Firstly, Julen... what a guy
It feels amazing to have a PROPER manager in charge. One that understands the complex requirements both on and off the field. You can tell immediately that he knows he has to put an arm around a lot of these players. He understands their confidence is low, but I very much feel like
he respects
them, and that means it will work both ways. As a fan, I trust him and I think the players will too.
A natural evolution of trust being built and an actual plan being put in place, means the form of the majority of our squad
should improve. We know they're better than they've been performing. I think we'll see improvements from Semedo, Kilman, Collins, RAN, Nunes, Podence, Guedes (already started to see this at the weekend), Adama and others.
It's only really Jonny & Raul* that I am concerned about. I think both their respective injuries have completely broken them. I fear for them both and don't think they'll get back to the levels we've seen before. So I suspect we'll go out in to the transfer market and buy/loan improvements in those areas.
It's been said before, but the World Cup break could be a savoir for our season. If he's trying to pick them up and get results at the same time, I think we'd be in trouble. But the fact he gets 6 x weeks with the majority of the squad to lift their spirits (which he will do) and to formulate some sort of working plan on the pitch (which again, he'll do), it gives us a fighting chance and although I appreciate the table doesn't make for great reading right now, I think we're in a more positive place than we were at the start of the season with Lage in charge.
* Interesting that Julen specifically mentioned Raul in his interview & the uncertainty surrounding his circumstances. I think Lop will be looking for a resolution to that particular issue ASAP, whether that means signing a replacement or Raul returning and ready to play. Have Mexico announced their squad yet?
