The College Dropout

Thats never been his style though. We see games out - out of possession. And we create chances largely based on our of possession pressing. It’s worked for us but we aren’t doing it well at the moment. We also can’t defend well if the press doesn’t work. Previously we could grind out clean sheets

Thing is… the style is the same but we are doing it badly. Today we won and showed some of that grit we’ve been missing. I do think we are in need of a tactical tweak or something that gives us a new lease of life. We look second best physically too often.

He’s 10% off. He’s doing more aimless pass forwards to nobody than usual. Which led to the 3rd funnily enough. Most of the team are off it tbf and Tonali is one.

We’ll play 8–10 more games than 12 other teams in the division. And less equipped to play those 8–10 games than 6 of those in Europe. The squad isn’t good enough to do that and still finish 5th.

We also didn’t create anything and barely forced a save. The stats tell the truth of the game. We had a lot more of the ball and pressure through getting corners. But managed less shots on target than them. Thats congruent with our entire season. Not strong enough or good enough at both ends of the pitch.

He’s also the one all the scrutiny is on at the moment. We can’t get to year 5 without announcements on the stadium and training ground.

Btw this was the profile I thought we were getting with Elanga and I was happy with that. But so far he looks subpar technically and weak mentally.

Not having a CEO for 6 months is another example of PIF inertia PIF are known for stating grand ambitions and then just moving slowly to realise a smaller scope. Maybe it was hating but there was some surprise at how competent and quick they weee moving with us. Based on the Saudi league, what has happened to us over the last year or so - that urgency and competency came from Staveley. I said 3 months ago, 6 months ago this could all be proven wrong by some announcements. But the announcements just keep getting pushed back.

By ball possession I think he means with the ball at his feet. For an extremely quick winger he’s not elite 1v1 or on the dribble, not a greatly progressive or creative passer, not a great ball striker. I agree his first touch is good and he’s solid technically. Thats why he doesn’t look out of place for England the way Murphy would. But he can’t beat a man like Kudus, cross consistently like Murphy, play incisive passes like Olise or strike a ball like Rashford. His USP is physical and mental. Not technical.

Not true of infrastructure It doesn’t take 4 years to make a decision to renovate the Gallowgate or find land for a new training complex.

It’s been 4 years right? City Campus started building after 4 years. Firm announcements after 3 years. Everyone at the club can see the lack of progress on these fronts. It won’t feel like the same place.

Yep. I'm largely ok with that as long as he plays with intensity. I think some of us thought he was better than he is. He's proving he's unlikely to play with that edge he has day in day out, month in month out year in year out. That's what i've realised over the last 18 months. He doesn't have that consistent mental edge a Keane had.

I'm impressed with their ability to be shit and good at the same time.

We also need to start Barnes more. Barnes and Wissa are the best finishers and players around the box at the club. Wolte is still learning to be a 9 and Gordon isn’t a great finisher

He was so shit last season in a contract year. He’s been scoring the kind of goals we’ve been crying out for mind. Wolfe needs to learn he has to be attacking balls I to the box every single time not looking for cutbacks. A quick mobile centre forward that can press opposition and attack the box is the Howe blueprint. Think Wissa offers us that and a massive leap to boooot.

The squad is the squad. That’s not a coaching issue. Hes making mistakes as a coach. But to me it’s not the difference between where we are and a European push. I do think we need to try 2 up top. Or 1 off 1. Desperate to see 4231. Bit more play and class centrally. But I don’t think if we sack Howe, we’ll rise quickly up the league and become a much better side. That’s why I’m not overly worried about the coaching.

I was going to say Ashworth worked as ying to her and Howe’s Yang. During his tenure we got Minteh, Hall, Tino - longer term highly rated plays that we have rarely targeted since. He also was there for the Bruno release clause and apparently he was heavily considering selling Joelinton. And Staveley gave him the space to hold that ground. Ashworth would always say his job was to look after the club in terms of 3-5 years and a manager needed to focus on the now. I think you need that tension. Can’t have yes men. But also can’t be on different pages entirely. I’m in a minority but I think Isak getting a context in 2024 changes this season drastically.

Always offside that lad. No need.

Probably PIF being ticked off about that and her needing the funds for the shares/not being able to keep up with the investment. Indont think it happens without thr FFP thing at that time.

I’m not entertaining the idea of sacking Howe.

Why do you think Wilson is a bad appointment? Relationship with Howe and lack of elite pedigree ? I just think he needs to be able to challenge Howe and make the right decisions.

Won the Europa league and FA Cup. In not saying he would be an upgrade. But I’ve had this discussion with friends about Howe. Outside of the usual names you can argue those 2 cups put Glasner above and while I wouldn’t say he is better I think that’s a valid argument.

I’ve said this in a lot more words Staveley’s ‘trust me bro’ works with a lot of people. As soon as she left we lost the ability to consistently attract highly regarded players. I think it’s also impacted the dressing room.

We’ll see. No idea. my fear is that we won’t ’appointment’ ourselves to the top. Like Staveley had influence over PIF - she could push them into massive decisions, bigger than they initially planned (NUFC sale, Isak over Pedro for example). She was great at selling the vision to PIF but also football people. We landed big players linked to big clubs. We haven’t really been able to do that since. And she allowed people with different views to have power. But she herself had real gravitas as a part owner. Gravitas with PIF, the coaching team and squad. And the wider footballing community. Is any suit going to have all of those things or be better in other ways? I follow Madrid. Sanchez is second in command to Don Flo. He’s a business strategy guy. Highly competent. But he was at Madrid during the darker period in the 00’s as well. It’s Don Florentino himself who has that personality, drive etc. Hopkinson could be Sanchez, Wilson could be Calafat but I think we need a Florentino.

Didn’t sign anyone of note for a year and then spent £200m without a DOF or a proper transfer committee so that was largely wasted. Howe has made mistakes aye. But this isn’t a situation where we could go and grab another manager and surge up the table. The team is within 3 points of where it should be. It’s not bad coaching that is the root cause of the performances.