TheOneChan95

Yeah I think so although Celtic doesn't live up to his standards now. Seems pretty supportive of his national team too.

I think we might be but it is a concern if he gets ostracized. I mean even in the Sporting match when he scored, Diego didn't seem too happy. Hopefully it's just cos it's a meaningless game anyways and we are just clutching at straws.

What I think of Pat is that he is a nice guy and not one to really look for arguments. He's unlikely to be harsh with criticism and tries to look for the good in everything. I believe it's similar with other teams that he likes too

I believe this season is far more crucial than other seasons because: We have young players that want to win and be the best players in the world. If the only major thing they have won is the Europa league, then I doubt we can hold on to them should someone like Real come. Jose hasn't won anything for 2 years. His myth of being a great manager and the fabled second season of his would be tarnished if he doesn't win at least the PL. Roman says he is looking to the long term but how long would his patience last? We haven't won the PL since Carlo, which was quite some time ago. Far too long for a club of our status.

Sorry but I don't agree with these assessments. Squad players like Schurrle, Mikel and Ba are extremely crucial in a long season. Schurrle last season for example was a crucial part in games like PSG, Arsenal and City. Even this season he made some good contributions already against Burnley and City again(although he didn't follow his man for the equaliser but that's another debate). He is probably the first sub I would want to put on since willingness to run behind defences and eye for goal will make defenders think twice about pushing forward. While I know this forum doesn't like Mikel very much but I think having the option to put him on as a defensive sub and as cover is a good one. Ba was another one that didn't play often but he put us through to the Semi's in the CL. Since these players don't start often, it is therefore important for them to be given more game time to keep them sharp and let them feel that they are valued. Their contributions are definitely NOT negligible.

I really don't recall him being this selfish last season. I wish he would be more team oriented but as long as he scores it doesn't matter so much

I do agree that the way RLC was paraded around was cringey and more youth players should have gotten a chance for a dead rubber game. However I don't think Mou does things without a reason. IIRC we were finally playing 2 natural full backs and both wingers were not inverted in a 433. I actually didn't watch the match cause I was asleep (do excuse me it's 345am here and it's a dead rubber after all) but surely those changes have a major impact on the way we play? This sort of environment does allow for experimentation and Mou opts to use it as tactical practice for a potential option later on in a season. If it pays off I won't really complain.

Ah my apologies then. But surely playing too many kids is a radical choice at this point of time? Should we drop all 3 strikers for Solanke? Sell salah and Oscar to introduce Boga and Baker? We are still top of the table and only have 1 loss all so far. Our current first team is loaded with talent and very well balanced. Most are fit and lots of them can play multiple positions. Currently we should only gradually introduce youth into our squad or risk something like what United faced at MK Dons.

Understand the pessimism. But honestly the quality of the academy products now are definitely much better than that of the previous Mou era. Sorry I didn't see what you mentioned yesterday. I do agree that we can't win anything solely on kids but that's why Mou doesn't field a team solely full of them. They have to be introduced slowly and play games with the senior members. Look at how Ake is introduced.

I understand what you mean. I think it's too early in the season to have those special moments though because nothing of importance is actually being decided yet. But I think there are a few nice moments so far. For me they are : 1. Torres leaving. 2. 2nd goal at Burnley. From being 1-0 down to 2-1 up in such a short span of time with a sublime assist from our new signing and amazing team play. I really liked that. I'm not sure about what other people feel but I think opposition fans might have felt a bit of fear watching us turn the tide so effortlessly and quickly. 3. When Hazard forced an OG from Coleman vs Everton and Costa proceeded to taunt him. Loved that moment. Finally we had someone fearless upfront who takes no shit. Couldn't give a rat's ass about other's opinion of him as long as we win.

I think this season is far too crucial to be playing too many youngsters. We need that "winners mentality" and get the players to treat each game seriously. If we win at least the PL I think we would have some leeway to play more youngsters next season. Currently I think Brana has a higher chance of playing upfront than Solanke.

Inside the box both are equally competent. However, Neuer is excellent outside it as well which slightly edges out Courtois imo

It's a fine line I think. Momentum and confidence will overcome mental fatigue but rest is required for physical fatigue. It's like NBA where if you play too much you get injuries but if you sit out too long you get a bit rusty even if it's just a few weeks. It looks to me that he has overcome his physical problems so we should play him to form. Whereby the early Diego needed rest for his hamstring problem. Mou clearly believes the players are physically capable and not so willing to rotate in form players like Matic even for a dead rubber game.

I wonder how opponents feel when they have to face Matic.

Damn I hadn't thought of it this way before. He's pretty confident and never seems to panic. I think he has all the abilities and destined for greatness. We should learn from the Pogba and Matic incidents and put more trust in this lad

Gotta agree. Most of his interviews are so cringey. CTV as a whole needs major improvement it's just so bland. Only thing I actually like are Pat's analysis and insights.

All geniuses have their flaws I guess. Heck no one was able to stop Drogs from slapping Vidic in the CL final in time too. Good thing he made up for it in the end though.

Such bad luck. Perhaps from now on Luis will play LB more often against such teams to provide more width early on. And I think we really missed the Dynamism of Matic.

Fookin legend that man. Heart of a lion too and doesn't even hesitate to put his body on the line if there is even a slightest chance it will benefit his team. That seal dive when playing for England comes to mind and most recently in our loss to Atletico when he just threw himself at a rebound IIRC. If there is a chance I want him to properly lift the CL trophy for us as the Captain of a winning final.

This may sound ridiculous but I felt the turning point in the game was when he charged up the pitch on the left hand side and drew a player away. After that we cranked up the pressure and broke them.

Love how he made Vertonghen his bitch for the goal. Almost too easy for him.

Courtois is so solid and makes tricky situations look so easy

The curse of the commentator hahahah

Beautiful passage of play

I think he's vastly improved his concentration level and decision making. His reflexes are top notch and his athleticism is outstanding for a keeper. Very well deserved. I'd say Thibaut is just as good in goal and is much younger but its what Neuer offers overall that makes him such a valuable player. He is probably gonna go down in history as the most complete GK ever.