Manchester City take on Dinamo Zagreb tonight in the final game of their Champions League qualifying group in a bid to go through to the knockout rounds as group winners – allowing them to take on a second-placed team in the last 16 – but some supporters have taken issue with the manager’s stance on young defender Eric Garcia.
Garcia, who has played just over half an hour in total over two substitute league appearances this season, amassing a 90% pass success rate in that time, as per WhoScored.com, has shown glimpses of real potential with his comfort and composure on the ball at such a young age.
The Spaniard is billed by some as a potential defensive star of the future, and with Stones injured, the clash could be an opportunity for him.
However, reading into quotes from Guardiola ahead of the encounter, in which he avoided definitively saying Garcia will play, supporters believe he may not grant the youngster the luxury of playing 90 minutes, if any at all, in their final group game.
As a result, supporters have reacted with discontent on Twitter – here’s what they had to say.
The boy will never get a proper chance under Pep, nor any young City player.
— Vumb’lempongo (@sbunqayi) December 10, 2019
Did pep get brain damage in the summer
— Ben (@Ben64500359) December 10, 2019
Translation :
What? Lol ofc not I’ll just put Rodri there and play gundogan in # 6— 🅿️hoenix (@TwelfthBlue_) December 10, 2019
I honestly think he’s bored of the city job now and is making bad decisions to get forced out as he doesn’t want to be seen to be walking away.
— Shadow Wolf (@GamesGuruGill) December 10, 2019
As if Pep will give a chance to Garcia…
— Adam 🇧🇼 (@AdamMcfc94) December 10, 2019
No garcia then
— Michael Bateman (@welloldstem) December 10, 2019
