Unsurprisingly playing Austin as an attacking midfielder doesn't work. I expect Romeu and Taylor to be tried there before we ever actually buy an AM.
https://southamptonfc.com/news/2017-07-30/gallery-saint-etienne-southampton-pre-season Gallery from the match. I saw a blog where Pied was named as man of the match....only one person's opinion of course, but did he have a good game?
I know the real test is in the PL, but a lot of promising stuff on show there. Good to see Targett back, Manolo looks alert, and James strutting his stuff.
https://southamptonfc.com/news/2017-07-30/video-mark-forbes-jamie-ireland-kit-france Interesting interview with kit men Forbes and Ireland about the work involved in making sure all required kit is available. Tougher job than some might imagine.
The players all seem to love Mauricio. That's good, but a little part of me feels for Puel. Must have been like being the unpopular kid at school.
Certainly seems to me, reading between the lines, that losing the dressing room was why Puel got sacked ... Shame.
I am pretty stoked with our front line this season. There are goals there and plenty of potential assists. I can see Gabbiadini and Austin rotating well so the pressure doesnt fall to heavily on anyone and I'm expecting Gallagher to start slowly and come through as the season goes on. His physique and athleticism seem to have changed dramatically in the last 3 seasons. Sadly for Long I dont see much of a season for him other than as an impact sub, he hasnt got the eye for the back of the net in the same way.
It's the same front line as last season though. Granted, we never had all of them available at the same time
The difference will be in how the team play as a whole. Austin and Gabbi are both finishers....the trick for the manager is arranging that they should be in the right place and that the ball gets to them....whilst the opposition is confused and stretched. Easy this managing lark.
[QUOTE="fran-MLs little camera. The players all seem to love Mauricio. That's good, but a little part of me feels for Puel. Must have been like being the unpopular kid at school.[/QUOTE] I know what it was like to be unpopular at school and I wasn't even French. I am as popular on these threads as I was at school only on here the Prefects have been replaced by the Mods.
I know what it was like to be unpopular at school and I wasn't even French. I am as popular on these threads as I was at school only on here the Prefects have been replaced by the Mods.[/QUOTE] But the mods all love you Godders!
Interviews you won't hear in pre-season What's the new manager like? Terrible! his training schedules are ridiculous, I still have no idea what his tactics are, I much preferred the previous coach. Do you think you'll be starting the first match? No
https://southamptonfc.com/news/2017-07-31/video-cedric-southampton-pre-season-return-interview Cedric on returning to Southampton.
