We lack inspiration and a captain figure

I think apart from Colo, Tim Krul seems the more likely leader amongst this lot.

Mapou Yanga Mbiwa is said to be one himself but doesn't speak a lick of English.

 

Well that's all very well saying that in hindsight, but the vast majority of our fan-base on this board suggested mid-table mediocrity would be a good season this year, so I don't see how just making a broad cliche like that is applicable, less so to look wise.

If you were talking about what the players expect of themselves, or the owners expect, you might have a point. We certainly haven't been a mill round their necks until they decided mid-table mediocrity was too much pressure

 

Personally I think we are pretty demanding as a crowd sometimes. I do think some are very quick to turn at times and we lack a bit of patience.

However, when did footballers become such a set of pussies? Furthermore, when did it become a valid excuse? They need to ****ing grow a pair.

Against Liverpool they deserved everything they got from supporters, because not actually trying is not acceptable. You can talk boards, managers (inspirational or otherwise), tactics, playing players out of position etc all day long. The key bastard component missing on Saturday was a bit of will and desire to play for the shirt from the players. If you don't have that as a minimum you've got **** all.

We're not talking about a bunch of kids here, they are grown men and whilst I do think we lack leadership I was appalled at the minimum standards of effort on Saturday. If you give our fans that, the majority will back you. Expectation wise most sensible fans knew we couldn't expect a top 6 finish. Mid table wasn't unreasonably demanding though and neither is expecting the bastards to try regardless of any other factor.

 

My sentiments exactly.

I'm not expecting miracles, but with Coloccini back I believe we will see a difference.

There are many variables involved in the team's increasingly abysmal performances, but I think Colo's absence has been huge. I said months ago that when he was not playing, the lads looked like lost sheep who couldn't find their shepherd. I think subsequent events have confirmed that.

I may be naive (may be?), but I have faith. Colo's leadership is quiet, but it is leadership, and we will see some evidence of that today. We may not win, but we will play a heck of a lot better.

I hope Colo gets a huge welcome back from the fans.

 

I'm sure he will, we've all missed him.