How should they be used? Brown can only play so many games, so Coates will play some..But with 5 games in 13 days, who should play, when? “It’s difficult for him to play three games in a week. “But last week, it was more difficult because he had a reaction in his knee and he didn’t train. “Him not training and Sebber Coates not being available at Liverpool made it an easy decision. “It was unfortunate for Sebber to come back from a long injury to play against Aguero. “But at the same time, that might be the best thing that could happen to him, because everything that comes next won’t be as good. “I think as well it’s important to have a squad which you can change without affecting the performance. That’s very good for a manager. “Over Christmas, we’re going to play on the 26th and the 28th, and then the 1st and the 3rd. “You have to use the squad then and be clever. “That will be the idea.”
Think I'd rather have Wes up against the pony tail this week, no disrespect to Coates, I just haven't seen enough of him and we know Wes will give Carroll a hard time.
Agree MW, also against the Mags, 8 days later, need strongest team for that one. Coates will have another months truing on from City game to play against Hull then Wes back for Benteke and Villa, Coates away to City. Don't forget Jones is back and Vergini will be available. Two spare defenders, it is Xmas.
Be great to have two pacey full backs available for second half of season. The Frenchman will take some shifting mind.
Jones is almost back so Coates wouldn't be getting much of a look in if I were manager as Vergini would be moving back central.
I would rather we play Rodwell at CB than Coates. If we do get 3-4 players in Jan I hope Alonso is one of them
I wouldn't write Coates off just yet, Gus will know his capability very well being a Uruguayan International, Poyet aint that bad a judge, I think he will contribute at some stage.
I don't doubt it fella but there has to be a pecking order. Given he's barely played and looked dodgy when he has, he'd have to work hard in training and wait patiently for an opportunity if it were up to me.
This We've done OK at the back so far this season without him, why change just for the sake of it? I agree with Gus that Wes has to be nursed but that doesn't mean just drop him and chuck Coates in. If we get Jones back I would prefer to see Santy partner O'Shea and let Coates wait his turn on the bench.
Play Brown and JOS when they're available. There'll be plenty of games where they aren't. Only exception would be weeks like last wk with multiple tough games
