- Aug 25, 2010
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For me, this is the first time Poch has 'blinked'
He has realised a lot of players are running on empty and realistically couldn't sustain a challenge on two fronts.
I think for all intents and purposes he wanted to do what we did to Fiorentina, keep it tight away with a weakened team, then make a real match of it in the home tie with all the big guns out.
Although it worked well then, this was superior opposition and the whole approach felt very que sera sera, with us putting an even weaker side out than previously.
Most of all, I think what probably made Poch's mind up were the poor results against West Ham and Arsenal... If we had won them I wouldn't have actually been surprised to see a strong side fielded tonight. Our title challenge isn't look as healthy as it was a week or so ago and our top 4 position is far from cemented.
Fingers crossed we look back at this decision come May and praise it, it may be that we had to sacrifice this to keep the players from completely burning out... We only ever know half the story as fans.
Nice post mate and I think that could be pretty close to the way Poch views it.
But for me it also highlights the problem of not having genuine cover for Kane and Dier, who have looked jaded recently. He's now recognized it but this has been a problem for some weeks now and I just think the nerves got to Poch and he got a bit overzealous with his prioritizing.
Its a pity because we needed a stronger midfield than the one we saw to have any chance of keeping the tie alive for the return leg.
But like you say, if it pushes our league performances upwards perhaps its best. And to be honest it probably will improve our performances.