It is interesting to read all the optimism but I thought that last night's results really clarified things. I wish that we had acted earlier in getting rid of Hughes assuming that this bloke is so good. The bottom of the table is starting to get separated from the rest of the pack. It seems to be between Cardiff, Huddersfield, Fulham, Burnley and Saints as to who goes down. Both Palace and Newcastle are more than a wind from being caught. Discussing the situation with a colleague this morning, I argued that both Burnley and Huddersfield seem likely candidates for relegation. I would like to think that Cardiff will join them. For me, the problem that urgently needs to be fixed cannot be resolved until January. I think we need two decent central defenders otherwise Ralph will be unable to improve things. The performance on Saturday was fascinating because it showed we have a decent midfield, a front line that is starting to function and blessed by the addition of Obafemi but a defence which is pretty dis-functional. Unless we get this sorted, I don't think we will see any improvements in our league position. I was heartened by Saturday's performance and came away thinking we do not have as poor a team as we imagine but we have one which is seriously under-performing in some aspects. Unfortunately, the issue with the defence is so bad that I don't feel we can survive with the current pick of players regardless of how effective the manager might be. I haven't seen enough of Bednarek to suggest he is the "solution" but Yoshida and Stephens are ok as back up and the other two should not be played at all. Where are the youngsters ? Don't we have anyone in the reserves who might be better ? People expecting a miracle rise up the table are probably too optimistic. I cannot see us catching West Ham or Wolves and the answer will be to win the mini league in amongst the bottom 7.
Charlie: hey boss! about this running around getting fit malarky. You know I'm quite happy to come on for the last 10 minutes when everyone's knackered?
Doesnt really make much sense. You wanted Hughes gone sooner but nothing will change until January anyway?
I think the defence would improve by a significant degree by not playing zonal. Im reserving my judgement on Vestergaard until this happens. Taking on the job Ralph must see something in our defence to work with, as they say "verteidigung ist das Einfachste, was zu beheben ist, Jim."
There were rumours, and I have no idea how true or wide of the mark they were, that we didn’t do much defensive training under Hughes. Could just be an easy rumour given how bad we’ve been defensively. It will be interesting to see how much of a difference Ralph can make to our defence, even before January.
I think we have good central defenders - all internationals after all, albeit Stephens not a full cap (yet!). Hughes never worked out what his best system was. I think Ralph will offer the CBs more protection, and maybe instil more confidence and belief in them. Not sure where Elyounousssi will fit in though.
It was someone on internatina duty.cant remember who.but he said that we spend minutes training defence,as apposed to hours and days training defence with his country
Why can't the problem be fixed until January? Part of the problem is undoubtedly the players have received some really **** coaching for 18 months. Ralph should have a positive impact. He is known for being a good motivator. I predict that we will see a massive improvement by the end of December.
