242 replies to this topic

[Gilox]

What do you guys think are the odds of him starting on Wednesday?

[xaviesta]

slim to none imo. i think pep will bring him in as a sub later on in the match though

[Tomchin]

Gilox, on 15 August 2011 - 01:39 AM, said:

What do you guys think are the odds of him starting on Wednesday?

Zero chance.  Maybe he'll get 15 mins at the end of the game, but he definitely won't start.

[Gilox]

Fantastic, really would hate to see a Xavi - Cesc- Iniesta trio in mid  

[Timo]

Yay! Cesc is back

[Jag]

Although I'd like to see him play on Wednesday, I think that will depend on how the match is going for us. If we have a comfortable lead (not likely) then I can see Pep bringing him on.

[Zin]

His chances of playing are nil I believe.  He'll be in the stands watching.  With the strike he will have two weeks to get fully fit and integrated somewhat into the squad.  Despite however many players play for both Spain and Barcelona, the Spain squad is not this one.

[Timo]

Yeah he'll probably be introduced before the match and go onto the field with the scarf to copious amounts of applause. Then work hard and be back within the next two weeks.

[Capita]

Whoa I like the new look

[Tomchin]

Great presentation, and the interview-session with the press was very interesting as well

[FCBarça]

I don't know...I mean, I wouldn't have guessed Alexis and Thiago starting either...You never know

[ronnierulez]

With him returning from a long injury lay-off and with thugs in the capital team (Pepe, Marcelo, Khedira, Alonso, Carvalho, Ramos.....wow just to name a few) clearly intent on taking out players, Pep will be best advised to protect him.

Today, I liked the fact that he thanked Thiago for giving up the #4, that was cool.

Actually a 2-week delay due to the strike would be perfect for our squad's preparation and adaptation of the new players.

[Tomchin]

1) Do you guys expect a change in formation in some games (3-4-3 or 4-2-3-1), or will Pep simply stick to his 4-3-3 and use Cesc and Thiago as the replacements of Xavi and Iniesta (and maybe occasionaly use Andres on LW to free up a midfield spot).  I expect a 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-3 in the smaller games.

2) Do you think that we'll sometimes start games with a midfield trio of Cesc - Xavi - Iniesta (Cesc at DM, so no Busquets or Mascherano)?

Btw, his first training-pic:

[ronnierulez]

While Pep can certainly teach Cesc to play DM & CM to Barca standards, I think long-term, he is our best AM, so his threat in front of goal should not be wasted. However, given Iniesta doesnt move as well as Xavi for a CM, but is a better defensive option then Xavi, he could be played deeper than Cesc as well. In any case, its a fantastic dilemma to have for a coach, who is a midfield maestro himself.

Players like Cesc should link-up with Messi more, rather than the CBs or Xavi/Iniesta. But all this complication arises because of the Messiah - he is a fucking beast of a player, who can play all across the attacking half of the pitch. So the withdrawn role of Messi brings many such complications, but they are good complications. Btw, Cesc can be a great sub for Messi as well, but hopefully Messi doesnt get injured and agrees to rest from time to time, esp Feb/March when our regulars hit a trough fitness wise according to Pep's program.

What we certainly have this season is goal-scoring threat all across the front. If only Iniesta or anyone for that matter learnt to move and create options as well as Xavi - right now the closest to him is Busi, but he is best suited behind Xavi atm.

[Zin]