Mathys Tel

[glasgowspur]

I don't disagree that it's not working. But that in itself doesn't make every decision wrong.

I isolation I can see the sense in the decision, in the greater scheme of things I'm not convinced it is.

 

[thfcsteff]

You surely have to trust a manager to know more than fans about the condition of a player? As for Tel, I have been impressed by him recently but he is also prone to mistakes and giving the ball away. This is a Champions League game, where you ideally want your best players. That being the case it's a stretch to say Tel gets the nod over Solanke.

He's still young, if he has the right attitude this should make him want to improve even more so he can be a regular starter. If he hasn't then he's going to sulk...or ask for a move away, where I suspect he'll be treated the same if he goes to one of the big clubs.

Given what has happened during his (frankly) turbulent time at this club, I think his attitude has been proven ultra-positive over and over again. He was dropped from the CL squad, told he'd have more league time, not chosen, has delivered as much as anyone when called upon in the league, still been dropped, reinstated for CL and now dropped from it again. Not a whisper from him, and always gives his best.

 

[thfcsteff]

I think it's telling that he's a France u21 player and not a full squad member - at his age (turning 21 in a couple of months) if he was a top talent/prospect he'd be in the full squad - he's not a Desire Doue level prospect, we're talking Harvey Elliot levels. People want to make him a martyr for the agenda but he's just another player we've had our pants pulled down on.

No mate, it's called a difference of opinion. That's all. 'Martyr for the agenda'? Is that a Morrissey line ?

You obviously don't think he's all that, some do.
And further, some would consider gambling a start on a player who is short of match fitness when we could've waited and brought him into the CL games even a game later, is a massive gamble.
Let's hope Dom scores tonight and leaves the pitch without aggravating an injury; that would be some form of vindication for Frank for sure. But it still wouldn't nullify poor treatment of both Tel overall this season and the situation.

 

[thfcsteff]

You surely have to trust a manager to know more than fans about the condition of a player?

Just to answer this point in isolation.
Honestly, I am not sure I do trust him. His back is against the wall in many senses, including a horrendous injury list. He is playing a not 100% match-fit player in Xavi apparently. I think it is a gamble. Honestly, I wish he'd given Dom a little more time on the training pitch and had him ready for Burnley, a very, very important match.

 

[SpurMeUp]

Pen!!!

 

[billyiddo]

 

[Legohamster]

And there we go

Like chalk and cheese in performance levels.