Why Bielsa's time is up With a very heavy heart, I believe Bielsa's tenure is up. I know I'm heavily in the minority with this opinion, but we need a team that will not just fight, but will be difficult to beat, and I don't think the Argentine is the man to do this. Whilst injuries have decimated our squad this term, I firmly believe that the peak levels of fitness Bielsa demands week in, week out have taken its toll on the players, and one by one, their bodies have succumb to injury. We need to remember that Bielsa has insisted on a squad this size to make it through the season, and the gamble has not paid off. To kick off a campaign with one (goal scoring) forward is ludicrous. It was always going to be sods law how that one played out! I am absolutely dumbstruck that Gelhardt has barely featured during Bamford's lay off. He's the closest thing we have as a direct replacement. Rodrigo was not bought to ER to score goals, and Messrs James and Roberts have proved they are not the answer either, yet Gelhardt has been used sparingly. I understand the need to protect the youngsters, but when you see the likes of Citeh, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal all utilizing their stars of tomorrow, it's disappointing not to see more of Cresswell, Dramah, Gelhardt, Summerville, Greenwood and Bate. By playing out of position, we lose the balance of the team. By going man for man, especially against a better team, we are lambs to the slaughter. Our midfield without Kalvin Phillips is a disgrace. Thank goodness Adam Forshaw has hit the ground running since returning from injury. We need a Ward-Prowse and a Curtis Jones to bolster our status in the middle of the park. Klich has not been the same since returning from burn out, Dallas tinkers about in every position, whilst nobody really knows what Rodrigo, Roberts and Dan James' best positions actually are? Bielsa will always be a legend in my eyes for what he has done for our club, and I would much rather remember him with these fond memories than somebody willing to honourably fall on their sword.
We need him to see this season out. At the end of it, if we’re relegated we need him to stay another season to develop the youngsters and get us back up. If at the end of the season we’ve survived then I’m happy for him to leave. Maybe we’ve just been out the top flight for far too long and we’re just not going to see regular European football without HUGE investment
Why did rads not see we are short of players and just buy them. 49ers are supposed to be super rich. If they funded bielsa he would have kept us up I'm sure. So he has bare bones of a squad and been hung out to dry. Do people really think he would have turned down two or three good players. So he becomes the sacrificial lamb and rads still looks good. I don't buy it there is something wrong at the top. I am of firm belief we have an owner who is devoid of any football knowledge.
You’re 100% wrong elland. Now is the time for everyone involved with the club to pull together and form a siege mentality. To be honest I’m disappointed in you for making posts which do the opposite and divide supporters. Ristac is more on the right lines, let’s get to the end of the season and then see where we are.
If at the end of the season it's back to the championship then should he stay or go, ristac says stay to develop the youngsters and take us back up.... sounds easy that doesn't it ,in reality it could be another long spell in the wilderness. I believe we will survive on the proviso that a full squad will have just enough to see it through but something has got to alter and these 2 displays might just see a tweaking of tactics.....it's going to be a close run in
The most important thing in a crisis is to keep calm. Of course in an ideal world we'd already be planning for next season but our circumstances dictate otherwise. Solidarity and 100% commitment from everyone are what's required in the here and now and that includes if results don't improve when our fixture list improves This will be a monumental effort to right the ship and it's not going to happen overnight. As a fan you should be asking yourself these questions; Do I want to feel part of this club, part of it's soul and fabric, do I underdstand that we're far more than just results and performances and how I react and support our team now, in adversity, defines me as a supporter ?
Off subject, but I'd like to wish Olof a very happy 60th birthday. His mot kindly bought him a set of rainbow coloured wigs.
Yep. Going on social media and targeting Klich and other players only adds to the pressure. As fans you just got to be loyal and give the lads, manager and owners support at this moment. You can dig them out at the end of the season. Far better to come in to this area and moan and groan among each other. It shouldn't spill over into the stands or directly at players on social media.
How do you we don't have two plans for next season already worked out. One for if we stay up and one for the championship.