16 hours ago, robdog said:

I couldn't find a video of the Pre-match Press Conference, but I found this interview from Matt Law of the Telegraph. There are some interesting tidbits here about the direction Don Maurizio wants to go w/ the squad in the upcoming future.

Having read the article he just confirmed I think what we already knew.....the kids will rarely get a chance because he needs to get results....just like all his predecessors 

“I can understand that a fan loves young players from the Academy, I can understand very well. But in the long run I have to win matches and the fans I think want me to win matches, and also the club I think.”

Anyway lets see if CHO gets any game time today....

Edited January 2, 20197 yr by CFCCAN

1 hour ago, CFCCAN said:

Having read the article he just confirmed I think what we already knew.....the kids will rarely get a chance because he needs to get results....just like all his predecessors 

“I can understand that a fan loves young players from the Academy, I can understand very well. But in the long run I have to win matches and the fans I think want me to win matches, and also the club I think.”

Anyway lets see if CHO gets any game time today....

He makes a fair point though. Look at the reactions on here as an example when we are losing. The expectation seems to be that the manager finds a way to win trophies playing great football and incorporating youth  Realistically if we want to give youth a genuine chance it may have to be at the expense of trophies for a season or 2 

2 hours ago, CFCCAN said:

Having read the article he just confirmed I think what we already knew.....the kids will rarely get a chance because he needs to get results....just like all his predecessors 

“I can understand that a fan loves young players from the Academy, I can understand very well. But in the long run I have to win matches and the fans I think want me to win matches, and also the club I think.”

Anyway lets see if CHO gets any game time today....

 

51 minutes ago, forbzy said:

He makes a fair point though. Look at the reactions on here as an example when we are losing. The expectation seems to be that the manager finds a way to win trophies playing great football and incorporating youth  Realistically if we want to give youth a genuine chance it may have to be at the expense of trophies for a season or 2 

As CFC fans we want to see kids from da Academy shine on the first team. For a Gaffer under pressure to get results, he goes with he knows will get him those results. I can't blame Don Maurizio for his actions. I want him to stay & be able to implement his ideas. I still believe he could use CHO to do this, but for whatever reason Don Maurizio is hesitant to play CHO.

Edited January 2, 20197 yr by robdog

I think CHO has been unfortunate with the timing of his injury or he would have seen a few more minutes in recent fames. From Sarri's presser yesterday it sounded like CHO is still recovering from a hamstring tweak so he is probably doubtful tonight. Hopefully he will get a start against Forest on Saturday

1 hour ago, forbzy said:

He makes a fair point though. Look at the reactions on here as an example when we are losing. The expectation seems to be that the manager finds a way to win trophies playing great football and incorporating youth  Realistically if we want to give youth a genuine chance it may have to be at the expense of trophies for a season or 2 

I think you have a fair point, though I often wonder why with seven substitutes available can't one of them be an academy product? Youth team players were often selected by successful clubs when there was only three available. Personally I'd like to see it as a rule in the Premier League that one slot is given to a player under 21 that is home grown at the clubs academy.

disappointing line up......same old faces apart from Morata...

33 minutes ago, forbzy said:

I think CHO has been unfortunate with the timing of his injury or he would have seen a few more minutes in recent fames. From Sarri's presser yesterday it sounded like CHO is still recovering from a hamstring tweak so he is probably doubtful tonight. Hopefully he will get a start against Forest on Saturday

if CHO has a Hamstring injury, it will take 2-3 weeks to recover. No way he can rush back from that.

5 minutes ago, charierre said:

I think you have a fair point, though I often wonder why with seven substitutes available can't one of them be an academy product? Youth team players were often selected by successful clubs when there was only three available. Personally I'd like to see it as a rule in the Premier League that one slot is given to a player under 21 that is home grown at the clubs academy.

Today’s lineup has 4 defenders on the bench, Caballero, RLC & Fabregas. Fingers crossed we don’t need to change the game, as there isn’t much you can do with that bench. 

Are there no attacking options in our youth squad?  

Just in case no one else received the news, here is the starting 18

Edited January 2, 20197 yr by robdog
looks like I the same time as @seanlu13913 our virtual Torres xD

Feel like this lack of rotation through a tough period could just lead to more injuries.

1 minute ago, Zeta said:

Feel like this lack of rotation through a tough period could just lead to more injuries.

I can only assume this 11 will be rested on the weekend.....because his lack of rotation is head scratching

Here is The Saints Line-up

no Kovacic? Is he injured ? 

I hope Barkley does well as he has looked far from impressive with keeping the ball. 

7 minutes ago, CFCCAN said:

disappointing line up......same old faces apart from Morata...

Well with the injuries currently, I think its about as expected. Whats more frustrating is that Emerson can't get a start over Alonso at all, even with how poor Alonso has played 

The expected team except Kovacic not on bench. RLC, fab the attacking subs. 

7 minutes ago, ducavis said:

Today’s lineup has 4 defenders on the bench, Caballero, RLC & Fabregas. Fingers crossed we don’t need to change the game, as there isn’t much you can do with that bench. 

Are there no attacking options in our youth squad?  

Daishawn Redan

Kovacic must be injured. Last chance for Morata? Good to see RLC back in the squad.

WTF must Emerson do to get a PL game? If not now then when? f**king gove Alonso a breather, he badly needs it. This is again a must win, both spurs and Ars won. Must close that distance.......a goal or 2 for Eden would be awesome.

Come on Alvaro ,prove us all wrong.....UP THE CHELS !

With so many injuries this could be very tough. We need the 3 points. Let's hope we get them. COME ON YOU BLUES !!!

It's a shame Pedro has been picking up more and more injuries in the last 2 season's. It would be nice to see him starting more in a system like Sarri's, it suits his style of football.

Yeah injuries coming thick and fast.....hence rotation needed. Imagine if Azpi Rudi etc get injured. Look at Ars they are f**ked in defence.

No Hojberg who is suspended and no Lemina who imo is their best player. Good news for us. We should win this comfortably but have to be aware for complacency. Willian to score tonight.

Morata ? FFS !!! Mr Sari.