We can't have more than 8 or 9. We will have 6 that i would count as half reasonable but yes it'd be worrying. I am hoping though that YES they first 11 play all the league games and we can manage the europa. I am assuming we will dump the cups.
There are probably a few tasty teams that'll get knocked out of the CL qualifiers this summer, but that aside I'd be miffed if there's more than one side in our group that we have to play our first XI against. Hopefully, if the draw is favourable, we'll only have to play our strongest side once before we qualify top of the group. Then again, I take nothing for granted - even in the CL Jurgen has left it until the last couple of games to play our best side, and we've only qualified in the last group game. I suppose if we're up against our strongest opponents on Thursday away, but play City or Arsenal or suchlike on the following Sunday, then we'll have to sacrifice the Europa. Or maybe not if it's December and we need to win in the EL and are miles behind anyway in the league.
We’ve lost 6 (inc Hendo and Fab), plus we had Thiago, Elliott, Baj and Jones - so we had TEN and it wasn’t enough, mostly because of injuries. Imo, only 2 additional midfielders from now is still light.
Ox: wasn't a major player Keita: wasn't a major player. Milner: we will miss more as RB cover than midfielder. His time has been fading for a while. Hendo: A bit player. Fabinho: ok. First team when fit. Why am I drawing a blank on the 6th? It looks like TAA is transitioning to midfield and will be a regular starter. We have Macca and Dom now... So we've lost several bit-part players, but have added (or moved) 3 players to midfield which should offset them. Labia or other #6 will help replace them more. Bajcetic is now a solid backup and possible starter. Curtis, I don't think will ever be a star but he's improving and is competent backup now. We've got more kids coming through to be the next Curtis/Bajcetic as those two move fully into first team. I think we're already in a better place already. It's not that we didn't have enough midfielders last season, it's that we didn't have enough healthy and quality midfielders. That has changed.
exactly….and look what that did to the ones who had to play (overplay!) - I’m not saying we need ten but it’s not a stretch to suggest we at least need 2 more
Carvalho was used in the LM role if I recall. Plus Bobby played everywhere my point is that injuries proved that you needed the numbers in midfield last season. Replace 5 (or 6 ) with 2 or 3 isn’t enough.
I think he must be referring to Bobby, though he's not a midfielder he is a loss. I think if we get Lavia that's enough for midfielders and we need to be strengthening the back line.
right now as of today nobody has left cos they are ****s trying to join **** clubs for quick bucks. Henderson is all but gone. jog on, do not expect me to watch your video fabinho is about whether they will actually pay up thaigo may or may not go. lmo we will wait to see what is what with thiago. the defence is an shambles. it just is. if by some miracle there's money to buy then it has to be there.
It was in the second half the other day, but that bore no resemblance to the line-up we'll actually play with - plus nobody really tries a leg in a pre-season game. However, I do agree that the back line needs beefing up - I've already said so. Konaté still has some learning to do, and Trent doesn't have the discipline to be a deep RB (and he'd be wasted there if he did). The senior back-up that haven't left aren't up to it any more and the kids are just kids atm. Hence me saying if we do get Lavia we need to move our attention to the defence.
Mbappe to his agent: "I just want out of PSG, I'll go anywhere, please just sort me a move away." His agent: "Tottenham are interested." Mbappe: "Always loved Paris, couldn't imagine playing anywhere else."
Just had a quick look on the Southampton board to see what they are saying about Lavia, in general or the potential transfer. So many shouts about hoping Chelsea gazump us, who do we think we are, pay up or shut up type comments. It's like we don't have to try and sell our players at the value we put on them as well. The weirdest one was how Lavia would do so well under Poch. Hilarious.
Videos out already of him training with his new team in camp in Croatia. It's got to be one of the strangest ways ever to leave a club.
