We are all tired of watching us get embarrassed, that doesn't mean it's all Pique's fault. Of course he isn't the player he once was but my point is Koeman obviously thought he was needed. I don't think it was anything to do with 'amigos', lets not forget how terrible we were defensively against Sevilla, Betis, Grenada, Bilbao etc, non of which Pique played in.
I can certainly see what your saying man, do not get me wrong. I hate having a go at Pique like this too. I always loved him and defended him over the years and bringing positive energy is important for morale in the dressing room. I also think Araujo going down made Koeman feel like he somewhat did not have much of a choice.
That said, the truth though is that Piques time being world class and truly important to this team ended at Anfield. He has been a shadow of himself since and even Busi, Alba and obviously Messi show their class from time to time. He just has not done the same and he has been a liability out there for us for a while now.
It is a classic dilemma for managers: try a less-experienced but fully fit reserve/youngster or gamble on the starter who is not match fit. You could literally use a Boolean square to draw this out from a RAT perspective but to summarize, this decision is weighted towards either depending on how important the starter is to the overall system. There are surely other factors but for brevity, I would say this is the most important one. Pique, plain and simple, is not as instrumental to this team anymore as say Messi is. That in mind, I still think the more rational decision is to gamble on Mingueza or Umtiti, who at least have some decent match rhythm and form.
Which leads me to believe something else weighed into this decision. I mean, lets get real for a minute. If Koeman really wants to lead a revolution here, it takes the balls to make decisions like that for the better of the team and club. I bring up the amigos because the sway and influence Gerard possesses is no secret and when the pressure was on, Koeman buckled to that influence rather than making, in my opinion, the right but gutsy call.
It just really makes me question his ability to make these big calls next year and down the line. Between that and just how bad we looked against PSG and his overall record against top teams, it makes me seriously question if he should be here past this season. It is sad because I think he has done more good than others but we have to be ruthless right now.
If we sneak La Liga or a CdR, he might just do enough to earn a summer window and stay but otherwise, we should just reset with a proper, fresh project.
