That was never an easy game for us with so many injuries, but it is pretty clear that we are carrying some poor players and some players who are not as adaptable as we need.We are starting to see what life without Rudi will be like too. Top of my list is Barkley, now a 2nd rate player who we need to pay off if necessary, and get out of the Club. Next is Saul, utterly spent force and not up to pub standard in this league. Malang Sarr is not that bad but needs a loan and/or more game time, which is unlikely with us fighting for top place in the PL. Players who are not able to play where we need them right now, ie wing back, are CHO and Pulisic, both limited to a more forward position. I'm for selling Pulisic for any reasonable offer, and I'd let CHO go for the right offer, like Bayern once made, otherwise sticking with him. I am sure that Marina is onto defenders, with Rudi ,Dave and Christensen all likely to go at seasons' end. Rudi is playing very hard ball, Dave I understand is looking to go "home" for his final year or so, and Christensen playing silly buggers. Left wing in January looks a top priority, and some major moves end of season looking likely. Injured players coming back plus the core of talent we have looks very likely to keep us at or near the top till seasons end, but some tough negotiating and clever recruiting needed in the off season .
Yes, it is lucky we have the best negotiator in the business and the club is so well run these days. We'll sort it
I didn't realise how poor Barkley and Saul were, untill I had seen them play together, Ateletico must have had some proper players to make Saul look good enough for us to buy him. Barkley on the other hand I thought given a chance would shine. How wrong was I. Championship or lower for both of them. Worst game I have seen for us in a while and rotten team selection from TT.
In fairness to TT he has a load of players out, but this was an important game and Saul and Barkley should have stayed at home. A few poor selections are backfiring lately, maybe some sloppiness / complacency has affected the Manager as well? Time for everyone to refocus and toughen up.
We are running on fumes at the moment. Very lucky to be playing Leeds and Everton at home who are both out of form and riddled with injuries.
