Ollie Holt on Pep and City

Topdawg wrote:Mixed opinions from me. If some decision doesn't work, it isn't necessarily a mistake to have made that decision. The decision to move Hart on may have been for the right reasons but history will tell us that Bravo didn't work out. Mistake or a decision that didn't work? You tell me.
If he stays, we'll see next season. DeGea was banded as garbage and mistake-ridden when he joined United. It took him 2 seasons to start showing his worth - now he's classed as one of the world's best keepers. Granted, he had time on his hands, Bravo doesn't. Still think we need a keeper that can pass out from the back with regularity and Hart's basic kicking was average at best...so for me, a decision that hasn't worked so far rather than a mistake. I also don't buy the 'he would have saved us points this season argument.

it was a mistake (or arrogance) to not get another quality CB or at least one quality FB (or even two) believing that Otamendi, Kompany and a quartet of 30 something FBs could be moulded into a decent defensive unit.
This I agree with. At least a new FB. I think he thought Kompany may have played more games and may have suited Stones in a partnership. However, he converted Kolorov to a CB and on the whole, he's been OK, but can only see another CB coming in the summer and 2 new FB's - which means 3 changes at the back in one go - which is never great, unless he buys the right players.

Sticking to principles or just stubborn? I think Pep has been very clear on it. He said he won't change his philosophy, it's the way he wants to play, so for me, it's sticking to principles.

Maybe Pep has been a tad unlucky with Kompany's continued injury woes and Jesus getting injured after just a few games. Maybe we would have been blitzing teams if he had stayed fit. Who knows?
Don't forget Gundogan as well...that the spine of the team that's been affected.

But, after 40 odd competitive games this season, you'd like to hope we've have improved enough to dispatch a badly struggling Arsenal side and give Chelsea a tough game in pursuit of the title. That shouldn't be beyond us after yesterday's results.