http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17786031 We shouldn't have been in a situation were we needed to win our last five games to get champions league football. Thats why we have a squad arry! I hope for our sake, and yours than the players believe this as its fine acting positive to the press but i really hope the players believe they can win games as right now they look rather lost!
We don't know yet that we HAVE to win our last 5 games to get 4th, but that of course has to be our target. Some managers would have taken the team away together for a short break to create a fresh feeling. Maybe that is not the modern way now with millionaire players. Maybe a trip to some where bleak where everyone is out work and struggling to get by might remind them of their privileged position. Or maybe a couple of days in a factory or a call centre. As they used to say in the in the life insurance business when selling a life policy. Take them to the hearse and let them smell the flowers.
No doubt in my mind that Harry has taken his eye off the ball since all this England bollocks started. It has obviously affected the players, too. I can see no other reason for our sudden rapid deterioration. Yes, more rotation should maybe have been done. But personally, i think it's mostly a confidence problem. Will we make the CL? It's finely balanced, IMO.
I my opinion if we lose today CL is over, and with our current form and luck going away to a team battling to stay up is the last game we need. I agree with Nowsuffering, the Harry for England business has affected the players, it has created uncertainty.... the players know he is going and it shows. Before, the players concentrated solely on football, now they have an uncertain future.... new manager... will I be part of his plans?.... blah blah..... pre Capello departure they were confident, clinical and focussed, now they are anxious and fearful. Our players need to adopt a win at all costs attitude for these remaining games, play with a higher tempo and hunger that has been missing recently. They have been playing in 2nd gear for large percentages of games and with fear rather than confidence, I want to see them go out there today and put on a performance.... we have the better players its just about the application. COYS
If you play sport you will know how much of the game is 'in the head' Someone has to sort the players thinking out and that should be Harry. Can he do it? He will want to even if is he leaving. This bad run may well affect his England chances. It's getting to the point where he may end up without a job. CL is vital for Harry whether he leaves or not.
Wasn't this the same old guff HR trolled out when we had 10 tough games? Not interested in what you say any more "H," only in what you and your team do.
