29 Sep 2023 19:37:26
Seems like we have a ridiculous amount of injuries ahead of the weekend.
Any opinions on that - bit of a concern.
{Ed014's Note - Vieira, Saliba, Saka, Rice, Trossard, Martinelli, Partey on top of the long term Timber.
Not ideal and playing internationals on top of European football so early in the season when I guess they’re all still trying to build to full fitness doesn’t help.
Just have to cope though.
29 Sep 2023 20:06:59
Just like to say I maybe 67 but if Mikel is getting desperate I am more than ready to answer the call.
I am very flexible I will play anywhere. Mikel can put me anywhere on his blackboard and you won't hear me complain.
{Ed014's Note - well done Bill, far better a volunteer than 10 pressed men mate.
How would feel about left wing? ?
29 Sep 2023 20:29:16
That’s a scary list. A little more scary than Hai in the starting line up ? ?.
{Ed014's Note - now now SY??
29 Sep 2023 21:01:59
Left wing no problem Ed.
Wizard of the dribble me.
29 Sep 2023 21:20:05
Good News Bill, Mikel wants you to where Tony Adams legendary number 6 shirt tomorrow ???
The bad news is where playing in a 5 aside tournament ???.
30 Sep 2023 02:32:54
Chelsea and utd also with huge injury lists! Other clubs too, city included, but they have such a good squad that there's not as much drop off, but the volume of injuries seems way worse than usual.
International games in September, October and November, I don't remember them usually being that regular?
World cup in December, so last season more games squeezed into less time, but then still have international games in June, when the world cup would have been, because, why not I guess, nothing else was happening.
So, play a condensed season, with a world cup in between, finish the season on the 28th may, play international games in june, start your first preseason game in July, play 6 preseason games, start your season in August, rinse and repeat
More games next year too with the revamped CL
The clubs could help themselves with shorter preseasons, but it's a money spinner or they could rest players more, Saka being a prime example, played a record number of games in a row, can't rest him because the drop off is massive, but then, with no rest his output diminishes and god forbid he gets a serious injury and we're proper screwed.
It seems you need an insane squad to cope, like city's, but it's unsustainable for most clubs.
How do you keep everyone happy? You've got to rotate a lot and still players will feel they aren't playing enough, if no one gets injured, those not playing are pissed, if lots of players are injured and you don't have the squad, you're screwed.
Clubs need more rotation, but they don't want to play someone poorer and get a bad result, so they overplay the best players, they get a long injury and they're forced to play the weaker players anyway.
City are good at rotating and the benchmark and more players are kept happy because they pay the most and win the most, but even they have players wanting to leave: Gundogan, Mahrez, Laporte leave this year and Sterling, Jesus, Zinchenko, Fernandinho the year before.
Tricky juggling act.
30 Sep 2023 09:24:12
I am heartbroken 62
I thought this was my time??.
30 Sep 2023 11:31:05
We did ok against Brentford hoping for a solid performance today great opportunity for squad members to put a claim for being in starting 11.
30 Sep 2023 19:28:38
Never say never Bill mate ????.