Joey47

I also feel like we have some similarities with the way Liverpool played in Klopp's early days. We've never really switched from the 4-3-3 formation since Howe implemented it and each position has a specific role and all the players know their roles perfectly. Klopp didn't have the best players in the league at the time but he found success with sticking to one style of play against any opposition they faced. I think although we stick to one formation and high intensity pressing trying to win the ball high up the pitch, managers still haven't found a way to specifically counter that. It reminds me of liverpool at their peak (obviously we are not on that level yet) in that no teams really had any specific way to counter their play style, even if teams would manage to win against them at times.

One thing I was curious about after listening to the podcast. In the podcast it gets mentioned that during his time out of management, he spent time at about 8 different clubs to learn. We know Atletico Madrid was one of them, do we know any of the others?

Disagree with this. Although the system and players knowledge of this system is a factor, players form and general ability should definitely matter. It's why a lot of people think Maddison should be starting for england, while Southgate is unlikely to even take him in the squad. Anyway, I agree that for Joelinton his form probably came a bit too late. Also as others have said, we don't really know if he fits in to a system that plays 2 holding midfielders as he has never played that role before. I personally think he could be a beast sitting next to a classic defensive midfielder like Casemiro.

I admit I was actually disappointed. After it looking so likely that Emery was going to be the man, I was blinded by the pedigree. Emery also had Villareal playing some fantastic football at that time and had them in the champions league. In my defense I think even the people excited about Howe didn't expect at the time how amazing he has actually been.

What do you predict the starting 11 to be? Seems insane to me that Bruno won't be starting, I understand to some degree the whole heirachy thing even though I disagree with it. Southgate is similar in that sense and it's probably the reason Maddison won't be starting for England this world cup.

It's a snippet of Jake Humphrey's podcast episode with Eddie. The full episode will be released today, if it hasn't been released already (I haven't checked yet as at work).

Seems like he had a good amount of influence. I remember being excited back when we were being linked to Emery, really rate him as a manager, similar to Eddie in that he can make a squad perform better than the sum of its parts. Still very very glad that Emery bottled it and we ended up with wor Eddie instead

Good point. Hopefully we'll be able to operate more like a Liverpool rather than a Manchester United with regards to wages. Liverpool have their wage structure and they stuck to it for as long as they possibly could. Until Salah and Mane were (rightfully) demanding wages that they would get at clubs like Real Madrid. Liverpool then had to make a choice to sell Mane in order to give Salah that massive contract. Salah hasn't been on the best form since his new contract, also I remember when Aubameyang was on fire and signed a massive contract with Arsenal, then his form just completely fell off a cliff. I wonder if it could be anything to do with players losing motivation after signing these insane contracts?

A fit and motivated Shelvey will be such a big boost to our squad, especially because it will allow Bruno to be able to play that number 8 role again. Really interesting and kind of excitng that Howe said he's as fit as he's seen him. I remember when him and Diame had that period under Rafa when they were bossing the midfield and keeping Mikel Merino out of the team. That was also during the time when Shelvey was as fit as I remember seeing him.

Hopefully he's forced to run out the rest of his contract without getting paid off. You just know that's the worst case scenario for him, actually having to work to get paid.

From the Athletic Article. It's still surreal to me how much has already changed since the takeover. Before we were the club that didn't want to compete for any player, now most clubs (apart from the elite) don't want to bother competing with us

My 12 foot ladder appears to be broken

Anybody watch the turkish league and has any insight on how he got on at Besiktas?

Accomplished at being shite

Don't say it, don't say it, don't say it..... WHY THE FUCK DID WE GIVE DUBRAVKA TO MANURE

Same way wolves are signing Diego Costa after the window closed. Not sure exactly why it's allowed though.

Not even sure on that one

wtf isn't this guy a meme of a keeper??

So glad I no longer have to have any bitterness or hatred towards the media now. I can just laugh at those clueless dumb cunts

You think Ole would do a better job at Chelsea than Potter?

I agree with you and I think most Chelsea fans would too. But they have been playing some really bleak stuff so far this season.

Yeah I know you didn't say that. Was more directed at the scouting team, because even though I understand them not wanting to take many risks up to this point, it feels like some absolute bargains slipped through our fingers this summer window. Like that Kvaratshkelia for example. If it's true he would have never got a work permit then fair enough but there has been many other players transferred this window that I'd have like us to have made a move for.