The College Dropout

I never said nobody ever turns down the money. It's that footballers are routinely expected to take less money than what the market offers and the reasons are usually weak. Most people don't do that themselves and if they do - it's because of massive issues that are affecting them fundamentally. I think Mbappe will leave because he's always wanted to join Real and being a success at Real is better for his worldwide reputation and makes him more likely to win the Ballon D'or even if he doesn't win the CL. But I assume life in Paris is v. good. PSG are one of the best teams in the world and if they continue with this level of investment, they will likely win the CL or at least compete at the business end for the next decade. Mbappe is also a local lad and will have friends and family nearby. Him taking the money and trying to win the CL with PSG isn't some great crime against football or an indictment on his ambition. Some are saying similar about Salah, how he shouldn't be greedy. I wouldn't begrudge him getting his money and trying to win the CL at PSG either. It's especially funny coming from us because players money will be a big part in why players will be joining us. Renan Lodi wouldn't join us to earn the same money as he is earning at Atleti.

This is a good idea. Except Conference final should be first on Thursday. Europa Friday. CL Saturday.

By that regard, it's a greater sporting achievement to try and win the CL with PSG than winning the 7th or 8th RM CL in my lifetime.

Have you wilfully taken a pay cut?

PSG have a decent chance of winning the CL though. And their finances are stronger than Real's to continue and build on their success.

I could take a job and get paid 10% less and I wouldn't end up eating out of bins. I would still never consider it. In what other walks of life do people got discouraged from maximising their earning potential? I still hope he would move but I understand if he chose to take that offer. PSG is a competitive team in Europe, home town comforts. It's not like he would be choosing to stay at a club in Saudi Arabia. Find the moral high-ground about footballers taking the money weird. I expect he'll leave too anyway, his heart is set and PSG are dysfunctional.

Nah. It's an insane offer. Would rather he moved but you can't begrudge that kind of offer. It also might force Real into paying wages they'll struggle to sustain.

Lots of backspin. Sometimes gives the appearance he's not kicking the ball hard enough

Pep would make him a left back tbf.

All in he's had a great season. 17 goal contributions at 20 in the PL. Almost twice the amount has apparent £50m player ASM

Too young to get the required level of consistency and for people to call him over rated after a dip in form.

Aye Saka's tired. He's played 51 games this season. Starting 44. He's 20. Can't think of many 20 y'o having played that much time of elite football.

Demba Ba was a much better finisher than Wilson. If we had a 2011 Demba Ba, we wouldn't need a new first team striker.

Agreed. I was thinking of those 2 in particular. Imagine we hired Gerrard and he performed like this? The noise would’ve been deafening. I think it will help build a siege mentality long term. As a club we only have 1 vocal supporter in the media. I can see that Jenas playing up his affiliation with the club the more successful we are. The prick.

They've bottled it aye. There's reasons for it. They aren't actually that good and have injuries. They needed 6 points from their final 3 games to secure 4th and they failed by game 2.

Noticeable he doesn't get the same level of support from the national press as other British managers. I feel he senses that too. Motivation for him and the squad.

Nah. I think every player who was here in the Ashley era would want to stay if Howe said they were in his plans and would get a squad place. Lascelles would likely remain club captain. He’s already been here a long time. I imagine he’ll want to fight for his place. I can just imagine the quality that’s being added to the gym, training ground etc. even as short term moves. We are on the up and players want to be a part of it. I think that’s a large part of the upswing in form from the likes of Shelvey, Krafth, Almiron etc. they want to be a part of this next phase and the feel good feeling. Krafth has likely secured his squad position ahead of Manquillo with his recent performances.

It’s still a bad Arsenal team. They’ve benefitted tremendously from not being in Europe and having an excellent crop of youngsters. They have a very capable XI but below that it’s v. weak and ultimately cost them 4th. Cedric, Tavares just not good enough. Overly dependent on Partey.

Aye. They have little depth. Partey to the Egyptian lad is a massive drop off. Same with the fullbacks. We need to be aggressive in the transfer market this summer. We can catch Arsenal, West Ham and such if we have a good window.

His physicality in midfield is tremendous.

Thought he was good when he came on. I reckon he’ll stay next season as 4th choice.

Thank you.

Looked more mobile and better in possession.

Would take Gundogan but he’ll probably end up in Spain or Germany.

Can't cross to save his life. Looks a solid defender, athletic but v. limited technically.