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10 Aug 2022 22:35:38
What are your guys thoughts on the fans forum, if you got the chance to listen in.
Ralph's argument about why he swapped formations has really had me scratching my head.
When a fan questioned why we've scrapped 4-2-2-2 to a 5 atb. Ralph's response was all about protecting the new players and not rush them into his advanced system. Which when I first heard the response, I agreed with the justification.
However, after reflection this makes no sense. Why would you completely change your philosophy because you've signed a couple of new youngsters? A system that he's supposedly spent his entire time writing a book about the tactics of which the club want to be their continuous identity. A system that you've worked on with the current team for 3+ years.
Surely it would be easier if we embedded the new players at a later date. Also, the fact that he would think the new players wouldn't be able to adapt to his system is worrying if their supposedly suppose to be the best youngsters in world football.
1.) 10 Aug 2022 23:06:20
Tbh it is a stretch to say that he played 5-3-2 at the weekend anyway.
2.) 11 Aug 2022 09:50:47
One of the disappointments, irrespective of formation is that we used to be highly effective without the ball. Players knew when to press and when not to, and there was a general understanding of each others’ roles.
Now we are easy to pick off with or without the ball and teams slice through our midfield as if it’s non existent.
Worse of all is when we try and play the ball out from the back…. 3 or 4 hesitant passes before we invariably lose the ball before we’ve got to the halfway line. Whilst I appreciate the way Man City and the likes master the art of building from the back, I think our boys need to know their limitations.
So my take is that I agree with you Saintjay - you don’t change a system to accommodate a couple of newbies (unless they’re world beaters) and Llamedossaint you’re spot on. There was no obvious formation or system - we just spent the afternoon chasing shadows.
3.) 11 Aug 2022 09:53:23
I listened to it and there was some very vaild points rasied but I felt we didn't seem to get actual answers to the whole question being asked. One guy mentioned not having any players in the squad that are leaders or commanding types.
I have said for many years we need a midfielder that would shout at the rest of the team when needed, take the bull by the horns when, a commanding character like a Roy Keane for example. We seem to have a squad full of quite types and our scouting has been like that for years. We need some players that are not afraid to shout out at the rest of the team, especially when we have so many youngsters being intergrated into the side.
There wer at least 3 questions about playing players out of posistion that were not really answered by Ralph, the only one he answered was the one about Djnepo at left wing back because of injury he doesn't have many options. He could have still play KWP at left wing back. But what about all the other players? Valerie, Djnepo, Armstrong. no answers to those.
What really annoyed me though was when Martin Semmens suggested that the fans need to get behind the team more! and if we are not shouting for the team how can we expect the players to try hard.
Are you Joking mate! 1:) we have bloody amazing fans that shout for the team when we are getting dicked 0 - 9 at home! and 2:) those players are getting paid stupid ammounts of money that us as supporters could only dream of! Even if we are sat there in silence we expect the players to put everything into every game and respect the shirt they are wearing!
For me Semmens got that one totally wrong and he made himself look an idiot, there where a few rumblings in the crowd when he made that statement!
4.) 11 Aug 2022 11:42:41
OMG - did Semmens really say that?
That is the biggest insult I’ve heard yet. How dare he say such a thing - outrageous. I’m sitting here livid.
Like most fans, I can accept that many of our players lack ability at PL level but to not put a shift in because the players don’t feel the fans are behind them is unforgivable. Anyone who doesn’t give 100% (and some) should be out the door - end of.
5.) 11 Aug 2022 12:36:34
@Millertime Go on the Southampton channel on Youtube and listen to the fans forum, the comment from Semmens is right near the end
6.) 11 Aug 2022 14:15:28
I agree 100% with you. You could tell by Ralph's reaction that he agreed with the fan who asked the question. You need leaders to help imbed the new young players in.
Again we've never really replaced Jose Fonte. He was a true leader, a very composed CB.
I think Semmens lost a lot of respect of the fans yesterday. That comment was a massive insult.
I don't go to matches because I don't live in the area. But when watching Southampton on TV, St Mary's always seems buzzing, constantly singing "oh when the saints" throughout the match. The away fans are always full of noise as well.
7.) 11 Aug 2022 15:31:41
As I mentioned on another thread, playing more defensive players doesn’t necessarily equate to fewer goals conceded when we are conceding goals due to individual errors on a weekly basis. I don’t see us beating any team right now, we seem so easy to play against, and Ralph is too stubborn to change his mind now.
I expect we’ll be in the bottom three at the ‘winter break’ and he won’t be there post-World Cup.
8.) 11 Aug 2022 19:48:26
SaintGGsy I personally think that he'll be gone before then
09 Sep 2020 09:31:08
I'm reading that the top teams in Belgium what to buy Hoedt but won't be able to meet the asking price.
Do you think there's potential that we could bring someone in from one of these clubs as a potential swap deal?
1.) 09 Sep 2020 13:52:01
I think in this current climate swap deals are a perfectly viable option.
From Club Brugge they have two forwards in David Okereke and Emmanuel Dennis, from Anderlecht Yari Verchsaeren (AM) the next Belgium wonder kid and Jeremy Doku (RW), all in the 18 - 23 year range.
Would love Yari Verchsaeren as big things are tipped for him.
2.) 09 Sep 2020 16:01:55
I know Ed's mentioned in a previous post that we were looking at Yari Verschaeren as a potential signing, not sure what his value is. But I think there could be an option for us to swap him with Hoedt +5m and then even loan him back to Anderlecht, for the next season.
This is obviously all hypothetical though!
3.) 09 Sep 2020 23:27:08
I hear that Club Brugge have a decent tea lady. We could always try to swap Hoedt for her.
4.) 10 Sep 2020 18:36:42
I’d give them Hoedt and £5m just to see the back of him.
30 Jul 2020 23:03:42
Does anyone know if there's any truth to the rumours regarding Weston McKinnie from Schalke?
In terms of what we'd replace PEH with, he ticks all the boxes. However, can't see us splashing out for his value of £20m if we only sell PEH for £25m (or even £15m + KWP, if the current rumours are also true) .
1.) 31 Jul 2020 17:54:53
I've heard that there are several Premiership teams interested in him. I think he's looking for Champions league football so that will possibly go against us.
16 Jul 2020 08:19:26
Sky Sports has reported that Ralph wants to sign a CB in the Summer transfer window. Ed's, do you know if there's any truth to this/ who are potential targets are?
I quite like Bednerak and Stephens as our CB partnership and I thought Ralph also did, wonder if we might be losing one of them, which is why we would be bringing another one in.
{Ed002's Note - Mohammed Salisu (CB) remains more likely than the other options.
Norwich were very keen on taking the Valladolid centre back in January but will face opposition from Wolves, Southampton and Everton. Manchester United and Valencia have been credited with scouting the player by his club, but they have also said the are in talks with Atletico Madrid. Rennes agreed a fee with Valladolid for Salisu but his agent rejected a move to France in favour of a move to the Premier League. He will see what options are available.}
20 Jun 2019 10:30:09
I'm hearing rumours of Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan interested in Bertrand. Does anyone know the truth behind this?
Regarding, Inter Milan, does anyone know if they're interested in signing Cedric from us, following his loan. With Vanheusden coming the other way?
{Ed002's Note - Ryan Bertrand (LB) would be sat on the bench at Atletico which other options are not keen on - but it is possible. Would be sat on the bench at Inter as an Ansaldi replacement - seen as an option to Kolarov. Both seem unlikely and are the result of clubs listing out options rather than declaring an interest at this time. Cedic is of no interest to Inter.}
1.) 26 Jun 2019 14:34:43
Getting a bit frustrated with this che Adams situation what's the chances tieing up this deal ed?
{Ed002's Note - I have no way to quantify the chances. There is no race and Southampton would like the deal completed.}
2.) 27 Jun 2019 10:02:59
Thanks Ed, I know us Saints fans are impatient but it's because we have bought so badly in previous years! Che seems the player we want but I am hearing we have moved onto a Nigerian striker from Italy, +Do you know if this is true?
thanks.
{Ed002's Note - Would you have a name and I will try and answer.}
3.) 27 Jun 2019 18:47:22
David okereke.
{Ed002's Note - Thanks - the notes say: David Okereke (S) Brugge have an offer on the table and are discussing details for the transfer of Okereke from Spezia Calcio as a Wesley Moraes replacement. Interest was shown by Crystal Palace but they stepped back as it was seen as unlikely he would be able to obtain a Work Permit unless they paid significantly over the odds for him.}
4.) 28 Jun 2019 10:24:02
Good info ed.
I'd much rather we get Adams in. hope it goes through. I'd like to keep a stronger english/ British contingent.
Ed do you have any details on maehle of genk? (Or gent. One of the two)
Saw you post on the Everton page that we had major interest. Are we close to making an offer or even in discussions with his club?
{Ed002's Note - It is as I explained. Southampton have spoken with Genk in January and again a while back.}
5.) 28 Jun 2019 12:25:03
Thanks. Hopefully some progress soon.
saintjay's banter posts with other poster's replies to saintjay's banter posts
01 Nov 2020 15:26:42
We were very lucky and clinical. Thank god for Prowse's right boot.
I don't think there's any other way I can describe that performance. We look very good going forward, very fast interchangeable play with our front four. We still looked sharp on the break.
Fairplay to Villa, they really gave it a go in the second half, even after conceding the fourth. I expected us to control the game after half time, the same we did against Everton but Villa didn't stop pressing until the end. Still don't know what happened and how Villa managed to create so many chances.
5 games, unbeaten. We've jumped right up the league table, since getting smashed by Spurs. Hoping the injuries to Bednerak, Bertrand and Ings aren't too serious.
1.) 01 Nov 2020 21:41:17
We were unbelievable for an hour then a bit of the old Leicester bashing crept back in. Most teams would do it, 4 up, concede, look to just play the game out, and to be fair we did fine until added time when we probably thought the game was over.
A lesson learned and not at the cost of any points, and brilliant to see a team of 7 English (8 British plus another homegrown) players doing so well and flying up the table. We’ll be fifth at the end of the week and after those first two games, and several bigger clubs in disarray, let’s have a bash!
NEW, wol, MUN, bha next four - all there for the winning in my opinion!
05 Dec 2019 09:19:18
A critical 3 points last night. We did hold on, only just. It's crazy that when we're in the position we just sit behind the ball and almost hope we don't concede. And Byram could've easily scored in the 93rd minute.
We play so much worse with 5 at the back, I'm glad we resorted to the 4-2-2-2. There's still a lot of work to do for Ralph as we don't press fluidly as a unit, once we get this right we'll start seeing better results.
Ward Prowse had a solid game, both goals were as a result of his set pieces. And he worked really hard, you can tell that the position in the centre of midfield suits him better than the wing. Redmond still seems incredible wasteful on the left, holds the ball for to long and isn't decisive enough, I'd like to see him have a go on the right to see what he brings. Adams looked like a sharp edition from the bench and would like to see more of him going forward.
I'm hoping the 2 wins on the bounce will give us the confidence going forward and we'll play more aggressive. If we play most of our games like the last ten minutes of the first half we will get the results we want.
1.) 05 Dec 2019 20:59:55
Hope when everyone's fit we get one up top with Boufal on the left, Djenepo on the right and Redmond down the middle, almost like a false 9
Think Long deserves a mention,
- his workrate and running tested Norwich's defence,
- won the free kick that led to the first goal,
- set Ings up for the shot that nearly knocked Aarons out with a wonderful piece of hold up play
- His movement in the box drew the Norwich CB with him and allowed Bertrand to get into the space that Long was originally in to score
-and should have had a penalty later on.
Good role model for Obafemi, if he can learn to do what Long does with his pace, movement, work rate and add a regular goal, he'll be world class.
2.) 05 Dec 2019 22:09:08
To be honest, when Boufal and Djenepo are fully fit, I don't see Redmond get a look in. If we want to play faster, smarter, then it's never going to happen with Redmond ' I'll stop with the ball, look around and do nothing with it'.
JWP not the best tackler but as was said above, when he plays the number 10 role he looks much better and adds so much more to the team; it was good to see that everytime he received the ball, he was looking up, looking forward AND making some good telling passes.
Obafemi needs more than a player role model, he needs to change his whole attitude on and off the pitch - especially off the pitch!
It was great to see Long and Ings together, both very intelligent players. Those two with Boufal and Djenepo now that's an attacking combination!
I also agree Che Adams looked sharp, taking up good positions. i was hoping that we held on to out two goal lead and brought Che on when we were in control of game.
As for Danny Ings - we are seeing him at his best, we are seeing why he was a Liverpool player. We just might get him to stay injury free for much longer! i would love to see him made captain.
3.) 06 Dec 2019 08:48:06
I should've mentioned Long, he is definitely the striker we need for the style of football we were trying to play. He did an excellent job in getting out wide and winning the ball back. Is always looking to close down the defenders. It's just his end product which is lacking.
I was also thinking about the winger situation and even though I think that Boufal and Djenepo have been better this season when they've played, is it almost worth bringing Boufal on from the bench as I think he'd be a better impact sub than Redmond would if he was to be the winger that sits on the bench.
4.) 06 Dec 2019 16:19:01
Saintjay, I was kinda thinking more positive, as in be in a situation
where you don't need impact subs. But after so long fighting for draws or holding on for a win, i suppose the mindset of winning by a margin and in control is a distant memory. I agree, Redmond would not be an impact sub - i think now we have djenepo and boufal, it just reinforces how far behind Redmond is, and not improving one bit!
Two weeks ago we would have been going to Newcastle looking for a draw at best, trying not to lose. Now I think they will be going with not just a positive mindset but trying to win! COYR.
5.) 10 Dec 2019 07:49:37
Saints are gradually improving but still considered bottom3 . We all know that approx 5 quality players are still required to b.
6.) 11 Dec 2019 07:41:07
become. a regular EPL.
03 Nov 2019 10:02:34
Is anyone else annoyed that the players are labelling yesterday's defeat as cruel? Yeah and lost and held the lead for most of the game. But look at stats?! City had 75% possession as well as 26 shots. I didn't watch the match or haven't seen the highlights but it sounds like we just parked the bus and tried to waste time for 70 minutes of the ninety.
I get that the city is potentially the best squad in prem history, but we still seem like we're taking the defeat as a positive. Yes it wasn't a big loss, but we're still in the relegation zone after taking 1 point from 6 games.
1.) 03 Nov 2019 15:54:32
I agree to a certain point that these players are given to much respect
But for us to be hit for another big score line would only
Demoralise the team and fans further
We’re now coming up to a period where we have teams in and around us
So let’s have the same commitment as yesterday with a bit more attacking intent and see how that takes us Uk to Christmas
I’d like to think if we play anything like yesterday we can beat these teams and crawl out of the situation we’re in.
2.) 03 Nov 2019 18:41:33
As someone who has openly criticised our players lately, i would like to say a few positive things about the players after the Man City game.
This was like watching a different team. They had clearly been trained and trained on how to defend better, but that would have counted for nothing had the passion and commitment been missing.
In fact these two things were there in abundance! Tackling like their life depended on it, throwing themselves in front of the ball. They chased everything, closed down all the time, kept their shape.
Yes they did adopt the kick it away/ into touch at every chance, but this is Man City and it gave us breathing space. Man City didn't have a shot on goal til something like the 70th minute.
I would say more it was an excellent defensive gave and not so much parking the bus.
Two comments . JWP (yes i know he scored) - please someone school him on defending/ tackling - he currently runs towards the player with the ball, never really tackling. they pass . he runs towards that player, never really closing him down!
Substitutions . when taking off Danny Ings you are not taking off an attacker but an attacker. midfielder and defender combined.
His defensive play yesterday was incredible . and as soon as he went off we were weaker for it . and Man City capitalized.
Play like that in defence, with Ings/ Redmond. Boufal/ Djenepo providing the attacks, we will be ok.
3.) 04 Nov 2019 15:37:46
Having now watched the highlights it was clearer to see the we were so much better organised against them. It's crazy to see that amount of difference in such a short space of time.
Again, I feel as though RH playing PEH out of position at LB didn't help us for the goals we conceded.
4.) 04 Nov 2019 18:15:36
saintjay . much better organised . and PASSION!
08 Jul 2019 11:27:59
Interestingly Saints website have just posted the 25 man squad that they're taking to Austria and missing a few names:
- Austin
- McQueen
- Armstrong
- Lemina
- Reed
- Hesketh
- Clasie
- Carrillo
Boufal also isn't on the list, but he's at AFCON so that would be why. Are we looking to offload all of these players?
Also, what's the gossip with Elyounoussi are we looking to keep him and see how it works out for his second season?
Notably there are a few academy lads who have been called up, so congrats to them.
{Ed001's Note - were any of them at the U21s tournament? If so they won't be going because they will be on their holidays.}
1.) 08 Jul 2019 11:56:36
Thanks for the response ED! I don't think the youngsters (Hesketh, McQueen, Reed) qualify for the under 21's anymore. I think Reed could still be suffering an injury from last season - I think we cut his loan short so he could recover at Staplewood. Gunn was playing for the U21's though and he's made the squad.
I would imagine we'll be getting rid of these lads. Spent the last few seasons out on loan, haven't cemented themselves into the first team. Waste of wages and isn't good for them to be playing for the reserves, as it just halts overall development of the squad.
{Ed001's Note - ah ok just a thought.}
2.) 08 Jul 2019 12:58:56
Armstrong has food poisoning
McQueen is still probably recovering from doing his ACL
Reed my possibly be still recovering from an ankle injury as saintJay said. but could still be sold. As for the rest the club are actively looking to get rid so better that they don't travel and have a better chance of finding another club.
3.) 09 Jul 2019 01:30:41
Sam M is most definitely still recovering and will be for at least six months.
4.) 09 Jul 2019 08:39:59
Thanks guys, knew Reed had suffered an injury on loan, didn't realise McQueen had as well.
13 May 2019 09:07:57
A disappointing end to a bittersweet season. We seemed to be doomed in November but credit where it's due, Ralph has turned the club and players around. We seems to have slightly
declined since securing our place in the Premier League next season. There's still a lot of work to do.
I'd like to see the board really financially back Hasenhüttl, give him 80-100m to sign 4/ 5 really good players. Get rid of all the deadweight, we want to be signing that are better than we have that can really take the club forward and increase our chances of finishing in a Europe League spot. Because, if the club wants to progress in the league than they will need the financial backing, we've wasted the VVD money with some sub par signings.
I would say sell these players.
- Forester and McCarthy, both aren't good. I would like to see us sell both of them and buy a better Goalkeeper and have Gunn as number 2
- Cedric, Hoedt, Stephens. Get rid of all of these defenders and sign a new rightback and centreback. I think the Vestergaard and Bednerak are both good enough to be our pairing next season, but if we think that we can
someone better in that we should do so.
- Austin, Elyounoussi, McQueen, Gallagher, Clasie should also be sold. I also don't think that we should sign Danny Ings on a permanent, he's had an okay season, but hasn't been able to become a consistent scorer because of his injuries.
I'd like to see Boufal and Carrillo play next season but we'll see what Ralph makes of them in preseason.
1.) 13 May 2019 10:55:18
Danny Ings has to be signed and paid for. It was the deal with Liverpool that we buy him at the end of the year long loan.
2.) 13 May 2019 12:10:03
Amazing how many fans still don't realise that we are OBLIGATED to sign Danny ings. He is essentially a Southampton player. Not just a one season loan signing.
Having Gunn as a number 2 is also a pretty terrible shout. He's a good keeper, did very well at Norwich. we didn't spend 13 million on him just to be a number 2 keeper. He also didn't leave man city and sign for us just to be a number 2 either.
He will be our number 1 for hopefully a good couple of years.
I imagine one of either forster or McCarthy will go and the other will provide back up. or we will sell both and buy an experienced keeper as back up.
I agree with most of the rest of your post, Jay. I'd also like to see if boufal can adhere to Ralph's methods (not actually confident he will though) but I don't see what carrillo has done either with us or on loan this year to warrant being selected. he doesn't even seem to fit Ralph's idea of what he wants in a striker. If you want to keep him we may as well keep Gallagher, there about the sake level in terms of ability.
3.) 13 May 2019 18:35:40
I agree Milky. I'd love to see Boufal come back with the right attitude because he's obviously a very good footballer. As for Carrillo, I just don't think he has what it takes. We need a striker who can net 15 or more goals a season and I'm sure he's not up to that standard. I think that Gunn could be our no.1 for several years, just need an upgrade in the defence in front of him.
02 Sep 2022 07:54:47
I'm very pleased with this transfer window. It'll be interesting to see how Ćaleta-Car settles into the team. AMN will improve the squad with his versatility.
Ideally a new striker or quality winger would've been ideally. I think at least the board have acknowledged it, hence the fact we were supposedly going to smash our transfer record to bring in Gapko. This is a promising sign for future transfer windows. I think the board realise that we're going to have to spend if we want to bring someone in who has a real quality that can instantly improve the team.
For me our defensive resilience is just as important as bringing in a striker. I believe the current squad of attackers can and will improve this season going forward. I don't think either Adams or Armstrong will score 15+ goals in the Premier but if they can get closer to 18-20 between them, this will be a huge help.
16 Aug 2022 07:44:18
Whilst it looks good on paper that we were able to come back from 2-0 down to get a draw. The fact is that we shouldn't be down 2-0 to Leeds in the first place.
I didn't watch the match and clearly Ralph didn't either. Must've seen the score at halftime and been relieved that we weren't losing.
We've now got Leicester, who themselves are in disarray but are still scoring goals. Followed by Man United, who were awful on the weekend and are playing Liverpool next. So the game against us will be massive for them. Then we play Chelsea followed by Wolves, whom we have a rubbish record against.
Even the most optimistic of Saints fans would probably admit it's a very tough run and we'll struggle to get much from these games.
I'd like to think if the board do decide to get rid of Ralph than Sports Republic will have identified a quality replacement who can bring the team forward and really grow the young talent we've bought in.
11 Aug 2022 14:15:28
I agree 100% with you. You could tell by Ralph's reaction that he agreed with the fan who asked the question. You need leaders to help imbed the new young players in.
Again we've never really replaced Jose Fonte. He was a true leader, a very composed CB.
I think Semmens lost a lot of respect of the fans yesterday. That comment was a massive insult.
I don't go to matches because I don't live in the area. But when watching Southampton on TV, St Mary's always seems buzzing, constantly singing "oh when the saints" throughout the match. The away fans are always full of noise as well.
10 Aug 2022 09:26:04
I agree. I think we've given Ralph the benefit of the doubt towards last season. With the promise of a summer transfer window where he can bring in some real talent.
Like you say He's got no excuses anymore. I'm sure the new ownership with their model will be touting possible replacements.
It's the fan forum tonight, so curious to see how the fans there react to the club. I don't think any fan is happy with the trajectory that the club is heading atm.
Lots of positive signings over the summer, lots of potential. But we need the right management and coaching to harness this potential.
30 Jun 2022 12:31:28
I think you're going to be very disappointed then Peter, a lot of the players we are linked with are being plucked straight from the big 6's youth academy's. This seems to be our transfer strategy.
I don't think we're going to get a striker "that can score in the Premier League" or at least a striker that's already been there and done that.
Spurs have just spent £50m on Richarilson, an experienced PL striker. But the most goals he's ever scored in a season is 13.
I don't think there aren't actually that many out and out proven PL strikers that will score 15+ goals a season. If there were they wouldn't come to Southampton.
Trust the board, trust the process. We're not a top 10 side, we're not a side that will get consistently get into Europe. We lucked out a few seasons ago under Keoman and I think that's because the quality of the squad was so much better than it is now. Look at what some of the players have gone onto achieve.
Fonte - Captain of Lille, went on to win the French League at 36
VVD - Regarding as the best CB in the world
Alderweireld - consistently helped Spurs finish in the top 4
Davis - Still playing at Rangers who got to the Europa league final
Tadic - He's putting up ridiculous numbers in Holland and he's helped Ajax into the latter stages onto the CL.
Mane - he's won everything with Liverpool and AFCON.
Also, these players weren't household names when we signed them, they became who they are today through what they did and achieved during their time at Southampton. So don't write off the board and new players before they've even kicked a ball because we don't know what they could achieve or accomplish yet. We're not a team that can go out and easily get experienced PL players.
08 Jan 2024 14:20:25
What a difference a year makes! And what a job Martin and this squad continue to do.
In the same round last season, we suffered that embarrassing defeat to League 2 Grimsby in the FA Cup. This season we comfortably beat Walsall.
I think everyone that played on Saturday was exceptional. Frazer's quality of finishing is probably the best at the clubs at this moment in time. I think he'll probably start, considering Edozie's injury. But this is the great thing about where we currently are. I don't feel nervous or worried anymore if someone needs to come in for somebody else. Prior to his injury Edozie was our most inform player. I don't think I could pick a best 11 because everyone is playing with such confidence.
I also want to shout out Lumley. There was a lot of skepticism when we announced but he had a solid debut. Look composed on the ball, always looks to play to the ball out fast to create a counter attack.
16 Aug 2022 20:31:36
I think the only leader is JWP, but his leadership comes from how be performs on the pitch and not egging the team on. I think Bazunu could become that player, but I think he needs a leader in defence to give him confidence.
I'm not too sure if there are many leaders in our squad or even in the league.
Mee/Tarkowski/Coady would've been exactly what we needed.
16 Aug 2022 16:12:59
After listening to the fans forum last week, I'm not sure its experience we need. It's leadership. Obviously, the players who show the best leadership qualities are generally more experienced. We a few players who can help the youngsters develop and learn and lead them on the pitch. This is what we had with Fonte, and look at his track record of who he's played with: VVD, Alderweireld, who he helped develop. And the latest defender being Botman.
04 Aug 2022 14:32:19
I'd go for the exact same lineup. Apart from maybe drop S.Armstrong into midfield for Lavia and then have A.Armstrong/Elyounoussi on the LW.
24 Jul 2022 09:13:19
It is only preseason but 1 goal in 3 games is a very worrying sign imo. Little to no chances being created up top. Ralph opting to play with a 5 at the back means he's prioritising a defensive structure over getting players forward.
I'd like to see him swap it up on Monday against Monaco and let our attackers just go for it. I think the only reason Djenepo plays LWB is because we have no one else to play the position atm.