for as long as as we’ve not got a decent number of fit first choice players... why on earth would you sack someone who hadn’t delivered without the majority of his first choice available, when he has delivered when they’ve been available.
It's amazing how some think this because the sheer logic of sacking a manager of a team in one of the worst injury crises I can recall is just pure madness. Can they not see a managerless team of part Academy standard players, others who in any other set up wouldn't be in the PL anyway, still others who are good enough but unfit to play, is the perfect solution to total disaster in football terms. You just could not make it up!
There may well be other managers who could feel hard done but Ralf has given us one of our best years in the premier league in 2020 (year not season). As well as the points, it's the style of play, many players have improved. Besides there's an FA Cup to come.
I want Ralph to stay but I’m curious to know how those that feel Ralph should be sacked think Gao can afford to do it? (and afford a replacement whoever that might be)
I never said I wanted him sacked , I'm saying I think he will be sacked come next week if we get rogered by Everton.
Can’t say I’m looking forward to this one tbh. Our home form of late has been absolutely wretched - the complete opposite of our away form, which is odd to say the least. Your recent form has been wretched full stop, but having watched most of your games you’ve been better than the results suggest imo. On paper we’ll be favourites and these are exactly the kind of games where we leg ourselves up and play like drains. We should be on a massive high after last week, but I think the first goal will be vital. If we get ahead I think you’ll likely crumple as we increase in confidence. If you get it, I can easily see the converse. It’s a massive game for us tbh.
Have you not seen the “Points lost from a leading position” caption that is onscreen about 2 minutes after we take the lead? Our best hope is to keep you out for 90+ minutes and then score with the last kick, hopefully after VAR has already been switched off.
Spot on assessment mate. But suspect you’ll have it a bit easier than it might have been, as with Romeu out, we now have 3 fit players, a couple with one leg, and six academy players. Tea lady and mascot on the bench.
Bit weird how Leeds don’t have a load of injuries even though they play on that pitch every other game.
I think it's only been like that for a couple of games, which is why they're wearing long studs. Mind you, we should have realised this and done same (if we didn't).
It was a disgrace but perhaps we should let it go. Glass houses, stones ... stuff like that. Didn't we have exactly the same problem in 2014/15. We laid a new pitch pre season and it wasn't until November it finally stopped tearing up. Whole thing had to be done again properly in time for 2015/16 season.
Infuses the rest of the team with her spirit when she plays though. Would love to see her alongside someone like Lewis Dunk.
Exactly, that compensation could probably buy a decent full back for cover in the summer. Truth is, if you listen to Ralph's pressers from back at the start of the season he has been quite consistent with his messages 1 (at the start) 'it's been difficult to have a proper preseason with so many players coming back late' - Lost first two games 2 (after being the first team to beat villa and Everton) - Having time to prepare properly for games and work on things has definitely helped 3 (on academy players) - We know we have a small squad and when injuries / suspensions start to affect us, they will get their chance 4 (on transfers) - we understand our limitations and we will only buy if they improve the squad and don't block the pathway for academy players 5 (when we went top). It's good for the fans but we know there's a long way to go 6 (when we beat Liverpool). On our day we can beat anyone. It's good to have 29 points. They can't take those away. 7 (on the pandemic). It's hurting us because the high intensity of our game and the lack of time to prepare means we risk injuries and we can't use half the equipment at Staplewood to help with minor aches and pains. I know no one could have anticipated the level of injuries we've encountered but Ralph saw the warning signs whilst we all got excited about another European adventure. Keep the faith. It will turn around again.
It’s the kind of thing we ought to find out before travelling. Or, crazy idea, bring 2 sets of boots.