Last season Jokanovic showed an amazing amount of savvy, often making much needed changes and turning games around. It was mooted by a few these this was more the influence of Dean Austin, rather than Jokanovic. Now we find ourselves nervous after 2 bad performances and that phrase, 'no plan B' is rearing it's head again. So, my question is.. Was it down to Dean Austin last season, and if so, what influence, if any, does he have with Flores?
I don't think we have a Plan A at the moment or the players are not playing to it, let alone a Plan B. We seem to be playing as a group of individuals rather than a team.
Sadly it's now 3 bad performances in a row ..we were dire against Newcastle in the Cup .... I hope things improve soon , I really hate feeling so negative
I am not surprised as i think we are tactically one dimensional this season. Our strength and directness has worked up to this point.
My biggest concern last night was the fact we had 3 attack minded midfielders on the bench and not one came on. I mean we brought on a full back with 15 minutes when one down. Does Flores not trust AG enough/ have worries about Abdi's fitness and isn't convinced Anya will be consistent enough? Did seem strange none of them came on..
Our season is looking like a bell shaped curve, not good feeling ATM but we ARE doing ok and sitting well in the leauge for a recently promoted team. Keep the faith, no point in cutting wrists and seeing yellow/red/black goo come out just yet! I am sure there are enough good people at the club to turn this around! POZZOTIVITY!
The question was the influence of Dean Austin. Last year he was seen match days talking to Joka during matches and together at training sessions. This year Flores has his own team and I have yet to see Austin talking to him or suggesting anything during a match and there are no photos of them together at training or anything.
It does seem as if his involvement has waned. When we win, that seems not to be a problem. When we struggle in matches, i wonder if he's itching to advise and just not given the opportunity. It does seem a waste somehow, and our loss if he gets disheartened by his apparent sidelining.