I wonder if the FA will change things because of this. Maybe start fining managers who don't turn up or purposely field weak teams.
I'm ok with managers using weak teams, i mean, they can do whataver they want with the squad, there are no rules in football that state that teams have to field their best starting XI (there aren't, right? lol).The question is, why wouldn't you want to field your best possible team? Teams should be trying to win all possible games and cups. Sure, sometimes players need or could do with a rest, but I doubt the fans like it when they pay good money to see b-teams or the under 21s and if they wanted to see those games then they can watch the under 21s or b-team friendlies. I'm pretty sure Klopp wouldn't be able to field a team of youngsters in the Premier League if they're not named in his squad at the beginning of the season. They could and maybe should do something similar for the cups if it starts to become a joke.
But the main coach not showing up to an official game? That's just surreal. I don't think i've seen a manager doing something like that ever (there have been exceptions though like sick leave or a family emergency). But I guess he's just following what the FA said about team's taking a small break.
Being ill or having some personal issues is understandable, but I think just not showing up is going to set a bad standard. Maybe if it's a protest then the FA will listen and start to make the schedules less hectic so cup games can be played with a full squad without interfering with the PL and CL.
