"Make my day today", "Over Doku is a crime" - Fans have mixed reaction as Manchester City star named in XI for Inter Milan clash
Fans have reacted to Jack Grealish being included in Manchester City's starting line-up to face Inter Milan in their UEFA Champions League opener on September 18. The Englishman has started in only two of the club's four Premier League fixtures this season and featured as a substitute in one.
However, Pep Guardiola went for a 3-2-4-1 formation for their UCL opener against Inter at home. Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Rico Lewis, and Josko Gvardiol form the backline in front of Ederson. Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Kevin De Bruyne form the midfield. Jack Grealish and Savinho are on the wings, with Erling Haaland starting upfront.
Some fans were left surprised by Jack Grealish's inclusion in the starting XI. Jeremy Doku didn't make it to the list despite being a regular starter for Manchester City in the Premier League.
Some City fans were left happy with Guardiola's decision, while others preferred Doku as a starter instead of Grealish, as they reacted on X. One fan wrote:
"Grealish make my day today ☝️☝️"
"GREALISH BALLLLLL!!!! Wuhuuuuuuuuuuuuu 🤩🤩 Ahhhhhh i am sooo happyyyy," another fan exclaimed.
"Grealish starts lol. I guess I have to trust Pep," another user added.
"Now that’s a very good and very strong lineup. Savinho and Grealish are gonna cook and Bernardo central is a good plan. Hopefully we keep a clean sheet and get the W, i also hope we get some different goalscorers," an individual opined.
Meanwhile, other fans wondered why Jeremy Doku was not named in the line-up. One fan wrote:
"Grealish over Doku is a crime."
"I don't understand grealish in this team," another user chimed in.
"Lewis against a tall and physical inter team who rely mostly on crosses. Grealish against a low block back 5 💀 We might get cooked," a user added.
"Why is doku still at the club? Doesn’t make sense. He should leave for his own sake. Being disrespected like this constantly for a person that only plays because of his name. Hopefullly doku follows the same path as Palmer," a fan commented.
"They have been the best in Italy" - Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola makes big claim about Inter Milan ahead of UCL clash
In his pre-match press conference, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola appreciated their UCL opener opponents Inter Milan for their current form. The Nerazzurri won the Serie A title last season and are unbeaten this season with two wins and two draws.
Guardiola said (via BBC):
"It was a good team in that moment [2023 UCL final], it's a really good team now. A good manager - Simone [Inzaghi] knows how to make good moments. In the last years, they have been the best in Italy."
Manchester City famously defeated Inter Milan 1-0 in the 2023 UEFA Champions League final, claiming their first title in history. Guardiola's men had a sensational 2022-23 season, winning the treble with the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup.
Recalling their memorable victory Guardiola said in the press conference:
"It was nice, a tight game. The first half was much, much better than the second half. After the goal, we had one clear chance from Phil [Foden], they had two clear, clear chances. The coin was on our side - it could have gone the other side."
Guardiola remained confident about his side's chances in the UCL this year, claiming that the new format doesn't require them to look at the league phase table now. The Catalan coach mentioned he would only like to focus on winning their games for now.