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I’m sure City are smart enough not to break the rules, whatever they may be regarding “weakened” teams, but it would be foolish in my opinion to play anywhere near maximum strength in a game that is basically a dead rubber.
And as mentioned above, pretty sure Napoli would do exactly the same thing if the boot was on the other foot. Napoli played themselves into this situation, entirely their responsibility.
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City have been very right to rest their players for last cl gane.,a few of them badly needs rest aswell
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The coach was straight onto his players in the aftermath of the West Ham win to gauge their effort and commitment ahead of Wednesday’s game, and does not value throwing a game away as good preparation for their next three league matches.
“I asked for players in the locker room for anyone that doesn’t want to play against Shakhtar to let me know because the moment we take the bus and the plane to Ukraine I am going to prepare to win the game,” he said.
“To respect Shakhtar and to respect Napoli and for the competition – because it is a big opportunity to win 18 points for the prestige of the club – we are going there to prepare to win.”
“Of course we have already qualified and kevin will ahve two or three days off becasue he is suspended.”
“We are going to see how the players are but the best way to prepare for the United, Swansea and Tottenham games is to play good and do what we have to do against Shakhtar.”
The above suggests that Pep will take a strong squad to Shaktar and play a strong City team in order to respect Shaktar,Napoli and the competition and tbh that’s exactly what I would have expected of him.
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On a more personal note, I hope they play the strongest team possible and knacker them all out… π
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Nine if he plays a strong side needlessly then he is letting his ego take over and it’s a very poor decision. But he isnt perfect we know this. Resting key players is far more important than a pointless game 7 hours flight away, three days before a crucial game.
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I still think the whole “travelling” thing is a bit of a red-herring to be honest, not as though these prima-donnas are lining up at check-in and sitting in economy, is it? I’ve been lucky enough to fly first class a couple of times and a hardship it ain’t!
Off course, never had the privilege of flying “private” airlines either, so I can only guess at the “hindrance” and “discomfort” this may entail.
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I get where you are coming from but I think Travelling is tiring regardless of how you travel. Plus there is a time difference but not sure what that is. Its more important to rest key players imo. And not pick up injuries. But we will were soon enough Chucky.
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Jim, from what Pep said it seems he will definitely take a strong City squad and field a strong City team.
I’m not sure it’s bloody mindedness I think it’s more to do with who Pep is and his footballing values.
banjo, I’ve done a lot of long distance flying fortunately more often than not via first class thanks to regular upgrades and it still takes it out of you plus the time difference too. United have no travelling this week which is to their advantage.
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Agree even business/first travelling is tiring.
We must keep key players back.
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Reckon this is a bit of a “we’ll have to agree to disagree” topic my cyber chums…. π
Although I would add the thought that with regards to “time-difference” element of the discussion, I doubt the City boys will be there long enough for it to be an effect for when they come back if that makes sense. I’m thinking it’s no worse, effect-wise, than having a lunch time kick-off instead of an evening kick-off during a more “regular” week.
I’m of the firm opinion the “travelling/time-zone” excuse is on page 6 of the “Premiership Managers Book of Excuses When Your Team Happens To Get Spanked Book” co wrote by J.R. Hartley & A. Wenger (foreword by A. Ferguson).
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Just for a laugh, slow day at the office, tried to find flights from Manchester to Donetsk, shortest I can find is with 2 stop-overs and 12 hrs total travel time… now that would be knackering I must admit, but I doubt the City boys are using Travelocity.com…. π
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Yes Chucky, agree to disagree. It’s been a good debate. And it will be interesting to see how things pan out this week. Jim
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You’ll win both games and prove me right! π
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I agree very good discussion lads.
Personally I don’t think any of it makes too much difference either way City are through as Group winners already and even if City go with a strong squad and go into the United game tired and United win it it will make things a bit more interesting for a little longer but that’s all imo because I really can’t see City losing the title from here even if they get beaten at OT.
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I have put the City squad for Shaktar away up on the CL thread.
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Pep will not want to loose, that is for sure, so whatever team he puts out will have to maintain a level already set/ Team selection can only be made from the original list submitted to UEFA so no youngsters in at this stage. I expect Gungdogan, Yaya,Mangala, Danilo Bernando and Bravo to start, anybodys guess after that. We know KDB will not be there and we dare not risk Siva, I would probably give Walker 45 min
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David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne donβt travel but otherwise that is a very strong squad!
Goalkeepers: Ederson, Bravo, Grimshaw
Defenders: Walker, Danilo, Kompany, Mangala, Adarabioyo, Delph, Otamendi
Midfielders: Fernandinho, Toure, Gundogan, Sane, Bernardo, Sterling, Foden, Diaz
Forwards: Aguero, Jesus
I wouldnt play Ederson, Walker , Kompany, Otemendi, Ferna, Sane, Sterling and one half each Aguero and Jesus
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Adlab…can Foden, Adarabioya and Diaz..qualify?
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Hi Brian, yes they can all play as they are B list CL squad players. Jim
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