It doesn't mean that you sink through the leagues thereafter, but Europa League taxes the squad sufficiently that mid-table sides tend to find it difficult to push on, which makes winning a cup (or finishing 7th) something of a good news/bad news scenario. Not that I wouldn't take the cup win, obviously, but I'd be rather tempted to field the youth team when an away tie against Latvia's runner-up beckons.
I agree, but what evidence have you that we are not. Surely you can see that there was a need to give some players a rest after 5 games in 13 days, or will you play the grumbling old man card and "I still have to go to work" card? This is the one round that you have to balance things because of the number of games. The next rounds we can play strongest available team. We won today by the way.
The thing is, although it would be great for that to happen can anyone actually see us becoming a top side in this country, alongside Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea etc. Although we all know this is the aim, would be interested to know how many people genuinely think this is acheivable?
Another factor must be confidence and momentum that comes with the feel good factor of a cup run. I can still remember the JPT and the possibility of going to Wembley...it created a buzz in the stands and we went on a long unbeaten run in the league too. Without the FA Cup, this season will just fizzle out into mid-table boredom and could have an affect on gates.
Most of the players today wanted to play, Adam couldn't get on quick enough, whereas Ramirez couldn't get off quick enough, I did like him but he doesn't seem to be a team animal and today I thought he was poor, first touch poor, control poor, gave the ball away too easily, and not playing to his price tag, I am sure we can get better quality for the money.
Maya Yoshida has told Japanese media he may leave Saints this month. Also told them that Tadanari is going back to the J-League.
To be clear. I only advocated resting players for this game solely due to the schedule they have been through and not the importance of the competition.
Not terribly surprising but presumably Maya is gonna need to go to Europe (Netherlands probably) if he wants to shore up that Japan slot. Gallagher is well ahead of Tadanari so no point him hanging around now.
Thank you! I can't believe how many people on here would rather a few league positions than a trophy...
TBF I did say that we could finance any transfers by selling Ramirez. We have many Midfield/Attacking options with lots of academy players on the verge of breaking in....we don't have obvious academy players coming through at GK and CB.
I don't think anyone is saying they'd prefer to finish 8th than 10th with a cup win. The question was 7th or 17th and cup, which would indicate a whole raft of other issues....
This statement misses everything I've harped on about this week; I give up. It was about just this game because of the schedule!!!! FFS!
This thread is a magnificent example of people reding what they want to read to support their point rather than....reading what is being said (and yes, I'm guilty too).
I favour taking the cup seriously. but a higher league position would be more indicative of a successful season. Of course I would rather have 8th + Cup than 7th, but definitely wouldn't take 17 + Cup. And no I don't know when it swings in favour of a cup. I just know that Cortese would consider 17th a failure.
