We were poor for large stretches of the group stage last year and currently sit 3rd in the league. We’ve not come close to hitting our stride, and likely won’t until GLC and Sess are integrated into the squad. It’s frustrating for sure, especially dropping points from Arsenal and Olympiacos but we stole a point from City. The game at Leicester this weekend is much bigger than at Olympiacos, so let’s hope we see a more dialed-in performance.
I am an optimist by nature. That said, some things have gone our way but I want to see a prolonged stretch of solid football. The style of play today was just garbage, stagnant and plodding. I think we have enough talent to hang onto top four, but given our trajectory two years ago, I just don't think that is good enough. We had players coming into their prime and now we are even looking at some aging players. Yes, Lo Celso and Ndombele have the potential to inject some energy into this side, but it does take awhile to play into a squad, and Lo Celso is likely not going to be an impact this year given the length of the injury, or if he does it will be late. Injury bug has already been bad. Dele and Eriksen look like shells of themselves two years ago. Dier has fallen off a cliff and Toby and Jan have not played up to two years ago either. I just feel that i don't see too many things trending in the positive and I want to see that reversed. I am far from giving up. I just want to see the team give me some reasons to see the plan is back on track.
I’ve always felt Poch was much more of a man manager than tactician. Honestly, it hasn’t felt like we’ve had a true playing style/identity since leaving WHL. Injuries and unrest certainly haven’t helped, either.
Yes, I thought we were a much better team when we played 3 at the back. The fact that we have lost two 2-0 leads and lost to newcastle in the span of a few weeks is very concerning.
I'm not really worried. We sit 3rd in the league having started like shit. Also having played 2 of our 3 hardest away fixtures of the year already. I expect the team to continue to improve - barring a rash of injuries. We have more depth than ever in every position besides fullback.
Wednesday in Greece to Saturday morning is gonna be uncool. I think Rose and Aurier are going to be the reason we'll win, if we do.
EPL season is long and Arsenal, Man U and Chelsea all have their warts. But blowing the road win in champions league pretty much puts us in line for second in the group unless Bayern also fucks up. Getting drawn against a giant in the first knockout round would be a real kick in the nuts since that extra money means a lot to us.
Why did we need to rotate our FB's but pretty much every other starter played again? I'm fine with resting Rose but there really was no reason to not bring Aurier. He's only played in 1 game this year, the guy did not need a break.
It's a 3 1/2 hour flight on a private plane. The Brits, and Euros in general, are a bunch of pansies when it comes to travel. But it would be nice if the EPL gave a shit about their champions league teams and at least given us a Sunday game. Pretty much other league in Europe moves matches for their biggest teams.
That's just the plane ride. You have to get ready to go to the airport, go to the airport, get to a hotel, etc. Not saying it is not short by flight standards, but travel days still suck. It is still part of being a professional and they nee to get used to it, although in the Uk everything is a car ride away.
The right back situation certainly should have been addressed in the summer. Trippier definitely had to go but to not even bring in a developmental replacement seems irresponsible. I know Poch sees Foyth in that role and his injury obviously sucks but still. Based on Aurier’s comments last week I’m guessing they weren’t going to count on him at all until Foyth went down.
Ndombele at his peak flair is so much fun. I loved even the scrappiness when he drew that foul and his attempt to keep it alive included trapping it with his knees and hopping it forward.
I always rated Paulo but that spill was ugly, lucky Leicester couldn't get back onside. Got to love Kane falling down and still scoring.