Could argue that 25% already needs replacing, so that would bring it up to 75%. Or the full lot, if the strange Cedric to Barca rumours are true. Throw in a keeper whilst you're at it. Really go the whole hog.
To be honest, whoever is manager of Southampton next season, the way in which Bertrand has played the last few games makes me think he won't be here next season regardless.
Jay's strops when being subbed, as well. Something isn't right; now, that could just be that results haven't been what they were in years previous, or in Jay's case his frustration with being a more marginal figure. But we've also seen a number of individual and team performances that haven't merely been flat, they've been downright lazy. As I said previous, there's been enough that I'm not exactly Puel's biggest fan, even though he has been handed a situation that is much worse in reality than walking into a 63-point team would suggest. I also hate midseason managerial moves, because the pool is much more limited and the manager has no input on their roster, so if you're thinking he's a bad start away in '17-'18 from getting the sack (and he probably would be), better to do it in the summer. That said, he's not a terrible manager. Unless those personnel things above speak to a very deep problem, he's not likely to get us relegated where most other mangers would not...sacking him without a replacement lined up is a big risk, and not one to be undertaken lightly when we're already going to (again) be in flux. But if a well-regarded manager that fits our pre-Puel tactical approach were to find themselves looking for a new challenge (PLEASE ERNESTO VALVERDE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE) I wouldn't hesitate. (I can't possibly imagine that we have the pull to get Ernesto Valverde, but man would I like to get Ernesto Valverde)
Can you say any more on "with good reason?" I said weeks back Ryan looked unhappy; I think it was the Leicester game.
I'll be really disappointed if Puel goes. The only area where it would make sense to me would be if he has behaved badly behind the scenes and by this, I refer to whatever has happened with Ryan. I don't think that anything that has been aired publicly around Fonte can be laid at Puel's door. If he goes for anything else other than a serious fraca with a player, then I'll be disappointed. My disappointment will be simply because I think he has had a **** stick to deal with and has done ok with the situation. This season hasn't been fantastic but it's had a set of very difficult circumstances. I stand by views on what he has achieved this season and all that he has had to deal with. He should be starting next season. I'll be a little ashamed if the reaction/behaviour of some of our fans at the games have influenced the Board. It is starting to look like there is some fire, when DTLW speaks up.
I agree FLT. I said during the January transfer window that the lack of support given to Puel was telling and I felt, hung him out to dry. I really dislike player power, but that is another thing to dislike about modern football. However looking on the bright side of things, we could be the Chelsea of next season. Player power removes manager, no European football next season, Win the Premier League.
All this paper talk about Puel's position as manager under review makes me smile a bit. What fans perhaps forget is all managers come up for review at the end of a seasons football. So nothing unusual about that. The thing that has been bothering me though is how a lot of the senior players don't appear to get on with Puel. I include Bertrand and Long and Jose while he was here as well as a few not so senior. Most are experienced players who have been coached by top coaches in the past. I'm not necessarily saying they are right in their individual views whatever they may be. However a coach needs to be able to get on with all players. Maybe to listen to a few of the more experienced ones and not just dismiss things out of hand. Which appear to be the case I understand. As others have said another interesting summer is likely to be thrust on us.........oh what it is to be a Saints fan!!!!
http://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/southampton/news/45599/ Above is the view of The Ugly Inside. The reason I have posted this is to draw your attention to the comments....most are very reasoned and supportive of Puel in the cards he was dealt or thinking he should have done better. Not a case of everyone baying for blood. Fans should avoid being swept up in the idea that everyone wants him out. I think a lot of fans are supportive or at least neutral. I think the season has been ok in where we have ended up (assuming top ten) and reaching a Cup Final where the performance was excellent. We would have got out of the Europa group stage if the team had been firing....we would have done if GD counted. We played well, but couldn't score enough. My disappointments are lack of entertainment and consistency. We are good enough to have had a lot more points than we have....there should be a gap with us the best of the rest. The team can play very well when it counts (League Cup)...so should we be pointing the finger at them. Regardless of their purported view of the manager, shouldn't they be doing their best for the team and the fans. Or are they doing their best but the team lack cohesion? There can no longer be the excuse of unfamiliarity with Puel's style. Are some players looking for excuses and blaming a manager they see as in a weak position. We could go on and on (and probably will ).
On a lighter note I would like to draw your attention to Maya's recent comment. He likened Saints' form to a stuck Ketchup bottle....you know its in there and will come out one day, but just not sure when.
For probably the first time since lurking on this forum I disagree with the majority. I'm not normally one for calling for managers heads without giving them time, but after resisting negative thoughts toward Puel for quite a long time I can't keep hiding the fact I'm not happy. Yes. I'll bear in mind the injuries, the squad upheaval, European football and semi final. But these are my reasons: Our league position really isn't that great when you consider how far off relegation we are. He has almost the same team as Koeman had, minus Wanyama and Mane (I know they're big losses but the core of the team remained the same.) I've heard very very strong rumours, from multiple sources that the players hate him - all things considered, if it was the players or him, given the unrest and uncertainty, I'd choose to keep the players. He brought in Eric Black... only sense in that is that he can speak French. Doesn't seem to have a plan b. Reluctance to rotate out of form players. And I could forgive all of that, if he didn't encourage the team to play such boring football. Every single time they receive the ball in midfield, they turn around to their own half. There's no off ball running... I'd even go as far to attribute some of this to Longs poor season. First time since buying my season ticket that I'm considering not renewing. It's a 4 hour round trip for me every game and I simply don't enjoy myself at the moment... and that.... is the reason why I don't want him here any more. Apologies if that makes me a pampers candidate. It's an opinion.
He also lost Pelle, so we started the season with Austin (and soon lost him), Jay (not guaranteed to be back to his best) and Long (good, but not consistent enough to carry the team). However, every excuse apart, it may come down to his relationship with the team. Not a fan of player power...they are never going to admit to poor results being down to them...but worrying if too many players can't get on with him or his style.
Happy to give him another season. Didn't boo on Saturday, but this is the worst football I've seen us play in a long time. I know we had it good with the previous two managers but this style of football is negative, boring and depressing at times.
