I think if Eriksen comes in, one of Sig or Holtby will could be off and Carroll out on loan. I too think Lennon could be a surprise exit, a shame but if he's not first choice we could probably get a good amount of dosh for him. 12 midfielders fighting for 5 places is just too much I think. Also, Holtby's not really an up and comer, he's a German international who was one of the main stars for Schalke, he'll want first team football, especially with the world cup round the corner. I see what you're saying but as of yet, we're not a "top" side, we're a team where when good players join, they expect to be first choice. I think we have more midfielders, especially central ones, than most of the best teams in Europe. Utd won the league last year with a central midfield of Carrick, Scholes, Anderson, Cleverly and Kagawa to choose from. 5 CM/ CAMS. Barca won the league with Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, Fabregas, Song & Thiago. 6 CM/CAMS. Bayern with Schweignsteiger, Martinez, Kroos, Gustavo, Muller. 5 CMS/ CAMS. We already have 8 (7 if you want to exclude Carroll being a "youngster") with Eriksen potentially making 9 (or 8). For a team that's technically not a genuine title challenger, I think trying to keep all these players happy could be a problem. Of course it's brilliant for us to have such choices but I'd just be worried about players that aren't playing regularly potentially kicking up a fuss and causing a bad vibe. Hopefully I'm just over-thinking it. End of the day it's not such a bad thing to earn £40k-£50k sitting on your arse most weekends!
You don't become a top side by doing things half-arsed. Loading up on quality is exactly what we should have done the champs league year. Some of our mids won't be good enough when the dust settles, and they'll be shipped out. We should be, and it looks like we are, looking to constantly improve every position on the pitch
For what it's worth, I would be happy if we signed this Erikkson fella. We do need some creativity in the team at the ACM position, and if AVB thinks (for some reason) that Carroll and Holtby can't do the job (yet), then we need someone that can. What startled me yesterday was that we were being linked to another couple of defensive or box to box midfielders, which we plainly have absolutely no need for. By the way, whilst Carroll is obviously a specialist playmaker (and one of real class), I think Holtby is more versatile and could play any of the '3 midfield roles'.
which ones were they Rob? I've seen precious little gossip outside of Bale (yawn), Lamela and Chiriches. Someone mentioned Gareth Barry, i'd be surprised if he can make it from one box to the other in 90mins he's that slow.
We've more than loaded up now though this is my point. We're at a stage where if anymore come in, surely some have to depart? We're getting to a stage where more additions will result in others not even making the squad let alone bench. Lets say Eriksen and Lamela both arrive along with Chiriches at the back, I'd presume a first XI would be: Lloris, Walker, Kaboul, Vert, Rose Sandro, Paulinho, Capoue/ Dembele Lamela, Soldado, Chadli Subs: Friedel, Dawson, Chiriches, Dembele/ Capoue, Townsend/ Lennon, Defoe, Eriksen That there results in Holtby, Sigurdsson, Carroll, Lennon/ Townsend and Naughton not even being in the squad. I know chances of everyone being fit is slim but we still have an abundance of talent that MAY not even make a match day squad... In my opinion that's just too much.
i just don't see the problem in that at all. If talent in any position is available, we can get them, they are better than what we already have and we have the wonga then we should make the signing. Then the bottom of the pile gets sold. Yeah, we've got a lot of numbers, but its been clear to me in the games so far that we lack the quality in the creative department. If bringing in Lamela/Eriksen means other players don't get game time then i'm not gonna shed a tear for them
Chelsea won't deal with us, we're pretty sure on that i think. So how about a dastardly plan? We sell Bale for £70m to Madrid. Ronaldo is happy as he is still most expensive (pathetic chap) Madrid buy Mata from Chelsea. Madrid instantly loan us Mata with option to buy in jan/next summer for nothing. Chelsea cry (maybe)
Nope, you know i'm cold turkey on that If i was though i would take over Madrid with a new manager and bankrupt the ****ers. Win
I've never thought of doing that... Even if it is a game I'd get a slight bit of satisfaction seem them crumble. Cheers mate
I used to do that on LMA Manager - take over at Man Utd, sell all their best players, and replace them with crap ones.
i used to do it when i REALLY wanted a player that the club wouldn't sell, lol. Better be careful madrid don't create a new manager and take us over then.
Haha I done the same with Barca and Ronaldinho, always used to make Barca transfer list him then accept a £100k deal and sign him for Spurs. Football Manager can really bring a smile to your face, unless you lose in a cup final... Then the laptop gets lobbed and punched.
