Pre-season 25-26

[Sniffer]

No doubt, but if he was for sure gone I’d expect he’d know so; EP’s reference to his attitude was the important info, really.

If he has improved in the Netherlands enough that Vítor sees something, I’ll consider it an earned opportunity by him.

Aggie had the bombscare vibes last season, IMV, just got things right in the end (think I called him a deluxe Stearman at one point). I worry about him, but hopefully it’s for nothing in the end.

I thought that you were our resident French football expert.

 

[Alan]

I thought that you were our resident French football expert.

Those days are long since passed, I’m afraid. Not least because I don’t have any way to watch Ligue Un.

That, and Cheikh N’Doye convincing me there was no point in trying.

 

[The Bear]

 

[EpsomWolf]

If this is the squad on the 02/09 then we’re in deep shit.
Even our powers that be won’t be as incompetent not to recruit by then.

 

[Templeton Peck]

We're very much at the acceptance stage of the window now. Hoever and Doc will be Cafu and Nesta by the end of the week. Then it'll be the turn of Silva and Bueno. No judgement here - it's just brains doing their job trying to prepare you for trauma.

 

[jd1981]

Arias and Lopez absolutely have to work, 2 WB absolutely have to work at the bare minimum. Absolutely no room for manoeuvre on this as it stands.
Relying on Munetsi and JRB to do a job won’t work the latter put in some good performances but I wouldn’t trust that to be the new normal.
Basically everyone who comes in has to fit in immediately.

 

[The Bear]

Three more signings is the bare minimum we need. Two wing-backs and a CM to cover Andre/Gomes.

Without those we will struggle badly.

 

[jd1981]

That then gives you a decent first 11 we are then reliant on not to many injuries etc.
Would be ideal if the project players came to fruition this season.
This is how a gradual decline looks though eventually it leaves you more reliant on luck rather than staying up by design.

 

[Mel Evo]

Three more signings is the bare minimum we need. Two wing-backs and a CM to cover Andre/Gomes.

Without those we will struggle badly.

Intent scenario all we’d have done is replace outgoing players like for like, while failing to upgrade any other position or take advantage of deadwood being shifted from the rest of the squad. So being happy with that would really be a win for expectation management.

 

[Mel Evo]

I should add that if you’re saying its a likely outcome, and potentially even preferable to a plausible terrible scenario, then I don’t disagree.

 

[The Bear]

Intent scenario all we’d have done is replace outgoing players like for like, while failing to upgrade any other position or take advantage of deadwood being shifted from the rest of the squad. So being happy with that would really be a win for expectation management.

I wouldn't say I'd be happy about it, just that it would be the bare minimum of what's needed.

 

[jlo]

 

[jlo]

That's our strongest team at the moment, minus the newest signing. Eek at the back line

 

[Lycan]

That's our strongest team at the moment, minus the newest signing. Eek at the back line

I was just going to say the same. We don't sign anyone in the next 2 weeks and that team has to play Man City.

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

I quite like most of the starting XI in fairness.

Other than Saša and Rodrigo I would never really want to bring any of those subs on in a PL game.

 

[jlo]

I quite like most of the starting XI in fairness.

Other than Saša and Rodrigo I would never really want to bring any of those subs on in a PL game.

The back line is the very obvious issue, despite what you said I know you'd happily replace 4 of the 5.

 

[prawnking]

Arias to come in at least

 

[prawnking]

I quite like most of the starting XI in fairness.

Other than Saša and Rodrigo I would never really want to bring any of those subs on in a PL game.

Munetsi fine surely?

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

The back line is the very obvious issue, despite what you said I know you'd happily replace 4 of the 5.

I'm also realistic enough to know that we won't sign 4 first team defenders in a month (and hopefully we have Yerson back after the first international break)

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

Munetsi fine surely?

To make me wonder how he has a top flight career and Mark Burke didn't?

I don't know what situation exists where I'd think he's what we need to change the game or solidify our position. I forget he's playing half the time.