Notes to the Manager: Season Opener

Mikel, Hola!

How exciting. The 2023 Premier League opening weekend is here, and the trophy cabinet is already +1—big up yourself, Edu, Kroenkes, and the players, plus staff.

One tactical thing: Don’t start both Thomas Partey and Declan Rice against Nottingham Forest. I know you can be a very practical individual. You may be considering a safe lineup for the first game, because it’s always the hardest.

Don’t. Home game. Three debuts. Leo at the nine.

Between us: Where do you get the energy from? The league is watching. First, they sent the celebration police and now the touchline patrol.

Keep that same energy, my manager.

I can’t wait for kick off.

-KP