Zero Posted September 16, 2018 Share Posted September 16, 2018 If Rafa doesn't want to play a player, you should take him away from the equation. Aarons, Mitrovic, Lazaar, Mbemba, in a way Gamaz etc. So in this perspective the number of players that we "would" and "could" play definitely improves. Our squad massively overachieved last season imo. Merino didn't play much in our 2nd half of the season and it's Shelvey Diame and Perez trio that really shined in our midfield. I ain't that concerned about the results so far. Any point is a bonus. What I concern is the signings. I don't understand why but it seems Rafa doesn't trust them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest neesy111 Posted September 16, 2018 Share Posted September 16, 2018 If Rafa doesn't want to play a player, you should take him away from the equation. Aarons, Mitrovic, Lazaar, Mbemba, in a way Gamaz etc. So in this perspective the number of players that we "would" and "could" play definitely improves. Our squad massively overachieved last season imo. Merino didn't play much in our 2nd half of the season and it's Shelvey Diame and Perez trio that really shined in our midfield. I ain't that concerned about the results so far. Any point is a bonus. What I concern is the signings. I don't understand why but it seems Rafa doesn't trust them. Probably because most were 4th to 5th choices. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRon Posted September 16, 2018 Share Posted September 16, 2018 I thought Rafa has said he felt some of the new signings needed time to adapt or get fit and thats why they are being eased in. I dont believe its a trust thing. It's nearly two months into the season now, you would like to think someone like Muto can offer a bit more than Perez or Joselu. They might press the defenders as per Rafa's instructions, but they just don't offer enough threat in the penalty area. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wormy Posted September 16, 2018 Share Posted September 16, 2018 I thought Rafa has said he felt some of the new signings needed time to adapt or get fit and thats why they are being eased in. I dont believe its a trust thing. It's nearly two months into the season now, you would like to think someone like Muto can offer a bit more than Perez or Joselu. They might press the defenders as per Rafa's instructions, but they just don't offer enough threat in the penalty area. Bearing in mind most of them didn't really get a pre-season with us it doesn't surprise me in the least. They may be better players who can offer more individually but Rafa's all about the collective. He probably wants to have coached them for longer, hence all his comments at the beginning of the window about getting players in ASAP. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tubestationatmidnight Posted September 16, 2018 Share Posted September 16, 2018 If Rafa doesn't want to play a player, you should take him away from the equation. Aarons, Mitrovic, Lazaar, Mbemba, in a way Gamaz etc. So in this perspective the number of players that we "would" and "could" play definitely improves. Our squad massively overachieved last season imo. Merino didn't play much in our 2nd half of the season and it's Shelvey Diame and Perez trio that really shined in our midfield. I ain't that concerned about the results so far. Any point is a bonus. What I concern is the signings. I don't understand why but it seems Rafa doesn't trust them. Probably because most were 4th to 5th choices. Surely it's better to not sign them then and not get judged on them as your signings? That's what my dad keeps saying when I'm on about Ashley. Just keeps saying he's right not to trust Rafa with money even though I point out they aren't his choices he just says don't sign them then Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
toon25 Posted September 16, 2018 Share Posted September 16, 2018 It was mental to think Diame would have been capable of maintaining his form from last season. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wormy Posted September 16, 2018 Share Posted September 16, 2018 If Rafa doesn't want to play a player, you should take him away from the equation. Aarons, Mitrovic, Lazaar, Mbemba, in a way Gamaz etc. So in this perspective the number of players that we "would" and "could" play definitely improves. Our squad massively overachieved last season imo. Merino didn't play much in our 2nd half of the season and it's Shelvey Diame and Perez trio that really shined in our midfield. I ain't that concerned about the results so far. Any point is a bonus. What I concern is the signings. I don't understand why but it seems Rafa doesn't trust them. Probably because most were 4th to 5th choices. Surely it's better to not sign them then and not get judged on them as your signings? That's what my dad keeps saying when I'm on about Ashley. Just keeps saying he's right not to trust Rafa with money even though I point out they aren't his choices he just says don't sign them then Well at least now we know where you get it from. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kanj Posted September 16, 2018 Share Posted September 16, 2018 Don’t disagree at all that Rafa “doesnt care” which I’ve seen in some prior posts. He’s committed as ever to succeeded at his job. Whatever it is. He def made some mistakes in team selection IMO. But then again our fixture list is redic, 2-1 losses to spurs, Chelsea, city and arsenal. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
biggs Posted September 16, 2018 Share Posted September 16, 2018 It was mental to think Diame would have been capable of maintaining his form from last season. He has been average most of his career just a golden season then back down to bang average . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robster Posted September 16, 2018 Share Posted September 16, 2018 It was mental to think Diame would have been capable of maintaining his form from last season. Maybe, but how much has the debacle of the summer had an affect on his confidence and motivation ? Same goes for everyone really. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crumpy Gunt Posted September 16, 2018 Share Posted September 16, 2018 Were 2nd bottom on goal difference. I apologise. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
UncleBingo Posted September 16, 2018 Share Posted September 16, 2018 For me it feels like we're a club with no heart this season. Rafa will do his best but from the very top of the club the apathy, carelessness and vindictiveness is killing the team, killing any hope. may be something in this i guess, last season was about exceeding expectations and so forth this season we've deliberately had the chair kicked out from under us by ashley, has probably had an impact on everyone Aye, last season was more of an unknown as we'd just come up (again) but actively sabotaging your own club this season really is peak Ashley, then again he's been doing it for years. To me it is understandable why the players will be demoralised this season. I guess everyone could see it happening apart from Ashley and his cronies. They played their hearts out last season and got us to a decent position in the league. Then what happens? The players all come out asking for the manager to be backed. Ashley won't do it because Rafa won't sign the contract because Ashley won't sanction improvements to the infrastructure. The result being that he is only allowed to bring a player in if one leaves. This leads to players like Ritchie and Gayle being unsettled because they don't want to leave and neither does Rafa want them to leave but he needs to improve the squad and is not allowed to add to it. Hayden wants to leave - even does the decent thing and actually puts in a transfer request - but is not allowed to leave because Rafa knows he will not be able to afford anyone better. Then comes the annual dispute with players over bonuses - supposedly based on unattainable targets. So why should the players feel motivated to repeat last season's efforts? The owner clearly isn't interested or grateful for last season or even capable of comprehending what an enormous effort it was from everyone. His attitude is if they finished 10th, then that cuts him some slack as they can afford to drop a few places. He has no interest in rewarding them or motivating them to do better than last year. And the players brought in? All from relegated clubs or ones that were involved in relegation battles. Along with the difficult start and the gradual realisation that this season is going to be even more of a struggle and certainly not one to enjoy - either by players or fans, then it is not hard to see why players are not performing to the same levels. I am sure they are giving their all but will have been subconsciously affected by Ashley's decision making. And Rafa's situation is probably the main issue. The players have all bought into him but if he leaves, where does that leave them? It has never worked when players know a manager is leaving and almost always, the manager does end up leaving before the end of the season. So what happens next? Palace and Leicester will be difficult, then it is Man Utd. Where will we be then? If Ashley wouldn't back Rafa with 12 months left on his contract why would he do it with 6 months left? Does that mean he sacks Rafa? I wouldn't be surprised if he is waiting for the opportunity just like he did with Hughton. And no doubt the next manager will be given significant transfer funds as another kick in the teeth for Rafa with the underlying message that it was all Rafa's fault for not signing the contract. Great post, absolutely nailed it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zero Posted September 17, 2018 Share Posted September 17, 2018 I thought Rafa has said he felt some of the new signings needed time to adapt or get fit and thats why they are being eased in. I dont believe its a trust thing. It's nearly two months into the season now, you would like to think someone like Muto can offer a bit more than Perez or Joselu. They might press the defenders as per Rafa's instructions, but they just don't offer enough threat in the penalty area. Bearing in mind most of them didn't really get a pre-season with us it doesn't surprise me in the least. They may be better players who can offer more individually but Rafa's all about the collective. He probably wants to have coached them for longer, hence all his comments at the beginning of the window about getting players in ASAP. So is Murphy "settled" now? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 17, 2018 Share Posted September 17, 2018 Has there been any mention from pundits that the two teams we set up to defend against this season, with Rafa getting stick, put 4 each past teams where goal difference might be important for survival come the end of the season? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NG32 Posted September 17, 2018 Share Posted September 17, 2018 Has there been any mention from pundits that the two teams we set up to defend against this season, with Rafa getting stick, put 4 each past teams where goal difference might be important for survival come the end of the season? None from what ive seen. Edit: Most pundits dont care about teams lving at the bottom end of the table, all they want to see is the top six spanking teams week in - week out and woe be tired if a bottom half of the table team stifles a game and ruins their afternoon. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattoon Posted September 17, 2018 Share Posted September 17, 2018 It's also important to remember Rafa is all about rotation at the beginning of the season, under him we've pretty much always started slow (admittedly much slower this season) and kicked on as the season has gone on, also finishing relatively strongly. At a time where most teams are getting injuries and fatigue, the way Rafa mixes it up leaves us stronger towards the end of the season and keeps our injury list relatively low at all times. When he thinks we're ready we'll see his best 11 week in, week out but it's never at the start of the season. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToonArmy1892 Posted September 17, 2018 Share Posted September 17, 2018 Our own fans having a go at Rafa ffs Won championship and finished 10th, end of story. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
geordiedean Posted September 17, 2018 Share Posted September 17, 2018 Our own fans having a go at Rafa ffs Won championship and finished 10th, end of story. Does he get a free pass with everything he does then? He has to harbour some of the blame and criticism at times, his tactics and team selection and substitutions are frustrating at times You cant just let the fella have a free ride and be absolved of any criticism at all even the best managers get criticised Pardew finished 5th and he was despised and rightly so Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoveItIfWeBeatU Posted September 17, 2018 Share Posted September 17, 2018 I get the impression some fans think NUFC should try and play swashbuckling, Keegan style football. When Keegan did that we had one of the best squads in the league and I'd say tactics, fitness, etc of all the teams have come along way since the 1990s. When Keegan returned and the squad wasn't as good he said the team couldn't compete (he got a bollocking off Mike Ashley for stating that fact). Not even Keegan could play good attacking football with the squad he had under Mike Ashley. The squad now is worse in quality (compared to the rest of the league) than it was in Keegan's second stint. An attacking manager may get the odd better result than Rafa with the same squad but they'd also get hammered a lot more. Rafa wins points he probably shouldn't against the better teams. Sometimes he doesn't get wins when they are expected. Averaged out over a season, with the squad available I'd think Rafa would get more points than the manager who went for it every game. Rafa is playing the hand he's been dealt. If you won't pay the money you won't get decent attacking players. Attacking players are usually a lot more expensive than defensive players. Mike Ashley has NUFC taking a knife to a gunfight. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
loki679 Posted September 17, 2018 Share Posted September 17, 2018 The problem is you bring no sense of context into your posts. At a normal club, then sure, criticism may be warranted but even then it's a matter of opinion. What's missing from your view is the recognition that our manager is being forced to work with a squad that's not fit for purpose and has been constructed not in order to win football matches but to maximise the bottom line at the end of the season. You may disagree with tactics or substitutions (or the lack thereof) but the simple fact is we have a master craftsman being forced to work with broken, rusty tools swiped from a lockup by the river. Like it or not, he's doing the best he can with what he has and no amount of wisdom in hindsight changes that fact. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
geordiedean Posted September 17, 2018 Share Posted September 17, 2018 The problem is you bring no sense of context into your posts. At a normal club, then sure, criticism may be warranted but even then it's a matter of opinion. What's missing from your view is the recognition that our manager is being forced to work with a squad that's not fit for purpose and has been constructed not in order to win football matches but to maximise the bottom line at the end of the season. You may disagree with tactics or substitutions (or the lack thereof) but the simple fact is we have a master craftsman being forced to work with broken, rusty tools swiped from a lockup by the river. Like it or not, he's doing the best he can with what he has and no amount of wisdom in hindsight changes that fact. I completely agree with you on this and yes he is working within massive restraints but even within the restraints he has some of his choices are puzzling at times. Starting players like Hayden,Joselu,Manquillo,Murphy and leaving people like Shelvey,Muto,Rondon etc on the bench is a head scratcher. As you said football is very opinion based and everyones opinion differs but I do not think he can always be absolved of any criticism no matter the restraints hes under Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToonArmy1892 Posted September 17, 2018 Share Posted September 17, 2018 The point is, blaming Rafa for what's going on is pointless. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
geordiedean Posted September 17, 2018 Share Posted September 17, 2018 The point is, blaming Rafa for what's going on is pointless. Events off the pitch he cannot be criticised for but events and decisions he makes on the pitch hes open to criticism for in my opinion Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darth Crooks Posted September 17, 2018 Share Posted September 17, 2018 These methods have worked in the recent past - difference is this season the manager has been supported even less, the politics have been laid even more bare with tensions whilst other clubs have strengthened not only in personnel terms but also through the drive of being first season in the premier league, boards and fans pulling in the same direction and just being bothered about being an actual football club. You can't ignore that context - it's far more of a factor than what sub could have been done or a formation. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
loki679 Posted September 17, 2018 Share Posted September 17, 2018 Other clubs are trying to compete on the pitch, we're trying to compete at the accountants, that's the big difference. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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