80

I was thinking, the Germans would be smart to play ball with us over him. Long term they'll benefit more from him getting in depth coaching from Eddie, having his fitness built up and settling really well into his new English club, rather than just playing him against Luxembourg and probably having him barraged with press questions about Bayern's disdain for him

Watched the press conference, wow that really was the Elliot Anderson show. Feels a bit like things are being said behind the scenes...

You only gave it 3 minutes to be heralded to be fair.

Seen Howe quotes indicating he's had a tricky recovery and is still building confidence in his body? Happy to be honest - prefer that explanation to Eddie just preferring Burn at left back!

After they'd been going on like this, would you? I'd tell them to get fucked. Well, maybe after I'd won a couple of champions leagues elsewhere and I'd made them get on their bellies to beg me. That could be satisfying.

That's a phew for me. Had hope after seeing Eddie in yesterday's press conference.

Well, the good news is I don't think we're ever gonna have to worry about him only wanting Bayern.

Maybe sanctions for the groundsman if a player pulls a hammy while running on his grass, too?

You mean even if the player hasn't intended any harm and has performed a legal challenge? That's absolutely crazy.

I hadn't seen this interview. Oh my god I love him.

Sadly think you're right. He seems to be delightfully honourable as things stand. It's funny considering he says he's a big fan of Havertz.

Really no need to be panicking. Some of the stuff in here is too boring to bother reading. -5 points on last season's equivalents, but I think it's crazy to start doomsaying given the fundamentals.

The best thing is he's shown repeatedly that he can and does learn - which is more than the vast majority of managers, including initially successful ones.

Aye. Not too bothered if we have some hiccups as a result, the evolution is good in itself.

Not sure where I am with this game. To me, there feels like a real lack of energy around it compared to previous fixtures against them, which indicates a defeat. But I'm not counting out a convincing, status shifting win (3-0+) either.

Tend to agree overall, particularly with the Howe bit. But does indicate he struggles to manage his own life.

Multiple on record statements in multiple interviews with multiple teammates across multiple seasons. Can't say he doesn't care for sure I suppose, but other than that he's pretty bang to rights.

Nah man, they provide a sense of stability and vital continuity in planning.

It's one of the reasons I was always happy we got Eddie over him. I can go along with the idea their tactical level is identical, but I'd take Eddie's character all day long.

It's a seismic change in managerial approach, to be fair. Looks like Eddie's had some major reflections on two years ago.

What makes you say that? Not that I'm surprised - he went to see Eddie after he didn't start his first couple of games back in 22/23 to express his thoughts, he's not shy about that.

Yeah, 2 points down on our equivalent fixtures from last season. Leeds being the one that hurts - we did the double over all the bottom 7 or so clubs last season, so a high standard to live up to. I'm much happier with our start to the season than I was last time around, particularly given the circumstances around our strikers, and European fixtures. Obviously, lots of room for improvement, but it feels like it will come.

The best performance I can remember us putting in against Bournemouth under Howe. Lacking, yes, but we usually look punch drunk in this fixture.

Absolutely.

Call me a masochist but I usually get excited by dodgy looking lineups. Makes me hope for an Eddie masterclass - players showing they're capable of more than we assume. Big chance for Miley, an opportunity for Willock to demonstrate he's still got a professional career left to play... Would like Elanga to have been in though, I'd like to see him and Woltemade combine.