KaKa

President of Porto now, which caused a bit of drama that led to them losing Sergio Concecaio as coach, as he was backing the previous president during the elections.

I would have hoped this could be helped by leaning on someone like Bunce's expertise with him now coming in. And figuring out a different type of training approach or schedule in order to limit the amount of injuries while playing our original style. I think trying to change the style completely with the players we have isn't going to work out well, as we've seen so far, and having to then bring in a whole new set of players just to achieve a new style seems a bit drastic, and will be difficult to do in our financial position. Really wish they'd figure this thing out because that style we were playing before was devastating opponents and causing them so many problems.

The right wing position being filled this January will need some creativity. There's been talk of Chukwueze at Milan being available on loan for example, as Pulisic has locked down that right wing spot and he wants more playing time. Zhegrova at Lille is going into the last year of his contract next summer, and so maybe a reasonable fee can be negotiated there? It's going to have to be these type of situations we look for. The likes of Mbeumo seem to be a pipe dream.

Yes, my post was badly worded. The article was saying this has further impacted our ability to spend. Hence the need to sell in the summer if we do.

Mbuemo's stock has never been higher, same as Guehi over the summer. Such bad timing moving for these players when their fees are going to be at their very highest.

The article reads as though the Gordon contract extension has also eaten into our PSR cap.

I do recall Howe touching on becoming more of a possession based side at one point. Or am I imagining that? It's probably what has led to these sloppy, less dynamic and lower energy performances we have been seeing. Which is down to a combination of not having enough players suited to maintaining possession, as well as Howe trying to coach and implement a style he's not really utilised before. We were so well suited to the aggressive, high tempo and dynamic style in so many ways. The players are well suited, and Howe had mastered that style. I really wish we'd just go back to that and work towards continuing to perfect that approach.

I think it's a good point about how much things have moved forward regarding coaching and I think it's the same with recruitment too. Its going to be interesting to see where we end up as the season progresses, as I think the last year we haven't evolved enough in either area, and have been caught lacking. Me personally, I'm pretty much prepared for an inevitable rebuild. Possibly taking significant steps backwards before trying again by doing things much differently next time around.

I think we're ultimately going to have to pick one clear road to go down if issues do exist behind the scenes, which would be getting rid of the drama actually.

Yeah, this is based on if the rift that is spoken of exists obviously, which is the basis for the people that continue to blame Mitchell.

I think there's too much uncertainty and confusion with the way things stand. We need a clearer line of authority, even if it means we end up suffering in the short term. Right now it's this weird Howe vs Mitchell thing. The preference seems to be for Mitchell to be out of the way, and for Howe to lead. We may as well go down that route and then everyone can judge the final result. I don't think it will work, but it's the only way we can know for certain.

I get the impression a lot of the fans don't appreciate this kind of setup or the importance of it going forward. Mitchell is already public enemy number 1 and is deemed the source of our problems despite only being there 5 mins. I actually really wish we'd get what they hope for and Mitchell leaves and Howe is left to it, so we can all see first hand how that plays out, with us being the only ones going against the grain and competing with clubs getting their house in order. Summer 2023 was really the time to get things right. Man Utd and Chelsea were in a mess and Villa were still finding their feet. I think we've pretty much blown it already, and things are likely to get worse before they get any better now with a larger scale reset or rebuild sometime in the future. Until then remove any uncertainty behind the scenes and let's see how it plays out with Howe in charge of everything.

Very surprised Sergio Concecaio isn't featured on the list. Hopefully it stays that way.

Damn. This is such a shame man Nervous they'll get someone decent in now. Oh well.

I really hope we play Tonali there at some point. I think defensively we'd be better and I think Bruno would also be more dangerous in forward areas than Tonali has been.

Best case scenario is them coming to some agreement and working together. There does seem to be some idea that Mitchell is the problem and Howe needs full autonomy. I'm just not at all convinced that's the solution at all. Ultimately though if things do come to a head maybe they should just hand the keys over to Howe so we can all see how that plays out for ourselves.

I understand the sentiment, and this is how it should work ideally, but judging by how the summer went I don't think it played out that way. Ultimately, the manager has the final sign off. If he doesn't like the other options presented and only thinks a few could genuinely improve us, then we are at a standstill. Guess we'll see how this whole thing has developed since then when the next window rolls around.

If that's ultimately what the manager wants though, and he strongly believes getting those two will give him what he needs to get back amongst the European positions, do we then not have to back him? Isn't that what getting behind him fully is? Or how else do we navigate this?

The biggest issue going forward, if things are to improve with Howe, is getting in players to improve his first team and squad. There's some sentiment out there that says Mitchell caused problems. Okay, so let's assume he's removed from his position, or at the very least he is tasked with getting whoever Howe wants, fully supporting the manager. Are you confident the right approach will be taken to get the squad up to scratch? So, letting some of the 'character' guys go because they are not good enough or can't stay fit, and finding alternatives if the number one options just aren't feasible financially? So we aren't continuously having to manage with players that are well below par? If in January we are looking at the likes of Guehi and Elanga for around £90 million, do we just need to back Howe on this and fully trust it will work out? And allay any concerns that perhaps the money needs to be spread out more to improve other areas too? Just want to get a better idea of how best you see this whole dynamic functioning going forward.

He wasn't ready to be fair. Coventry stint was the making of him in the end.

Think Hall was but Joelinton was really good too.

Maybe you should tell that to the person that recommended it to you, whose feelings are hurt. In any case I have nothing more to say on this matter. You can both do as you please. I'm not bothered in the slightest.

Good for you. I'm glad.

Yes please. Both you and your friend that recommended it. Thanks.

Hope you do the same too. Please put me on ignore as well, thanks.