I don't particularly dislike Lage TBH, I just don't think he's got what it takes at this level - nowhere near enough in fact. I would agree with whoever it was who said he'll never get a job at this level again (probably Herr Deutsch). But he's not got the Nuno (or even McCarthy) levels of charisma - there's no connection with the fans.
Even so, no way I'd want the likes of McGhee, Hoddle or Saunders instead of him. Not a chance. But that doesn't mean I think Lage needs to be given more time either - he's had more than enough.
In terms of our squad quality, I don't think we've ever had as talented an XI as we have now if we were at full strength. Sure, you'd make an argument for Jota being on the forward line but other than that, there's really not any other position that I would argue we've regressed in. I'd even have Sa over Rui TBH.
HOWEVER - I don't think we've ever looked this hapless, or this toothless since we've returned to the Premier League. Even under the occasional poor run under Nuno, I never doubted we'd snap out of it and pull a good result and performance out of the bag. I have no such confidence under Lage, even with a better squad.
Goals for is not a pretty trend at all, never once beaten xG. Goals against looking better in terms of performance against xGA and the latter returning to a better trend following a general decline in recent years.
