I’m just honestly perplexed at how terrible Jose’s squad management is. For a manager that’s won so much I’m genuinely shocked at how bad the squad is being managed.
Kane, Son and Hojbjerg have all been well below par in recent games because they’ve been playing 90 mins in the League, played in the Europa games and two even played 90 mins in the cup the other night.
These guys are being ran into the ground and for some reason the manager can’t see it.
If I were still a betting man and a sort of bet was available, I’d put money on one of Kane or Son getting a hammy tear sooner or later - and if that happens, kiss goodbye to any top four finish or potential trophy.
It's not just that DH. How are you by the way? Long time no banter. Thought I'd pop by so y'all can gaze at Poch's beautiful face again.
Anyway it isn't just that (although I do fully agree with your point). Our style of football is EXHAUSTING. Anyone with Sunday league experience or up knows that when you're in possession, the ball does the running. When you're not, you do the running. Simples.
Add to that the absurd levels of concentration and focus our style requires every one of our players to have. From the defenders praying they don't suffer a lapse to the attackers praying they convert one of the pittance of chances they get per game, the pressure is is immense. It is mentally very, very taxing and the regulars are clearly looking drained as a result.
Add to that the growing probability that many of our players just don't buy into the system like they did a few months ago. That exhaustion is forgivable when at least the results are going your way, but when they're not - especially due to so many late, late goals, the feeling of deflation and disillusionment can be overwhelming. It was telling that there were multiple moments in this game where some of our more vocal players (usually Dier and Davies) were screaming at others (usually Son and Hojbjerg) to close down space but the latter were just like 'what's the fecking point? It's just coming straight back at us anyway.'
Pull the other one. Sad thing is, we could be. Utilising Aurier/Reguilon like we used Walker/Rose, allowing Tanguy a free role instead of insisting he becomes a box to box midfielder, play Gio much, much further up the pitch, pin teams back with our FBs and the pace of Son/Stevie and stop asking Kane to play 3 roles at once. It honestly isn't rocket science.
