How do you reckon Slaviša Jokanović will do? Still Early days, I know, he talks a good game..don't they all. please log in to view this image
That's a bit harsh, he's had 7 games and he's only made mistakes in 2 of them. I think that's reasonable for a new manager in a new league.
They do seem to be fundamental mistakes though Chappers - like not playing your best players against (supposedly) the best side in the Division - then coming up with a (spurious) reason why not. I still feel strongly that to mount a successful challenge for promotion needs someone with in-depth knowledge of the Championship and English (British?) football - not necessarily English, but someone who has played, coached or managed at this level. It would be interesting to see how many promoted clubs from the Championship over the years have not been experienced in coaching/managing in British football. But, of course, it may just be my pessimistic side.........
I agree the decision not to play Vydra and Munari was odd to say the least. However it has to be said that he brought both of the players onto the pitch at effective times and they both made immediate impacts against the best team in the league. They also caused chaos amongst probably the second most organised team in the league (only after Ipswich.) I'm not saying this was part of his plan but he realised his mistakes and in a roundabout way, used them to his advantage. I'd argue that a more significant mistake of his was the ridiculous rotation against Birmingham. I also wish we appointed a manager who knew the league or at least had experience in one of the English leagues like Zola did, however judging by the Pozzos appointments so far (Mckinlay aside) I can't ever see this happening. As a result I think we need to look towards what Middlesbrough have done and allow a manager to 'learn on the job' so to speak because it seems to be paying off for them this season. If we keep changing managers the side will never be settled enough to mount a serious challenge despite their ability.
As I have said elsewhere, I think its about expectations and the current disquiet is an indication of just how much they have been raised since the Pozzo's took over. Maybe it's time to re-assess those expectations?
Each game is a learning experience for the manager, and I think he would have learnt quite a lot from Saturday... maybe that in the Championship you have to play your best players most games - he addressed that in-game, and the hope will starts them this Saturday. I suspect he is still learning who his best players are, and with some of them away on International duty, he couldn't work with some the last 2 weeks. I think the the way the CHampiosnhip is, he does have that breathing space of learning. No-one is running away with the league at the moment, so a run of 3 or 4 wins and we'll be right back in the mix for automatics. Losing two away then home to top is nothing really to be getting too concerned about yet. Zola took some time getting his team working, Joka will too!
I'm really intrigued by our current situation. but it is EARLY DAYS. First, although 3 losses consecutively is disappointing - but look at forest, no win in 9 until Sat, before that they were flying - maybe it's a case of get the bad run now, not in March. We are 6 points off top. Second, the acquisitions and the talk from the management at beginning of season was very uplifting - and maybe a lot of people thought we'd walk it, based on that level of optimism. Never happens in this league. I reckon we need to be in top 4 at Xmas, top 6 would be ok as long as no 2 teams have run away - doesn't look likely. Then our (much vaunted) strong squad will come into its own. Losing tamas so early on for so long was a real piece of bad luck - and WITH Angella out and ekstrand not a leader, it's no wonder we have conceded a few and looked shaky. Third - the main concern I have is the apparent lethargy for periods in each game. SJ's desire for control seems to instil a high degree of caution if we don't start well. That said, and I think this is important, we haven't lost a league game this season, except for the (bizarre) norwich result by more than 1 goal. When we get going early, we seem to control games quite well - so we are not that far away from being where we could reasonably expect. Fourth, we were deceived a bit at the beginning, 'cos bolton, Leeds & Uddersfield were all rubbish. so we got carried away. However, the main point of all this is to be cheerful and speculate - briefly - on what we might achieve if we go up. I think our style could do very well, as long as we take our chances. We do have players with Prem ability, vision and guile. (For an example, look at the game at Etihad last season - for 60 minutes anyway. The difference that day BTW was not Aguero, but Kompany.) We like to play teams that are clever rather than physical and powerful- i.e. more like the prem. Our goal on Sat was very nice, and well finished by a class act - very Prem type of goal. Anyway, I'm optimistic, and what is more, whenever I feel down I think where we WERE, where we might be now, I shudder briefly and then think how much better things are.
It's easy to forget that we lost to the team that is most peoples favourites for promotion. They were better than us in the first half when Toszer and Andrews were both too deep giving the Derby front 6 time and space to press. Despite this we actually had almost as many chances as them to score in the first half but for Fessi's hesitation could have scored first. This changed immediately after half time with the midfield in a more copetitive position and we looked much more comfortable even before Munari was brought on. At which point we spent 20 minutes making the 'best team in the league' look incredibly ordinary and disorganised, far more than they did to us at any point in the first half. We could and should have been ahead when they scored a goal there was little anyone could do to stop. It is universally acknowledged that the team selection and 1st half tactics wasn't ideal, although would people have complained that Munari didn't start if it wasn't for his impressive comtribution after coming on? It's not like he has always been so dynamic so far this season. It appeared to me though the manager was able to adapt his tactics and change his game plan during the match to good effect against the team top of the table, so lets give him time to learn and see if his tactics are different from the start next time. I think a lot of negativity that has been creeping in is a tad overstated and premature, if the same mistakes are being made in two months time then there is a problem.
It's considered posts like these by Hockdude and JT that make this such a great forum. Keep it up guys.
How long has he got? I am not sure if he is right for the job. The owners are obviously not shy to change manager. Results speak for themselves. He took over when we were in 2nd, yes 2nd and his first win put us top! I am not calling for his head but just have a look at the bottom line: Watford 0-1 Cardiff Watford 1-2 Derby Ipswich 1-0 Watford Birmingham 2-1 Watford Watford 3-1 Millwall M'boro 1-1 Watford Watford 2-2 Nottm Forest Sheff Wed 0-3 Watford Not exactly top 6 form is it? A new manager usually means top form and players fighting for the cause. Not what I've heard recently. Strange one this...not only his appointment but performances since...I hope he has some time, but how much? The Christmas period is make or break, for the Joka and for our season and who'd be brave enough to deny that!?
