Don’t see anyone writing off the season or losing it (on here at least) because we lost a pre season game. I don’t think anyones opinion of the upcoming season has changed because of that game, mine hasn’t at least
Since when was watching pre season friendlies on the box a thing? Couldn't think of anything worse tbh. Especially on a day like today! Baffling to see people writing us off based on it too. Really is quite incredible.
In fairness I havent seen anyone even complain at the result today so not too sure where this is coming from. But a 3-1 loss to Leipzig seems about right considering their level and ours. They are now a champions league team. More importantly, pre season is 80% fitness, 15% manager trying out new ideas and maybe 5% players gaining confidence or showing their worth. Results mean **** all.
Friendlies are becoming more and more mainstream and considered like real games. I miss the days of players not wearing their squad numbers (1-11 used to do), or players debuts not being marked until games got competive. And don't even get me started on premier league teams playing fellow Premier league teams in friendlies. Utd v Liverpool friendly in Asia? Ew. There were even people predicting lineups and giving out match ratings today ffs. Over a friendly. Get a life.
I think the beauty is actually in it not meaning anything. It gives you a chance to check out new signings, look at players individually to see who impressed and who gets a new life for the season ahead having been really poor the season before (eg Djenepo)
Yeah it's very odd. Another tragic thing driven by the big clubs and social media. I understand attending friendlies in person but would never bother with watching it on TV/stream and really don't see the appeal. The results mean absolutely **** all anyway. Don't think I could recall a single result from any previous seasons.
I barely saw any of today (I don't have interest in pre-season friendlies), and so this has nothing to do with today - I could be writing this yesterday - but if this is the squad that we have on 1 September, then I agree with you. I'd be putting us in the main five or six candidates for relegation. Simply because of the lack of goals. But fortunately we still have plenty of time to rectify that before 1 September. We just need to make sure that we do!
Nothing to read into the result - 'one swallow does not make a summer'. New players, new systems, building fitness levels, Ralph and his team trying ideas etc. Mind you, the same applies to AA scoring a goal does not make him a EPL golden boot winner... All good for me thus far, need a goal scorer and l still feel we need some experience in the spine of the team at the back. More than 40 days to go in the transfer market to solve it.
Didn't see the game we were at the 2nd fiftieth birdday party in as many days. Absolutely agree there's nothing to be read into the result. As far as swallows go better ask Carrie.
Really liked what I saw of Gav Baz and Lavia. Second half was a bit frustrating with Valery losing the ball every time and Small offside a lot and not really utilising the width of the pitch enough. He did get a dangerous cross in though. Smallbone is a very tidy footballer, every touch and pass spot on. Wonder if he could fulfil a Steven Davis role for us?
I think that Smallbone could have a breakthrough season and he is definitely underrated by lots of Saints fans who are calling for him to go out on loan.
I think a players style of play can influence the impression of them in a pre season match For example the more technically gifted players such as Smallbone can shine a bit more with the extra space on the ball whilst more intense players such as Romeu might look a little sub par.