We shipped a lot of goals under Ralph. That speaks to the genuine weakness of our defense, and we have made no improvements to our defense. We were good offensively under him, and have added more offensive weapons, but we had better be really capable at that end, because our numbers under Ralph -- spread out over a full 38 games -- would see us surrendering 59 goals.
Lets not forget we have Boufal back in the squad. Arguably our most creative player when on top form. He's scored a few in pre season and looks to be happy back with the squad. His addition is like a new signing... Reckon ralph could work some magic with him too..
That’s an excellent point and one which worried me a lot last season despite the euphoria of escaping relegation. Pretty concerned that we have not improved the squad defence-wise, we need much quicker thinking defenders as well as physically quicker.
One of his best ever games for saints was as a defensive midfielder. It was away to United at Old Trafford when Dusan scored the winner. Now he may have been playing behind our forward, but his role was definitely a defensive one that night
In a perfect world, yes. Our situation isn’t perfect now. We know we have to shift wages, so a loan at least defers that problem a year. Raising transfer funds isn’t as key as freeing up wages and I’d take a new CB now (loan or permanent) with Mario going out somewhere, somehow.
I'm not sure if raising transfer funds isn't as much of a key for us. Yes, we've framed it primarily as a need to free up wages, but I suspect that it's in the pursuit of freeing up money overall.
This transfer window started well, we were unusually active early on and since then we have struggled to offload overpaid, exceptionally average or below average players (Not helped by an owner with no cash in his bag pocket). All very disappointing, but not unexpected, as other clubs are aware of our situation and l expect a frenzy of activity over the next 24 hours. Whether we come out of this well is a matter of speculation at this time, so any further comment is pointless. Hopefully we offload the underachievers and get a better defence lined up although they would not now be starting against Burnley.
Really!!! We lost so many points because of our defence and so far we haven’t strengthened in that department. We have only signed two new players all attacking and sold or moved on hardly anyone. Unless it changes in the next few days this has been a poor window. Other teams who are our peers are moving ahead of us
Yep agree. Midfield is a well stocked dept and CB is crucially lacking in quick footed, quick thinkers. As much as I'm sorry to see another talented player move on and much as I'd rather see MoEl, Stephens, Austin, Carillo etc etc etc etc shifted on balance it would be a good move.
At least we know it isn't just about the players. We've complimented our strengths last season under Ralph with even more pace and power which will hopefully see us better overall. We were very good under Ralph against teams that came to play. With the forward additions we should hopefully be able to unlock some more of the teams that don't.
We also had two seasons of terrible managers which didn't help, and Ralph has now had half a season and full pre season. It hasn't been a poor window at all, people just thought we could move on all of the deadwood, which just isn't the case.
Only my opinion but if the end of the window arrives and we haven't secured a promising CB option then it will have been a poor window. I also think the coaching staff will feel the same way. If we can see the issues you can be sure they are acutely aware of them. Fingers crossed for some developments.
Ralph is an excellent manager, but historically his defenses have been fairly poor, in no small part because he prefers his team playing such an aggressive style. That puts a fair bit of pressure on the individual defenders, and right now we have a collection of defenders that in the main do not do well with pressure.
We only need to worry about shifting Austin and potentially Lemina before tomorrow, because Carrillo, Elyounoussi, Lemina if he doesn’t go to Wolves, Hoedt and Cedric can be sold abroad up until 2nd September. I’m not worried about our situation, but I’d say it’s been a poor window if we don’t sign a decent/promising CB.
Many Saints fans should be happy then. There has been lots of clamour for entertainment first, results second.
It's certainly preferable to getting neither entertainment nor results for a spell, but it would be neat to aspire to both.
