So today marked the first day of Southampton's preseason training for those not away on World Cup duty. The question is...was Osvaldo there? How was he received by his teammates and the new coaching staff? It will be interesting to see what Koeman makes of the situation. If it was up to me, given the way the club is right now, I would keep him. If Koeman was able to wave the magic wand, turn a bad situation into a good one, then we could get a far better player out of him than we could with the slashed-price fee we would recoup from selling him on. Remember what happened with Jason Puncheon? It was like we signed a new player when we gave him another chance (although I concede that it was a far more serious matter in Dani's case). Also what is the story with Mayuka? Boruc Clyne Fonte Lovren Chambers Wanyama Schneiderlin Davis Mayuka Osvaldo Ramirez At least until Rodriguez came back. If Morgan leaves, we have Cork and JWP (admittedly a slightly different player), if Lovren leaves I expect us to sign a quality defender, we are being linked with more quality but this is what we have at our disposal at present. It looks a far better team with Osvaldo in it, being my point.
Meet him, have a chat with him about what he wants, have a separate chat with Fonte about how he feels, reintroduce Dani to the squad if they're cool with it.
If he bangs in a hat trick against Liverpool first day, then gets sent off for nutting Lord Twatbeard, he can have the key to freedom of the City of Southampton as far as I'm concerned.
If he stays and scores a goal it would be nice to see the celebration between him and fonte maybe a fake headbutt???
Why doesn't this forum let me put two words in a row beginning with capital letters? Lord Twatbeard Lord Twatbeard Lord Twatbeard
So do I. A lot of strikers improve greatly after their first season in the Premiership. I know Osvaldo didn't complete a full season but he should be better now with even a little experience. I've always believed that Ramirez would and will benefit from a proper run in the team. After a few games you can see his form progress and these are two players we've already spent the money on aside from the fortune we've just been paid for the spine of our team.
twatbeard Edit: I guess this site considers "twat" swearing. For some reason you can't capitalise a swear word on here.
Perhaps Osvaldo was faced by a "cabal" (Fonte, Rickie, Adam, Guly) As you have alluded to, he might be able to better adapt to the team now. Only time will tell.
Dani should come back...didn't work for him sur le continent, he should give the EPL a second chance. He is no longer the most hated player we have had and our new style may suit him better. If it works, it will be like getting a quality player without all the angst of a transfer saga.
Boruc Clyne Chambers Fonte Targett Cork Wanyama Davis Osvaldo Ramirez Gallagher. No need to sign anyone. Edit: JWP, Mayuka, Isgrove as impact subs.
If Dani is a real man he will come back and try to sort things out...whether it's to stay or go...if not, he will throw a strop and try to force a move through that he wants even if we lose out. Oh, silly of me...I've just remembered he's an Italian footballer
