We usually play better in Europe so I’m feeling confident about this one.
On the other hand - we’re playing the dutch champions of the last two years and current league leaders. We’ve lost against them in January and Slots Feyenoord won the league ahead of them in 2023. Maybe the thought of Slot potentially getting sacked after this match will give them extra motiviation.
We need a special atmosphere like we had against Villa and Real.
Maybe he will give the second team an outing. This competition is in a odd place for me. On the one hand it offers games to work some form up but on the other hand the opposition is very different compared to the PL and the chances of an inopportune injury is sort of in the background. Same for the one other cup we’re in.
Making sure we aim for a CL spot is critical - by aim I mean we juggle the competitions to make sure we are strongest for the league matches.
I think we are the point where in the case of a few players it is just rewarding substandard performances. If these lads are incapable of lighting a rocket under their own arses, the manager has to do it for them.
Gomez in for Konate, Chiesa for Salah, Rio for Gakpo, Ekitike for Isak. If they perform well, keep them in.