I don't like our general style, but the negativity in this game was mainly down to Hull. They worked hard with determination, but they were tiring and we should have done better in the 2nd half (understatement of the year). We looked more creative, but once again didn't have that bit of class in final third. Taken alone I wouldn't get too worked up about the Hull game, but there have been too many games like this.
This is my feeling when talking strictly in terms of results and performance - as none of us know what's happened behind the scenes. Whilst I am not calling for his head, because he hasn't been too bad at all this season, I wouldnt be that sad to see him go. This hasn't been either an incredible season or a complete failure, so I am not leaning strongly either way. If he does go there are likely to be a few decent managers available this summer (Silva and Emery) so there would be options available. I also don't think it will impact whether any players stay/leave as the likes of VVD and Bertrand are under contract for another 4 years yet!
Because he'll probably be unemployed by June? Think I read that he did speak with LR before he got the PSG job? Plus the pull of managing in the premier league would be tempting if/when he gets sacked by PSG. The only top 6 job that may be available this summer is Arsenal.
Whilst I would be disapointed to see Puel go after one season, if it means keeping certain players, then it's gotta be done. I do beleive that all this is more than just the standard rumour - there's something in it!
The biggest reason that I want him to stay is I won't be able to bear all the fans going "told you so" ... those fans who wanted him out before he started, and have been bleating and bleating and bleating **** all season. The ones who weren't prepared to give him a chance.
This is not the case - they don't mean that the player will stay for the duration of the contract but they do dictate when and how much they leave for. The way contracts work at Saints is as follows: 5 years - They've only just signed it 4 years - Going no where - we will get the same price next year 3 years - If the offer is ridiculous and they want out we will sell 2 - We will most likely sell but only at market value 1 - Cheerio I've said this before and applying it to almost any of our recent transfers seems to work.
The only reason I am not going to put it in writing that I am extremely confident he will stay is because of the proposed takeover. As we don't even know if or by whom we will be bought, we have no idea what their approach to player sales will be. If things were to stay as they are I'd say I think we will keep him for one more season before selling him for a huge bid of over £50m.
Guan 2.0 on TSW was asked .....How are things internally? Doesn't seem to be a happy family just now? Of which he answered ..............Morale isn't 'That' bad. But, there is frustration with the uncertain takeover, players and non-playing staff asking what it means for their future. And a sense we are slipping. So not even a mention of of fallouts with Puel.
Well Virgil has 5 years left so you think we'll get another 2...? I have to disagree, as I've said before the contract only impacts on the fee we get. Imo it's down to these 2 questions; 1- Have the buying club offerred an amount acceptable to us (the board)? 2- Does the player fancy the move? Once those 2 questions are answered yes then they are gone imo, whether they have 1 year or 10!
Depending on the ownership situation I'd probably grant you that one - VVD will be here another year maximum. But how do you explain the Mane, Schneiderlin and Wanyama deals? All 3 of those players wanted to leave and big clubs were prepared to pay the sums we eventually sold for, but we kept each of them an extra season. Whilst it can't stop a player from leaving completely, it certainly allows us to keep them for an extra season or so.
It doesn't matter how good a manager is.....if he hasn't got the players with him he won't achieve anything. Sadly I'm not sure Puel has the players with him.
Totally agree FLT - I think we can all admit that he was dealt the worst hand out of our recent managers. He may have played it badly in some games (City and Hull home performances were really poor), but he has had many things to deal with, that are out of his control: - key players sold last summer (including over 40 goals taken from the team) - Fonte leaving mid season - van dijk injury, Austin injury, Gabbiadini injury - Thursday/Sunday European schedule. - period of 2 games in 6 weeks, then 3 games a week on several occasions. Yes he has made mistakes, and his tactical decisions and substitutions very questionable recently (JWP being left out, Redmond also), but had not much luck either. He deserves a longer chance.
Can't remember the exact details with Mane/Vic but with Morgan didn't we get a joke offer of around £10m from Spurs? So no one offerred an amount acceptable to us for him.
A lot of the time club will be willing to pay for a player but don't make an official bid because the selling club have made it clear to the agent that the player will not be leaving regardless - so even if no official bid is made there is still often interest. I suppose there is no perfect system to analyse how saints do decide when to sell, as every transfer and situation is unique. I just believe that players with 4/5 seasons left will be made to stay an additional year and then allowed to leave - similar to what we did with mane/Schneiderlin.
