Don't think he mentioned him in this conference, but I thought before the Villa game he said he was very close. In this weeks presser he suggested we would be without Ings, Bertie, Vokins, Bednarek, Smallbone, Djenepo and Diallo but then suggested he needed to look again at Bertie and Diallo so I'd make then doubtful rather than out. There's a story about him calling Obafemi 'unprofessional' but I think that's a translation thing more than anything else. He obviously likes the guy but frustrated that he hasn't shown the consistency seen in more mature players. A couple of good games and then an average one means it's easy to replace him with someone showing hunger in training. I think that is what we all see - a talented player who is still learning.
It has been mentioned before about Obafemi not making the best choices, with regards to being professional. It could be life choices, as in his leisure time, causing an issue. I know for a fact that he visits at least one local casino. I am not suggesting that he has a gambling problem, as that has never been related to me. In fact I have heard nothing but positive things about how nice he is, but maybe this is part of the issue. Too many late nights.
Yes that was the comment made earlier last season (when he talked about his rather unique physique and the need to warm up and cool down properly). You're right, he's a great guy and great fun to have around on the training ground. Big future at the club hopefully.
Surely Djenepo can't be out again? He was on the bench last week He has played LB/LWB before under Ralph so could be an option? or
He was a bit rubbish at RWB but admittedly the defensive side of his game has improved. Ralph did suggest he was still unavailable but that probably won't stop him including him amongst the subs - same with Diallo.
I think it's partly about fitness (even Walcott is finding the intensity of training a challenge) but equally about understanding Ralph's requirements on and off the ball. Put him in too soon and it could cost us a goal or two! Think Vesty before the penny dropped....
Good discussion of Newcastle on the Tifo podcast this week. Described Steve Bruce as still struggling with Rafa’s “short blanket syndrome” where they have been unable to find a balance in the team between conceding and scoring. Feel like we’ll need the blanket to be more like a scarf today. Loving these Friday games though. Internet not good enough for quality streams on a Friday but it’s the first day of my weekend so bigly preferable to a Sunday game. Even got some bevvies in for it too!
Just a little Kuwaiti guy on a hoverboard thing. He has batteries and runs around playing techno music and my dog hates it. I call him DJ Mo. Milk Sheikh is something I’ve surprisingly never seen here and I have sent that to my buddy who writes restaurant menus. Hopefully a good one today. Even more hopefully I’m still awake for the end of it! I’m not optimistic, but I keep thinking we’re going to lose and we don’t! Hoping Che can really shine.
My prediction is a 1-1 draw, that will have the combined effect of making us feel miserable all weekend, stopping us from going top of the table (always assuming that we come from behind to get a draw), whilst still continuing Onionman's increasingly desperate attempts to lose the mantle of thread starter. This is the Hotel California thread - you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.
I have a beer in the fridge that’s pretty good. Very strong though. I have to dilute it with an NA beer. Two points of it straight would put me to bed! The bottles are vodka and whisky. Both homebrews.
