'What is Pep up to?': Confusion reigns as Aguero doesn't warm up with substitutes after being benched for Barcelona clash
Pep Guardiola shocked a lot of people with his team selection for his Nou Camp return tonight, opting to go into battle against Barcelona without Sergio Aguero.
The Argentine striker was used off the bench in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Everton, with Guardiola deciding not to start his star man after the international break. Tonight's decision drew surprised reactions from most observers, including in the RTÉ studio.
There have been reports that Aguero is carrying an injury since playing for Argentina last week, with those rumours gathering steam after Aguero was the only substitute who wasn't out on the pitch to warm up before the kick off, just like on Saturday.
Guardiola likes to experiment with formations and different players, but it is a huge call to do so for Man City's biggest European game of the season to date.
At the Nou Camp for Barcelona v Man City. Aguero on the bench.. and not currently taking part in the warm-up with the other substitutes
— Jason Burt (@JBurtTelegraph) October 19, 2016
Aguero is the only one of the seven subs not out warming up. #MCFC
— Stuart Brennan (@StuBrennanMEN) October 19, 2016
Aguero has not even emerged to warm up with City's other subs. Something amiss there #MCFC @mirrorfootball
— David McDonnell (@DiscoMirror) October 19, 2016
Guardiola confirms on TV Aguero omission is tactical. Says he wants "more midfield players today". It's a big call
— Andy Hampson (@andyhampson) October 19, 2016
What is Pep up to ? No Aguero in City line-up at Barca ? More than surprising. Brilliant plan or too clever by half ?
— Ian Darke (@IanDarke) October 19, 2016
Online Editors
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