phips wrote:the under Pep comment was because, frankly, i dont think Pep will ever give you a chance at Manchester City. Mancini and Pellegrini were the same way (yes, i know about Kelechi and I know Garcia played a few matches), and I dont blame any of the 3 of them. the pressure at City (and, really, most every other big club nowadays) is far too great for a manager to risk their jobs on playing young kids. Yes, Mendy is 23 but thats not the type of youth i'm talking about--he's clearly already established (not saying he's reached his peak). Pep has shown no affinity for it. if he did he wouldn't keep buying players like B Silva and trying to get Sanchez to join up. those kinds of big money moves block youngsters from the team. now, by no means am i saying id prefer to have Foden/Diaz/Zinchenko/etc in the squad instead of B Silva as the latter clearly gives the club a better chance right now. and thats what Pep is after.
Poh can bring players like Winks through the ranks at Spurs because, really, finishing 2nd is still good enough for them. if they finish 2nd the next 2 seasons they still aren't firing Poch. sure, he may quit and/or players like Kane and Alli might leave, but thats not what im talking about.
Koeman can play young kids at Soton and Everton because there's really no pressure on him there. just dont get relegated.
for managers like Mourinho, Pep, and Conte in the league they can't rely on youngsters. Fergie couldn't really either which is why the likes of Pogba, Hummels, and Pique are no longer at United.
For a big club and big manager with expectations and pressure the only type of youngster you can really promote is someone like Harry Kane. someone where you can see it early. Diaz and Foden have showed glimpses so they will probably stick around for early cup matches and then go on loan next season. Zinchenko didnt get nearly enough time at PSV to form a definitive verdict but even still you should really know by know. he'd have hype around him like the others.
of course, he could go to Napoli--or somewhere else--and turn out to be aces and i could be proved to be the dumbass that i am but i just dont see it happening.
Pogba, Hummels, and Pique are no longer at United.When was Hummels ever at the rags?