Do you not want to finish in top half though? Not just today but you were terrible v Wolves and also us. Seemed to pick it up with a good win at Sheffield United but back to your bad old ways today albeit against a team that simply had to win.
I do think with the very quick season turnaround it's a bit risky for a team just to sack off the end of season. You look at the form Southampton have been in. I'd back them to be above Everton after 10 games next season. Maybe Burnley aswell but depends on Dyche staying.
Interesting to see how you sign anyway. Can't really see Hjojberg being the answer.
Of course, but also trying to be semi-realistic with what is possible with this side. We have had the same problem with United in this period after lockdown where our squad is poor in certain areas so we needed to start players that were nackered (Notably in midfield). In hindsight we should have kept hold of Schneiderlin until the season ended and then let him leave. In terms of Southampton they didn't look great until halfway through the season. They didn't look great last season either. It took around a year for Hasenhüttl to get them to where he wanted them to be playing wise and he's also been able to bring in players that he wants too. Ancelotti hasn't been able to yet. It's too early to fully judge him but early signs are promising considering the variables he's working under right now. This is a side that was in serious danger of relegation under Silva which is easily forgotten given how safe we finished.
Do you think that Ancelotti can make things happen in a side where he won’t have the same quality as in any of his other jobs?
I think it’s a really interesting situation and will be keeping an eye on your summer business.
It’s a whole different job though between keeping Shevchenko, Kaka and Cafu happy and motivated to trying to get goals out of Calvert-Lewin and working out what to do with Gylfi Sigurdsson.
What are the potential targets for the summer bar Hojbjerg?
Difficult to say but he should have the contacts to do so. He did wonders for DCL and Richy before lockdown - after lockdown DCL has been poor and snatching a bit at stuff but I can forgive him for that rustiness as he was crucial to us finishing in a safe position this year.
The biggest rumours so far have been Hojbjerg, Allan (Napoli CM) and Gabriel (CB from Lille). Would love Allan. We should also try sign a RB, Winger and GK. There were rumours we were enquiring about Dalot on loan from you or Tete from Lyon for RB. GK wise we were sniffing around Romero. I think the budget will be there but we will also be trying to snag bargains in places if possible.
The guy who signs the players can't still be in a job, surely?
I think he's done a relatively good job considering he's had to deal with what the ex DOF did with the side and the changing of the managers we've had. He's signed our two best players (Richarlison and Digne) and he's been tirelessly working to get rid of duds that we have signed over the years that nobody wanted (Signed by the ex DOF and previous managers). It's been a pretty unlucky year for our signings. Gomes had a nasty leg break and Gbamin has had two freak long term injuries which aren't easy to predict happening. Iwobi has been a poor signing on what he's shown so far, I understand why he was bought due to versatility though. Delph the same, not too pricey and his versatility makes sense but he's decided to come to the club with a horrible attitude and injury prone. Kean has barely been given a start but when he has started he's played well, he just needs more game time and a midfield behind him that suits him. He didnt suit the system Ancelotti was trying to play with DCL/Richy but he has clear potential.
Gomes - Decent signing.
Gbamin - unsure.
Kean - Great potential.
Iwobi/Delph - Average - Poor.
I think that's a fair assessment of the summer. I think Iwobi can improve to be a good squad player which will be helpful.
Gave me a good laugh.
