New Manager Search *BACK ON*

[Tony Towner]

Head coach is fine with a proper DoF above them. It's that higher tier or lack of other than someone operating within their own self interest that's the issue

 

[Wilf Wolf]

I understand keeping a setup around a 'head coach' as then you don't have to start all over again when they leave, but anyone can see it isn't working.

I guess it depends on the set up above the coach. I think ours has not worked closely enough at times and has made some poor decisions on players to bring in.

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

Nuno wasn't a head coach as such, it might have been his official title but he ran the show (obviously he is and always has been very close to Mendes).

Lage was an absolute spoofer who shouldn't have been near the job by rights so inevitably he would just accept whatever, for all his silly little interviews like demanding we had all our signings in before we even started pre-season.

I'm more encouraged that Fosun have learned that you can't just employ a rank amateur and trust that we have enough good players to coast through by default, you'll get relegated.

 

[prawnking]

I understand keeping a setup around a 'head coach' as then you don't have to start all over again when they leave, but anyone can see it isn't working.

A retained setup of any description has to be high quality though. No point keeping (below?) average yes man around forever

 

[Deano]

I think Lopetegui has still got a big uphill task on his hands to save us this season. A third of the season has gone and we are unbalanced and so far our big signings dont look anywhere near worth what we paid. I would however be massively more confident we can survive with him in charge. Will be refreshing to have someone experienced who actually knows how to set up a team in the dugout again.

 

[Langers]

As this is looking more and more likely, I think we can take a few positives from this.

• JL is a respected coach who will be able to get far more out of this squad than Lage or Davis
• I can't for one moment believe that JL isn't aware of our precarious situation. No way he accepts without reassurances that he'll be backed in the January window - despite the board's failings, they did spend plenty in the summer
• Hopefully (and I know many posters on here will refuse to believe this will happen) the board will learn from the bad decisions they've made, and can give far more control of footballing matters to JL
• Following on from the last 2 points, I REALLY hope Fosun understand how important it is that we stay up and to allay any worries, they properly give JL funds to ensure we climb out of the danger zone
• This MUST boost the players if there's actual concrete news, even if he doesn't take charge til after the break. We've looked so rudderless for far too long
• Might it mean Ruben thinks twice about leaving in January if the guy who gave him his first break is now in charge? I'm not foolish enough to believe he'll sign a new long term deal but this appointment wouldn't hurt!

It's the hope that kills you, isn't it?

 

[prawnking]

It's just nice to see some cautious optimism from us all and a potential way out of this hole we're in.

Waiting for the gut punch and wave of depression when JL fucks Shi off for a third time!

 

[Jinky]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1587747597799800842

 

[Mel Evo]

Interesting second bullet suggesting players taking a, uhm, livelier interest than usual (thinking of the Raul thread).

 

[The Bion]

Re: Ruben, the only team continually linked with him recently have been Barca, who don't have a pot to piss in (and I would hope - for god's sake - we've learnt that by now)

Can't rule out that someone else will move for him in the summer - Liverpool desperately need a midfield refresh, for example - but it might be more realistic than it appeared previously.

 

[Wolvensam]

I think Lopetegui has still got a big uphill task on his hands to save us this season. A third of the season has gone and we are unbalanced and so far our big signings dont look anywhere near worth what we paid. I would however be massively more confident we can survive with him in charge. Will be refreshing to have someone experienced who actually knows how to set up a team in the dugout again.

Newcastle had 6 points this time last year and survived - it's doable.

 

[Kenny]

I think the Qatar World Cup should get in the sea but it might just turn out to be our saviour.
Yes we will lose a few players during it but JL, if it is happening, has a cracking 5-6 weeks to work with the squad.

 

[C.L.D]

Do we know when he would he arrive? It's up to him of course but earlier in the WC break to get a feel of the team the better (eg, he can be there when the remaining players go on the training camp).

 

[Quirkafleeg]

Do we know when he would he arrive? It's up to him of course but earlier in the WC break to get a feel of the team the better (eg, he can be there when the remaining players go on the training camp).

Im hoping he will be in charge for the Arsenal game..

 

[Tony Towner]

In terms of squad losses for the WC it's
Definitely
Hwang
Neves
Raul
Nunes
Fitness dependant on the last 2

Probably
Sa

Possibly
Moutinho
Semedo

Unlikely
Podence

So at a guess without 6

 

[Johnny75]

I think the Qatar World Cup should get in the sea but it might just turn out to be our saviour.
Yes we will lose a few players during it but JL, if it is happening, has a cracking 5-6 weeks to work with the squad.

Neves, Raul, maybe Nunes to go. Can't think of anybody else.

Edit: TT pointed out Hwang.

 

[lemonjelly]

As this is looking more and more likely, I think we can take a few positives from this.

• JL is a respected coach who will be able to get far more out of this squad than Lage or Davis
• I can't for one moment believe that JL isn't aware of our precarious situation. No way he accepts without reassurances that he'll be backed in the January window - despite the board's failings, they did spend plenty in the summer
• Hopefully (and I know many posters on here will refuse to believe this will happen) the board will learn from the bad decisions they've made, and can give far more control of footballing matters to JL
• Following on from the last 2 points, I REALLY hope Fosun understand how important it is that we stay up and to allay any worries, they properly give JL funds to ensure we climb out of the danger zone
• This MUST boost the players if there's actual concrete news, even if he doesn't take charge til after the break. We've looked so rudderless for far too long
• Might it mean Ruben thinks twice about leaving in January if the guy who gave him his first break is now in charge? I'm not foolish enough to believe he'll sign a new long term deal but this appointment wouldn't hurt!

It's the hope that kills you, isn't it?

Agree with much of this. In addition, poor as we have been, we also know we do have quality in the club, we just lack a level of organisation and tactics.
It has to be said that there are a number of other poor, vulnerable teams in the PL this year. As @Kenny says, the WC mid season, combined with the fact there are 8 other poor teams means that although we're in a challenging position, it isn't irretrievable.

 

[1986]

I think the Qatar World Cup should get in the sea but it might just turn out to be our saviour.
Yes we will lose a few players during it but JL, if it is happening, has a cracking 5-6 weeks to work with the squad.

We actually have very few key players going to the World Cup , Neves , Nunes , Sa and possibly Semedo , Hwang as well . I think that's it of the regular first team squad . I'm leaving out Raul for now - no clue what the story is there .
That's leaves a fair chunk of players behind . Lots that they can work on with our new man . Like pre season all over again , but with a Manager that they are very happy to work with .

 

[Derby Wolf]

I think the Qatar World Cup should get in the sea but it might just turn out to be our saviour.
Yes we will lose a few players during it but JL, if it is happening, has a cracking 5-6 weeks to work with the squad.

Its like the reverse of 2020 where that disruption killed us, this one may well come at the perfect time.

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

Its like the reverse of 2020 where that disruption killed us, this one may well come at the perfect time.

Our form was fine tbf.

P9 W5 D1 L3

Having that all day long. Better than the 9 games pre-Covid, which was W3 D4 L2.

What killed us was Spurs having both Kane and Son back when both were out for the season. Plus Matt Doherty throwing his arms in the air like he just didn't care.