Mikky

Scored the winner vs Southampton - set up winner vs Spurs (in 4 matches)

Tonali and Barnes should start - no excuse for not playing our better players

Something we need to sort out going forward

Wouldn’t mind replacing him with Mbuemo for next season

How much do you think Coutinho cost in the end? (and Griezemann)

There’s f all to exempt them from

Getting back to Neymar - I think it’s no coincidence with him there they’ve become Hollywood Brazil - I used to love Brazil - everything about them seemed genuine - their own unique style - since Neymar arrived all that changed - yes he has X amount of goals but in my view he didn’t carry the mantle - yes you can say the same about Zico (he didn’t deliver the big one), but Brazil never wavered from who they were when he played.

They had a fantastic player in Neymar to build a team around - bloke turned to become a complete tosspot of a person - filtered through the squad

He did (sort of) walk off - suggests ligaments rather than a break? May reduce length of time out? Didn’t look the same as Big Als at Goodison…..

Man that looks bad from initial viewing

No - 2 reasons 1 - Liverpool will demand at least £30m as it’s us (unless his contract is running out?) 2 - He wants to be in the first XI - I don’t believe he’s better than Pope

Honestly we’ve just had a major tournament a few months back - now another break - it’s a total nonsense - nobody cares

Right let me start - to the tune of Big Joe ”He cost 20 million He only starts against Finland We don’t think he’s fkn brilliant It’s Odysseas”

Having read quite a few articles/listened to some of journalists’ podcast I am pretty calm with Mitchell’s interview - nothing controversial about it: Casting a wider net - improved scouting network Having a wider choice of player Getting value for money (which we have with players already purchased) Being good at selling - he provided Liverpool as a good example with Carvalho etc Pretty much what a Sporting Director does

Man City’s method is an adaptation of the Barcelona sporting method and many others from abroad - the exception with Pep is that the DoF is Peps best friend, the trust is absolute meaning Pep just focuses on the pitch - They are unique in a way plus Pep is a genius The DoF oversees the sporting operation (purchases, sales, loans, youth, scouting, coaches etc) The manager/coach operates on the training pitch There’s a clear separation of duties - they will often talk over a number of things so the coach is always up to speed with ongoings at the club - when it comes to buying players - the DoF will have a comprehensive list for the manager to pick, they will discuss the current squad, where they can refresh in a position - I mean the whole concept isn’t rocket science Let Mitchell do his job and let Howe do his and trust me, we’ll do quite well

There’s fantastic value out there in Europe - it’s where we need to do the bulk of our shopping imo

Yeah he’s a short guy (Fraser height) - it’s the talent I’m more interested in - don’t need an XI full of giants - more so guys that can actually pass a ball forward

He is such a talent - I would love him here - you’d pretty much get him for a knockdown fee in Jan given his contact situation - a typical EH player as well One of those winter transfers that can be done

Going to bump this thread needlessly Angel Gomes - alternative to Willock - contract expires in 2025 - a potential bargain

The stadium is a big issue - doesn’t provide the necessary income we need - a modern stadium I reckon gets you at least £100-£150m a year in extra revenue which is huge Boxing, Concerts, NFL, WWE, Rugby, Friendlies etc etc

Eddie was asked about Gordon in the presser - a question put to him by Luke Edwards Howe basically said he’s had just 2 weeks of pre season when normally you need 5 - they are trying to get him up to speed during games which isn’t ideal - they’ve tried to leave him on a bit longer just to build up his fitness Same applies to a few others - they haven’t reached the fitness levels they need to

Might be a good thing tbh - regroup - work on a couple of things here and there - then attack the next 4/5 fixtures Hopefully for this or most likely Fulham you see the like of Wilson, Willock and Miley coming back - will be such a boost

They should never have signed the two defenders formerly from Ajax this summer - a total mistake giving into ETH - a Sporting Director worth his salt doesn’t do that imo - stifles any growth and continuity should ETH be sacked now

Just hope Willock can come back - he’s at least another option for the left at least (meaning Barnes and Gordon can switch)