Good read, but I was wondering where the author derives this particular number, which I didn’t see sourced to anything else: “Because assimilation isn’t easy, no nation should allow the percentage of foreign-born residents to exceed about 15% of its population.”

100%. Absolutely no pity from me, just pure emotional satisfaction!

Very interesting. This finally explains what had been a rather puzzling aspect of this particular deal for me.

I’d go slightly further and argue it’s never a foregone conclusion in a PL game, full stop! For all its flaws, that’s what makes it so much more interesting to follow than, say, Ligue 1.

Howe about crying some more about your £125 million dud

Has Chevalier been an upgrade for PSG? I haven’t watched enough of them this season to be able to tell.

With the number of games we’ve got this season, I’d like to think that wouldn’t be an immediate concern. For example, as stellar as Hall and Tino were today, it may be too big a gamble with their health to start either of them against Marseille this week.

And whatever you do, don’t let him take any penalties, even if Big Nick’s already been subbed off.

Yep, totally get it. By the same token, I feel sentimentality is punished especially ruthlessly with fullbacks given the physical demands of the modern game on that particular position. Given his age, I unfortunately think it’s past time to consider more depth at right back.

Certainly more urgent than right back, but there’s still a drop-off from Livramento to Trippier in both quality and consistency that remains a somewhat pressing issue

I’m torn on whether I’d rather have Schar or Burn start at LCB. What tips things in favor of Schar for you? I obviously agree Burn is not fit for purpose at left back.

Been asking the same question on here myself!

Who was Big Joe sparring with right before that? Was it also Pep?

Who is he yelling at? What happened?