Mane seems out of sorts at times, but IMO, he's clearly above Long and Jay Rodriguez if he can get going. He's at least as fast if not faster, and a better dribbler. Also a better passer, though he hasn't been making the best decisions so far. If he puts the work in to adapt the English game and gel with Pelle and Tadic, he will be excellent. The other problem with Mane is he's the player I feel most certain will leave if he is successful... and I could easily see him being a Lovren about it.
Players have off days or even periods of not being at their best...the good thing is that we have cover...though at the moment loss of Pelle and Forster would give me sleepless nights. Have formed no opinion of Mane's character...seems nice enough to me. Mustn't fear everyone will try or be allowed to break their contracts. Enjoy the moment.
He did play very well. He was the livliest one on the pitch and looked most likely to score for us, it just wasn't quite coming off. Genius move by RK to bring him off for Long.
If Jay wants to go to Spurs, then I would lose some respect for him after getting back to fitness on our payroll. I think he's a great player and can do better than Spurs - like staying with Saints and playing in Europe next season. We will need a bigger squad next season so I don't see a problem having Long, Mane and JRod all fighting for starting places. That said, I think Jay will stay with us, as I have not seen anything from any credible sources saying he wants to go to Spurs other than in the rags which I think is outdated speculation based on JRod having a high regard for pochettino.
It may simply be down to Pochetthemoney not lasting in his job until the January window. Would Jay go to a club that sacked the man for whom he has a high regard? I think not
I really don't understand where this perception that Jay wants to go to Spurs comes from... he was in Germany with staff members of the club picking out new boots a week ago. Who wouldn't want to be part of what we're creating here?!
I suspect that any perception of Jay going anywhere is wholly (OK, probably) down to the Red Tops (aka Gutter Press) looking for a story, and RK (either one) not jumping at the chance to be quoted in the rags. Pochettino is at Spurs, Jay has a high regard for Poch (apparently), Jay isn't playing at the moment (now, I wonder why that might be), Saints are doing very well without Jay: Obvious conclusion - Jay must want to leave. The logic is impeccable
He played well, however his final decision and execution was not the best. He did do well though and is a very dangerous player.
Or some people had some 'knowledge' that Jay knew MP was on his way and wanted to go with him. It is still speculation, but a little more credence than just reading the red tops. You have selected the logic path yourself there. You don't have to accept or believe anyone's links, however not always right to assume they just read it in the paper. If MP doesn't last until January then it is irrelevant anyway. I would also hope that our current situation (and hopefully similar or the same come January) would indeed make him want stay - dangerous to assume that though.
Aren't people's assumptions also based on the reports that he has been offered a new contract and not signed it. Is this even true? You could understand him not signing it at the time it was offered as we only had two people in at that time (i think) and everything seemed to be falling apart. If a new deal is on the table I am not sure I understand why he isn't bashing down the door to sign it based on how the team is doing. Unless the agent knows spurs are prepared to offer a significant wage rise (the sort of thing that should not be allowed). Or option 2 there isn't even a deal on the table...?
The report of a new contract offer was leaked by Saints. One of the biggest criticisms those at the club received, and took on board, was that they should've made MP's contract offer news public. That deal had sat on the table since early April and was left unsigned even in mid-May - then we all know what happened. So with Jay, they made it public. He's done a few interviews, arranged by his reps, where he's praised MP heavily. I don't mind if people choose to disbelieve it, but I am telling you, he approached Jay's family in late March talking about the move to Spurs. Just a round-up.
Yep, I felt it kind of weird that 90% of his interviews he has had, he talks up MP and doesn't mention Koeman.
