple and going on a mad run of wins. Back to complicated and no one looking like they have a clue what the other is doing.

[nottsblue]

Anyone thinks all these changes just accommodate Laporte?

Thought crossed my mind on seeing the team selection

But I reckon it's how we will go the CL certainly in the away legs

[Hazy2]

Pep using the squad I do not see the issue. The season is Play recovery prep for next game travel. He wants us fresh as possible. Difficult but had to do it, just look at the scousers, running on empty.

[stevefromdonny]

not good at the moment, too much passing back and some players get the ball and fucking stop until some1 comes towards him, and 4 times torries has made a run and we pass back WTF just pass it to him and see where it takes us, going back isn't taking us anywhere

[salford city]

I don't understand this. My only explanation he is trying to see if this system might work if we are desperately in need to score.

If he is changing just for the sake of it, then this is stupid and will only fuck our player's morale

That's what training is for I'd have thought

We look very rusty and disjointed in midfield which is no surprise. Need to change at half time

We don't have that much time on the training ground with a game more or less every third day.

Well, away at an in form team who have just won at Anfield isn't the place to try it out I'd suggest

This for me too many changes and no real rhythm. This was the game not the fucking germans

[rosbif cuisson 'bleu']

Right. I'm off to walk the dogs. I hope things will be better when I get back.

[branny]

So far tonight certain team players score 0 so far
PEP
MENDAY
TORRES
SERG
JESUS

Hmmmmmm any more?

Jesus? He's the only one of the top three that is looking alright in my opinion.

Funny thing is that I think that this formation could work if we play it with in form players that know what to expect from each other.

Also busting his balls tracking back to help out our constantly out of position left back. How many times have they got in behind him?

[City64]

Reminds me of the point we gave Huddersfield to stay up a couple of seasons ago this ........

[s1ty m]

Really unhappy with Pep. This game is an opportunity to really cement an already imperious position. Gladbach is over. The lad Torres needs a loan period. Foden got few chances when raw, Torres getting totally different treatment. I don't see the talent with him, Foden, anyone could see it.

[BrianF]

not good at the moment, too much passing back and some players get the ball and fucking stop until some1 comes towards him, and 4 times torries has made a run and we pass back WTF just pass it to him and see where it takes us, going back isn't taking us anywhere

I agree with this. Not enough forward play therefore not enough attempts on goal , it must be disheartning for the players making a good run to be ignored all the time.

[Dubciteh]

It's very strange that Pep brings in 4 players who haven't got much game time recently and deserve it but then totally changes the formation and the way we play. They should have got more minutes over the last few weeks. This makes little sense unless he is trying to make a point with them which would be unfair

It's like playing 5-6 kids plus fringe players in the cup. It's not fair in anyone. If you want to give a kid or a fringe player a chance to prove himself, he should be allowed to try to slot into a well functioning team and formation

Agree with this. Sergio has barely played in over a year he should be playing with our best other ten to get sharpness and rhythm, if pep learned anything from last week its that he is going to need him in the big games as the others cant be relied on so lets play him back into form but it has to be with our best players. Throwing him(or torres) in with other rusty players in a new formation and expecting them to be successful is mental.

[PeterParker]

We might actually accept our head coach is totally insane.

[City64]

Can we have some midfielders on the pitch please like err Gundo and KDB and get Mendy and Torres off !