The General Football Thread

I don't hate Southgate in the slightest. Quite the opposite. I think he's a lovely guy and has done wonders to make the England team more likeable.

I just think he's a very, very, very limited manager, and always have done. As I said before, Puel took us to the League Cup Final. That doesn't make him good enough.

 

Maybe true, but also after getting us there and 8th, don't you think it was a kick in the teeth and a bad move to replace him with MP2?

As I always say...be careful what you wish for

 

No doubt. But there’s not a premier league team that would consider Southgate as their manager. And that should tell you everything.

 

I am with you there. However, how many top Premier League managers actually cut it as international ones.

The only I can think of off the top of my head are Ancelotti and maybe Hodgson? I think managing an International team is a different beast than a Premier league team.

 

Mancini. Strachan. Although whether Strachan was a success as Scotland manager is up for debate.

 

Alf Ramsey did alright before football was invented.

 

At least he won something, 1966 wasn't it? Until he suffered a bit of a brain dead moment, almost got us there again four years later?

Frankly, the way the PL is set up, the home nations will always struggle with inconsistent teams via availability, time together, playing time for those eligible etc. However I think we're entitled to see something much better than last night which was an embarrassing episode to add to the burgeoning collection.

 

I watched and didn't see much.

 

Southgate, who is a decent and I think nice chap, but has lost the plot with this squad. Ralph has more mileage with us, will have his situation reviewed around December onwards I think, or if safety looks probable until the end of the season. There is no real available option at present that we are prepared to pay for, in my humble opinion.

 

Scotland 1 down. Che on the bench. Obafemi playing a blinder.

 

1 - 1 Hendry

 

Bazunu in goal for ROI too

 

2 - 1 FT Scotland Christie penalty. Che got a few minutes Stu subbed off.

 

It was a bad move to replace him with MP2, but it wasn't a bad move to replace him. There is a reason that players at three successive clubs grew disenchanted with him in short order (and why he's been put of a job for nearly a year).

 

It is, yes. In that it's more of a motivational role and tactical than coaching. But GS isn't good at the second bit (and I question whether he's actually good at the first).

 

Totally agree. Can't believe the anger some people are showing (not here but elsewhere) over a bunch of friendlies. As bad as Southgate might be, it's not like he has the power to turn Kane, Foden, Sterling into sh*t players that can't pick a pass or take a shot. He shouldn't really even need to instruct them much at all. They are all vastly experienced players now.

Maybe it's just that half our players aren't as good as we actually think they are. Or more likely, that none of the players want to risk getting injured as the domestic season has only just got underway, and the WC is on the horizon.

Also, it isn't just Southgate making the decisions. There are a whole team of coaches working on the team. Southgate is essentially just the face of it.

Anyway, Germany got beaten 0-1 at home to Hungary, with more or less their strongest team. Just goes to show we're not the only ones who don't take the Nations League seriously.

 

JWP left out of squad for tonight (along with TAA, Tomori etc) because Southgate.

 

I'm actually relieved TBH. I was expecting him to start and then get injured!

 

This also means I no longer have a decision to make whether to watch the game or not.

 

You may get the rare chance to watch all three keepers that are so desperately needed in the squad?