No problem, @Lambertissier ! Seems we're all drained, be it from defending Ralph, attacking Ralph, analysing the quality of the squad and the transfers we've made, etc. It's utterly complexing and not one of us has the complete set of answers. It's good to read both sides of the debate though, as I think a lot of valid points are made on each. Just as long as it doesn't turn petty and spiteful. At the end of the day we all just want Saints to win (even me!).
indeed, I just feel I’m on a roller-coaster of emotions with it all recently. You’re dead right, we all want the same thing ultimately. It will be an interesting few months, that’s for sure. I just hope he can turn it around, but I’m less convinced with every game.
I am staying in the Ralph in camp for two major reasons 1) I don't really think there is any better out there we can attract 2) I can't admit LincolnSaint was right
I agree about the consistency thing which is what is so frustrating I suppose about the manager. We strongly differ on our opinions of the players though so not really much point in going into it, just agree to disagree on that front. I think that is where the “when we win it’s Ralph when we lose it’s the players” argument comes from. In some peoples opinion this group of players is relegation material so when they play well and beat Spurs (say) then it’s down to the manager implementing a great style that worked. When they go and get battered at home by Watford then it’s the players reverting to type of being not very good. As always it’s a bit of both
Attacking-wise I’d agree. It’s on the players. We don’t create enough quality chances and when we do we can’t finish them. But defensively it’s on Ralph. A back four of Tino, Bednarek, Salisu, KWP, with Romeu and JWP in front, would be a solid defensive unit under another manager. I mean, who the f*ck sends their CB up to take all the throw-ins in attacking areas? When a long ball is put into our half, our CBs are being instructed to step up and make an early interception. But so often, time after time, they arrive too late, and then the back line is out of shape. It’s so clear to see, and explains why a quick counter can undo us so easily. If the CBs were told to be more patient, jockey, hold the line, etc, I swear we would reduce the goals against significantly. But we never seem to learn. Tired of watching Salisu get caught out like this.
As I said at the time, I watched Salisu closely from the kick off and he was slow to react to danger and caught out of position several times. On Brentford's first goal he was glued to the penalty spot on his own and not watching anybody then when the ball goes to the edge of the six yard box he is way too slow to get across and stop the pass to the scorer. Now I don't know if he was instructed to zonal mark but I would expect a CB to actively defend at a corner.
But maybe we play like that because our attacking players aren’t good enough. We have to win the ball high so that we can quickly get the ball into them because they aren’t good enough to create anything against a settled team who put more players behind the ball. Who knows. I agree that a different type of manager would probably make us harder to beat, the question would he would they do that all the time or just in certain games. Ralph does have a good record against the big teams (which is when you would think it would be most likely we would set up to be hard to beat) So, again, is it because we are so **** going forward that when we play teams who may sit back against us we play like mentalists all over the pitch trying to help our attacking players score which leaves us so exposed we get caught out. **** knows it’s a real can of worms and no easy answer as when you think you’ve found one it just raises a couple of other questions.
A lot of names were suggested previously but made fun of. Names like Eddie Howe, who just leapfrogged us with Newcastle, Gerrard who did the same with Villa, Lampard who will likely do the same too before the end of the season.
I agree with what you say about the times they mistime the interception and get turned, but yesterday they were being caught out by balls over the top with Brentford players on their shoulder. We desperately need a defensive coach.
Steve Cooper will be snapped up by someone in the Premier League before long even if he fails to get Forest up. He may not be a hipster name but he has a record that is hard to ignore.
Can't see Norwich ditching Dean Smith yet and would he leave Forest for Burnley?, hmm I doubt it. Watford may be in with a shout though.
The press requires the whole team to play on the front foot and try to intercept play as early as possible, defenders included. So I don’t think it works if you have the strikers and midfielders doing it, while the defenders sit back. I don’t think it’s a defensive coach, but rather a new way of playing, that we need.
Doubt it. I’d imagine they will stick with him. Brendan Rodgers will likely be available. Obviously I will get laughed at for suggesting it though.
Are we still using that old one? Thought he wiped the smile of our faces with that 9-0 humiliation he served us up with.
