I don't think anyone is "pinning their hopes on" Karagounis, but everyone (well, almost everyone) wants him to do well for the sole reason that there's nobody else! Unless Jol pulls Xavi or Iniesta out of his arse (ugh) then Karagounis and the rest are who we have until January. I'm of the outlook that every player we have will do a job until they prove otherwise, not to deride every player until they kick a ball.
Did you watch the game, SuperBri ? I thought Danny had lost another yard or two and while Dickson didn't have a bad game, he certainly didn't look PL standard. I mention this only because Jol keeps bringing up their names in his various interviews recently. However, on their performances tonight, the decision to let them go was the correct one.
Reports suggest that we are back in for Nigel Reo-Coker - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/9561338/Fulham-manager-Martin-Jol-may-turn-to-Nigel-Reo-Coker-to-reinforce-midfield-despite-defeat-of-Wigan-Athletic.html Sadly that probably means, as we feared and indeed suspected that the Club's medical team knew all along, that Diarra's injury is going to be long term.
I would hate to see Reo Coker added to our squad,as of yet, he has failed to make his mark with any of the teams he has recently been associated with ie; Bolton and Charlton, also failing to impress several continental teams. Why go for someone who carer is on the wane,when i am sure we have within our junior ranks several who can step up, and take their chance,even if its only for the next three months.
Thanks, Bidley. That's an image that's going to take some shifting. I can even him imagine him finishing with a 'Tadah!'
I've got faith Jol will bring in some talent this January- we'll get by until then. In some ways two grunters in the middle suits our front line, especially if Ruiz and Berbatov are playing at the same time.
I'm with Roscafre on this, go with some youth players instead. it's a bit of a gamble but a better option than Reo-Coker. Also, I know he's getting on a bit but does he have a carer too? LOL 'Why go for someone who carer is on the wane'
Of the players being 'offerred' to us, mainly by the media, Thomas Hitzelperger is training with Everton - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19716088 And Nigel Reo-Coker with Charlton (which will please most people). I believe Diarra is having his op today so it's going to be a couple of days before we hear how things are. Whatever, unless he's got a real surprise up his sleeve Jol may actually have been satisfied with what he's seen over the last week and, as others have said, be prepared to give youth (and Kara of course) a chance while biding his time till January. I for one hope so. Also, I would hope that Grygera's performances with the U21s have proven he's okay and we hear some good news on him soon.