In the latest interview, Poch was asked about how well the right back played against Villa, i.e. Kyle WP. Poch was complimentary and said KWP needs to step up mentally to the challenge for the position left vacant by Trippier, and then inadvertently said "of course, tomorrow it will be another challenge".
Ok, that confirms KWP will be facing Zinchenko and Sterling
It will be a game of two Kyles
Poch also was asked about Lo Celso, and he confirmed that the player is not expected to be in the starting eleven, but hinted maybe used as a sub.
Poch mentioned Lo Celso physical condition and adjustment to the team for not rushing Lo Celso into the premier league games.
In regards to Verts fitness doubts and his missing from last weekend team, Poch said those are rumours - lack of fitness.
Poch called the decision to leave him out, purely a football decision.
He said it can affect relationships with players when they are dropped, but the decision is based on professional judgement and he is paid to make the decisions.
If Poch had an eye on tomorrow's game about why he left out Verts, it is a mystery when would he not have Verts on the bench and give him 20 mins ran out to get some sharpness back.
Could it be that there is a more concerning issue between Verts and Levy, in regards to contracts and Poch dropped Verts because he believes Verts is losing focus and getting distracted by this?
Whatever it is, Verts and Toby are currently the back bone of the defense and for me Sanchez is not there yet to fully take over the challenge.
It will be interesting to see his attitude tomorrow, but Verts has always been professional on the pitch and performed 100%.
It leaves to say that I saw the celebrations of Eriksen when Kane scored the goals and he looked as overjoyed as anyone. That's a good sign.
Can't wait for the game
COYS
So Kyle on both sides then?
posted on 17/8/19
Jesus Christ spunky, I know you’re still learning the language, but this sentence is just a big sh!t on the Oxford English Dictionary.
“If Poch had an eye on tomorrow's game about why he left out Verts, it is a mystery when would he not have Verts on the bench and give him 20 mins ran out to get some sharpness back”
Don’t you know a toddler you can hire as some sort of editor?
posted on 17/8/19
Well, apart from some convoluted writing, I thought it was a very good post from Morespur.
I've been thinking the same thing about Vertonghen. I believe its a Levy problem again.
Vertonghen is 32 now, and a one year contract extension is probably what Levy was offering. With maybe not too good a pay increase.
If the Alderweireld/Vertonghen partnership is broken up this season, I see no hope of even top 4.
Levy beware!
posted on 17/8/19
Sorry, Morespurs
posted on 17/8/19
comment by JustCallMeTed (U21528)
posted 47 minutes ago
Well, apart from some convoluted writing, I thought it was a very good post from Morespur.
I've been thinking the same thing about Vertonghen. I believe its a Levy problem again.
Vertonghen is 32 now, and a one year contract extension is probably what Levy was offering. With maybe not too good a pay increase.
If the Alderweireld/Vertonghen partnership is broken up this season, I see no hope of even top 4.
Levy beware!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You think levy made the manager drop a player?
posted on 17/8/19
Poch generally wants players who are committed. If they are in the last year, they may not be. But here, I don't think that's the case. It could be something else or just media pushing BS.
Both Verts and Toby will need replacing soon. I know you have Foyth and Sanchez who could take over, though the former is being touted as the RB replacement and the latter has some weaknesses to his game still. I think if you can get a CB closer to or in their prime to replace either Belgian it should be fine.
posted on 17/8/19
In my opinion there's nothing in Jan being dropped, IIRC he did the same with Toby last season.
I'm just glad we're not playing Naughton on the left.
posted on 17/8/19
Apologies for the elongated wording in parts. I was extremely tired but determined to say something after watching Poch interview. A very honest interview as ever.
Good grief, Naughton? no Thanks !
I don't think Levy made the manager drop Verts but I know Poch will not select anyone if he even suspects they won't be able to give 100% on the pitch.
I fear there's a precedent being made here whereby a footballing decision was made on the back off a business i.e. a contractual wrangling.
posted on 17/8/19
Thanks Ted ๐