When will Arteta be sacked by

[Mac76]

So just saying, if it gone the other way and we’d won the league instead of them. I would not care about fans of other clubs being graceful about us

I don't agree, I think it's become so negative and seriously it spoils what football should be about, which is supporting your team but when all's said and done being able to recognise other teams' achievements

Social channels have enabled people to spend all their time dissing it, we still have to resist the temptation to trash everything becasue we don't like it

That said when I think about it, Citeh kind of bought their titles (possibly illegally), Chelsea bought theirs and Ferguson's Man Ure had the refs in their pockets, so I'm not sure how much credit I normally give other teams for winning the league :lol:

[Letters]

Everything is so polarised. Either you have to think Liverpool put on a football masterclass this year and this is a team who will be spoken about for generations or you have to think they just got lucky and no-one else really bothered this year so it doesn't count. Neither is true.
They've been the best side. In a season where none of the other likely suspects was at the level you'd expect. So they've had no real pressure on them.
But they're still on course for 90+ points which would have seen them there or thereabouts in most recent seasons, so fair play.
They've had a few things go their way and Salah's form would not have been expected at his age - clearly he's a world class player but no-one would have expected him to have the season of his career at 32.
They definitely deserve to be champions, but I don't think this is a really standout PL team. They won't retain the title unless they spend big IMO (bumped into a Liverpool fan in the office who reckons that's exactly what they'll do)

[HCZ_Reborn]

I don't agree, I think it's become so negative and seriously it spoils what football should be about, which is supporting your team but when all's said and done being able to recognise other teams' achievements

Social channels have enabled people to spend all their time dissing it, we still have to resist the temptation to trash everything becasue we don't like it

That said when I think about it, Citeh kind of bought their titles (possibly illegally), Chelsea bought theirs and Ferguson's Man Ure had the refs in their pockets, so I'm not sure how much credit I normally give other teams for winning the league :lol:

Liverpool have won something that not only did I want us to win, I think we should have won. And again even if I didn’t believe what I’ve said (and I do believe it fully) this is very raw…took me years before I could rewatch the champions league final of 2006.

I know quite a few Liverpool fans, I didn’t congratulate them or their team in 2020 when I was actually reasonably pleased that they won it (no skin in the game). Let our players and coach be magnanimous, I’ll be bitter, resentful and wanting to punish them next season.

Liverpool are rivals. They’ve been rivals before in the late 80s, early 90s and even for a time in the early 00s (they pushed United into third in 01/02). As letters so succinctly put it “fuck them”

And if it alarms you that they aren’t getting what you regard as their due credit, take solace in the fact that the media will be effusive in their praise as they always are with Liverpool

[Mac76]

I don't think this is a really standout PL team.

I wonder how many of those we'll see in future - as I sort of said above, Citeh artificially raised the bar (yes with money, but they used it well with Pep and some very good players) but maybe things will just settle a notch or two down from that - personally I don't care if that's the case, as it should in theory make it more competitive.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Everything is so polarised. Either you have to think Liverpool put on a football masterclass this year and this is a team who will be spoken about for generations or you have to think they just got lucky and no-one else really bothered this year so it doesn't count. Neither is true.
They've been the best side. In a season where none of the other likely suspects was at the level you'd expect. So they've had no real pressure on them.
But they're still on course for 90+ points which would have seen them there or thereabouts in most recent seasons, so fair play.
They've had a few things go their way and Salah's form would not have been expected at his age - clearly he's a world class player but no-one would have expected him to have the season of his career at 32.
They definitely deserve to be champions, but I don't think this is a really standout PL team. They won't retain the title unless they spend big IMO (bumped into a Liverpool fan in the office who reckons that's exactly what they'll do)

Indeed. There’s no suggestion from anyone (me included) that they didn’t deserve to win the title. They had good fortune, but I think every title winning team does to an extent. History won’t speak about the title race or lack thereof, it will show them as champions and equalling United’s 20 titles.

I say I think we should have won it this season, because I think even without attacking reinforcements overall I think we had a better team than them, but we didn’t show it…due to injury, refereeing decisions and frankly poor coaching and poor performances from the players themselves.

Liverpool like any team can only beat who is in front of them. Doesn’t mean I owe them a round of applause…I owe them shit

[Mac76]

I say I think we should have won it this season, because I think even without attacking reinforcements overall I think we had a better team than them, but we didn’t show it…due to injury, refereeing decisions and frankly poor coaching and poor performances from the players themselves.


The factors you mention are all very true, but whether or not that means we 'should' have won partly depends on what your parameters are - e.g. you say there were "poor performances from the players themselves"

Isn't part of what makes a good player - not just how good they can be at their best, but their level of consistency at a decent level? So if Liverpool's were more consistent doesn't that arguably make them 'better' in that sense?

Sanchez actually used to annoy me because he was inconsistent and often gave the ball away, it meant that, no matter how good some of his play was, I always downgraded him in my mind

[HCZ_Reborn]

Getting into the realm of semantics somewhat but if the argument was were they better than us this season? Than the table tells us yes they were.

For example, I don’t think anyone could argue against that Hungarian copy and paste has been better than Odegaard this season, is he better overall? Well that remains to be seen. If Odegaard recovers his form I’d say definitely not

I think our defence has been demonstrated to be better, and I think the only area where they’ve been better is up front. And that’s largely (although not completely) because of Salah. That’s the difference.

It’s subjective anyway, and I have no doubt that most Liverpool fans will sincerely believe their players are better than ours

It is my fondest desire to disabuse them of that notion next season

[Chippy]

Should be gone tonight as the longer we leave, the more damage he does

Ok, this prick must be out by the end of the season and take Odegaard with him. We will not finish in the top five at this rate, so, Europa League for us next year. The Kroenke family should not give him another penny to waste.

[Mac76]

Ironically I think our best chance of him going is for him to win something big, decide his 'project' is concluded and move on

[HCZ_Reborn]

Ironically I think our best chance of him going is for him to win something big, decide his 'project' is concluded and move on

So what you’re saying is he will be with us forever?

[Chippy]

Ironically I think our best chance of him going is for him to win something big, decide his 'project' is concluded and move on

We will win nothing with this clown. Absolute shambles.

[Niall_Quinn]

Why are you all blaming the manager? What about those spineless 100K a week kids who have zero respect?

[Marc Overmars]

Bound to get a little bit ugly for Arteta after Wednesday.

It has been a total mess of a season, injuries and dodgy refereeing cannot mask this anymore. We simply haven’t done enough and we’ve fallen well below the standards we set for ourselves last year.

[Chippy]

Bound to get a little bit ugly for Arteta after Wednesday.

It has been a total mess of a season, injuries and dodgy refereeing cannot mask this anymore. We simply haven’t done enough and we’ve fallen well below the standards we set for ourselves last year.
Absolutely!
How have we gone from a possible CL Final and runners up in the Premier League to this? Believe me, we will be sweating on a top five finish. If we fail on both, Arteta MUST be sacked.

[Niall_Quinn]

Bound to get a little bit ugly for Arteta after Wednesday.

It has been a total mess of a season, injuries and dodgy refereeing cannot mask this anymore. We simply haven’t done enough and we’ve fallen well below the standards we set for ourselves last year.

I agree the buck stops with... wait a second - what about those Kroenke fucks and the January window? Club has had a loser streak a mile wide since Wenger and his go-along-to-get-along boardroom buddies baked it in 2 decades ago. Nothing has changed.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Why are you all blaming the manager? What about those spineless 100K a week kids who have zero respect?

Just as well you didn’t say No respect


https://youtu.be/sFacWGBJ_cs?si=cH3LGHVvPuwZhlcq

[Niall_Quinn]

Who knows what that possibly means?

I know you have an agenda when it comes to Arteta, and several of the players. It form the foundation of every argument, every analysis, everything you say about the club. So nobody can take anything you say seriously.

As for me. When they are shit, I say they are shit, When they are good I say it.

Arteta, AND THE PLAYERS, decided the game against Palace was a throwaway. That was unforgivable and the rest is predictable. Winners win. Losers lose. It's a habit. Habits are hard to break. Arteta carries his share of the blame, coaching the players in how to analyse blades of grass. But to overlook the players who actually went out there - took the cash - and didn't give a fuck, what's that all about? Makes as much sense as you silly video to accept that from them.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Who knows what that possibly means?

I know you have an agenda when it comes to Arteta, and several of the players. It form the foundation of every argument, every analysis, everything you say about the club. So nobody can take anything you say seriously.

As for me. When they are shit, I say they are shit, When they are good I say it.

Arteta, AND THE PLAYERS, decided the game against Palace was a throwaway. That was unforgivable and the rest is predictable. Winners win. Losers lose. It's a habit. Habits are hard to break. Arteta carries his share of the blame, coaching the players in how to analyse blades of grass. But to overlook the players who actually went out there - took the cash - and didn't give a fuck, what's that all about? Makes as much sense as you silly video to accept that from them.

Not everything has a deep meaning, just reading your post and the words zero respect reminded me of that silly video. Nothing more, nothing less.

But when you accuse others of having an agenda about anything , I tend to think pot calling the kettle black

It’s not an either or, players take blame if the results and performances are not good….but the buck stops at the top. He’s been here 5 and a half years, these are his players, this is his team…

[HCZ_Reborn]

As for Agenda against players, I would assume you mean Declan Rice. I’m not a fan, I never have been. Not quick, strong or technical enough for me. That said if he has a good game I’ll say so….and frankly tonight he looked to be one of the few players who actually gave a fuck.

[Mac76]

Your attitude towards Rice is perhaps the most absurd of all your indefensible positions, literally MotM in both Real games, he also has 34 goal involvements in 100 games for us

Your're literally 100% wrong - he IS strong, he IS quick (enough) and he has more than enough technical ability to play the game we need from him

[HCZ_Reborn]

Your attitude towards Rice is perhaps the most absurd of all your indefensible positions, literally MotM in both Real games, he also has 34 goal involvements in 100 games for us

Your're literally 100% wrong - he IS strong, he IS quick (enough) and he has more than enough technical ability to play the game we need from him

But unlike you and certain players I don’t allow my biases to affect my judgement. My player ratings show how highly I rated his performance in both legs against Real Madrid. And no I’m sorry but he absolutely doesn’t have the technical ability, pace or strength to play at 8, you need to be extremely athletic, have great acceleration and be a good dribbler and he’s not any of those things. His work rate, his leading by example and his ability to spot danger make him a very good player indeed. I don’t deny that, just not the type of player for me.

Checking the Opta stats he is behind Partey in terms of transition play, passing accuracy etc. He’s also behind Ryan Gravenberch for that matter

Also I find it extremely troubling how he doesn’t cope well with transitions or being pressed. I’m not expecting him to be Ozil on the ball but there’s a certain level

[Letters]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cz01v8kee24o

:lol:

I think this is going to be one for the "aged like milk" files.

[Mac76]

But unlike you and certain players I don’t allow my biases to affect my judgement. My player ratings show how highly I rated his performance in both legs against Real Madrid. And no I’m sorry but he absolutely doesn’t have the technical ability, pace or strength to play at 8, you need to be extremely athletic, have great acceleration and be a good dribbler and he’s not any of those things. His work rate, his leading by example and his ability to spot danger make him a very good player indeed. I don’t deny that, just not the type of player for me.

Checking the Opta stats he is behind Partey in terms of transition play, passing accuracy etc. He’s also behind Ryan Gravenberch for that matter

Also I find it extremely troubling how he doesn’t cope well with transitions or being pressed. I’m not expecting him to be Ozil on the ball but there’s a certain level

So why did he play so well at, err, 8 against errrr, Real Madrid??

Your ability to deny the evidence that's in front of you is positively Trumpian

Mid-20s Championship players can't succed at PL level - proved wrong

Managers make no difference - proved wrong

Rice is rubbish - proved wrong

There's a bunch of other examples too where you state things unequivocably and are proved wrong, but instead of admitting it and moving on like an adult, you double down, I just can't be bothered to go back and find them

[HCZ_Reborn]

So why did he play so well at, err, 8 against errrr, Real Madrid??

Your ability to deny the evidence that's in front of you is positively Trumpian

Mid-20s Championship players can't succed at PL level - proved wrong

Managers make no difference - proved wrong

Rice is rubbish - proved wrong

There's a bunch of other examples too where you state things unequivocably and are proved wrong, but instead of admitting it and moving on like an adult, you double down, I just can't be bothered to go back and find them


This feels like it will go back and forth, I’ll accuse you of strawmanning and you’ll say I’m gaslighting you. But yeah I’d say to put it lightly that those are not in anyway fair summations of the positions I’ve taken.

But the fact is I don’t state it unequivocally. With the Gyokeres thing I’ve already shown you that you responded to what you thought I said rather than what I said. Honestly go back and look at what was said.

Same with the whole premier league managers thing, the only thing I can concede is that maybe I’m not coming across as clear as I think I am. But the idea that as a rule, the club with the most money and the best players will win the big prizes isn’t undermined by Leicester City winning it one year.

And to follow on from that it’s not controversial to say that the influence of managers is relatively peripheral. If you want to make out that I am changing the goalposts and that wasn’t my argument to begin with, If it wasn’t then I wouldn’t even bother with the “exception that proves the rule” counter. I make the claims you dismiss based on probability not no exceptions because there’s almost nothing out there that comes without exceptions


Also you give me the impression that you actually ignore things I say when it doesn’t suit your argument. I absolutely accept Rice played well at No8 against Real Madrid, in fact there’s nothing you will see me say to counter that. But to play well at number 8 game in, game out…you need in my view to be able to play through teams that will press you to death and will not give you time and space and you need to be able to be able to play against those who sit deep. In order to do that you need to be able to pick out passes quicker, be better technically and be quicker than Rice is (in my view).

I can say Merino had a good game up front, it doesn’t mean it’s his natural position. Despite my barbed comments at you, you’re obviously not stupid…so you can well understand that distinction.



I honestly give you the respect that you are debating me honestly here, but I do seriously believe that you have like me this pressing need to be right, Letters is the same.

[HCZ_Reborn]

And I tell you what, I’ll go one further. Recently you came back to me and said “I’ve never literally said play the under 18s” and actually I could show that you did in fact say that, but it was clear you meant it as hyperbole

So When I say Rice can’t play at number 8, it means he lacks for me the attributes to play the position in every game, it’s not me saying he literally can’t play there in the same way a feral cat given a replica kit can’t play there because it will lash out at people and run off the pitch.

It means I don’t think his particular talents are best suited to being played there as much as he has. Thus why I’ve constantly every time the team news has come out, lamented that he and Partey haven’t swapped positions

[Mac76]

And I tell you what, I’ll go one further. Recently you came back to me and said “I’ve never literally said play the under 18s” and actually I could show that you did in fact say that, but it was clear you meant it as hyperbole


Well, what i said when i corrected it was I didn't mean literally play the under-18s, I didn't deny saying it

[HCZ_Reborn]

Well, what i said when i corrected it was I didn't mean literally play the under-18s, I didn't deny saying it

Sigh

I’m not denying saying anything. I’m suggesting you have taken a maximalist to use your own words unequivocal interpretation of what I’ve argued for.

And to be fair, I even conceded a few days ago when discussing the manager issue that this is not necessarily the fault of the reader. The whole “pilotless team” suggestion, which was in no way what I was arguing for (or at the very least had no intention of making that argument)

With Gyokeres as I’ve said, there is no room for interpretation. I didn’t state in anyway a player who was playing in the championship in their mid twenties couldn’t perform in the league, I said words to the effect that I had no confidence that he could.

[Niall_Quinn]

But unlike you and certain players I don’t allow my biases to affect my judgement. My player ratings show how highly I rated his performance in both legs against Real Madrid. And no I’m sorry but he absolutely doesn’t have the technical ability, pace or strength to play at 8, you need to be extremely athletic, have great acceleration and be a good dribbler and he’s not any of those things. His work rate, his leading by example and his ability to spot danger make him a very good player indeed. I don’t deny that, just not the type of player for me.

Checking the Opta stats he is behind Partey in terms of transition play, passing accuracy etc. He’s also behind Ryan Gravenberch for that matter

Also I find it extremely troubling how he doesn’t cope well with transitions or being pressed. I’m not expecting him to be Ozil on the ball but there’s a certain level

Knew it. You couldn't resist.

[Niall_Quinn]

This feels like it will go back and forth, I’ll accuse you of strawmanning and you’ll say I’m gaslighting you. But yeah I’d say to put it lightly that those are not in anyway fair summations of the positions I’ve taken.

But the fact is I don’t state it unequivocally. With the Gyokeres thing I’ve already shown you that you responded to what you thought I said rather than what I said. Honestly go back and look at what was said.

Same with the whole premier league managers thing, the only thing I can concede is that maybe I’m not coming across as clear as I think I am. But the idea that as a rule, the club with the most money and the best players will win the big prizes isn’t undermined by Leicester City winning it one year.

And to follow on from that it’s not controversial to say that the influence of managers is relatively peripheral. If you want to make out that I am changing the goalposts and that wasn’t my argument to begin with, If it wasn’t then I wouldn’t even bother with the “exception that proves the rule” counter. I make the claims you dismiss based on probability not no exceptions because there’s almost nothing out there that comes without exceptions


Also you give me the impression that you actually ignore things I say when it doesn’t suit your argument. I absolutely accept Rice played well at No8 against Real Madrid, in fact there’s nothing you will see me say to counter that. But to play well at number 8 game in, game out…you need in my view to be able to play through teams that will press you to death and will not give you time and space and you need to be able to be able to play against those who sit deep. In order to do that you need to be able to pick out passes quicker, be better technically and be quicker than Rice is (in my view).

I can say Merino had a good game up front, it doesn’t mean it’s his natural position. Despite my barbed comments at you, you’re obviously not stupid…so you can well understand that distinction.



I honestly give you the respect that you are debating me honestly here, but I do seriously believe that you have like me this pressing need to be right, Letters is the same.

I'd love to know why you think Rice isn't quick enough against team who pack the defence? How would you know? Our game plan against such teams is to play at 1mph and tap it around in front of them. NONE of them are quick at anything - that's the whole problem. How you have managed to single out Rice when the tactics on every position on the pitch are garbage is a mystery. If the bloke gets told to play like a snail and tap it sideways, then that's what he'll do. He even said it out loud - the manage plans everything down to the last detail, we don't have to think. Partey, the real reason behind your irrational argument, played a blinder against Madrid. Then went back to Partey 1.0 against Palace. That's why I said, after the Madrid matches -- so it IS the manager who fucks Partey's game!

[HCZ_Reborn]

Knew it. You couldn't resist.

Couldn’t resist what exactly?

Not directly comparing Rice and Partey because I think they are different players. I think one has attributes that the other lacks and for many big games the two compliment each other.

What I will say is Rice very rarely puts in what I call a poor performance. Your argument was that Rice should be captain, and I wouldn’t object to that…in fact I’ve argued the same myself

His attitude and professionalism is second to none. Just not necessarily always a fan of his as a footballer

[Niall_Quinn]

Couldn’t resist what exactly?

Not directly comparing Rice and Partey because I think they are different players. I think one has attributes that the other lacks and for many big games the two compliment each other.

What I will say is Rice very rarely puts in what I call a poor performance. Your argument was that Rice should be captain, and I wouldn’t object to that…in fact I’ve argued the same myself

His attitude and professionalism is second to none. Just not necessarily always a fan of his as a footballer

So innocent, as if we haven't talked about this in depth.

[Niall_Quinn]

Couldn’t resist what exactly?

Not directly comparing Rice and Partey because I think they are different players. I think one has attributes that the other lacks and for many big games the two compliment each other.

What I will say is Rice very rarely puts in what I call a poor performance. Your argument was that Rice should be captain, and I wouldn’t object to that…in fact I’ve argued the same myself

His attitude and professionalism is second to none. Just not necessarily always a fan of his as a footballer

Didi I say Rice should be captain? If I did, it was probably more in the context that Odegard shouldn't be.

[HCZ_Reborn]

So innocent, as if we haven't talked about this in depth.

Yes I remember it well, and I remember every argument I made and stand by it

Ultimately it’s an opinion. That when we play teams that play with 11 behind the ball, Rice isn’t for me the player to be at 8

And I’m not a fan of his as a footballer, it’s strange to me that you think I’m being coy about it.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Didi I say Rice should be captain? If I did, it was probably more in the context that Odegard shouldn't be.

That was most likely the context.

[Niall_Quinn]

Yes I remember it well, and I remember every argument I made and stand by it

Ultimately it’s an opinion. That when we play teams that play with 11 behind the ball, Rice isn’t for me the player to be at 8

And I’m not a fan of his as a footballer, it’s strange to me that you think I’m being coy about it.

Because what you mean to say is you want Partey to play there. But you backed off that because I think even you realised it was a bit crazy.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Because what you mean to say is you want Partey to play there. But you backed off that because I think even you realised it was a bit crazy.

No, I absolutely would prefer Partey to play there because I think he’s a better passer of the ball. My personal preference would be that in most home games that Rice plays at 6 and we have two more attack minded midfielders in front of him. Because although I’d prefer Partey at 8, it’s not ideal

[Mac76]

No, I absolutely would prefer Partey to play there because I think he’s a better passer of the ball. My personal preference would be that in most home games that Rice plays at 6 and we have two more attack minded midfielders in front of him. Because although I’d prefer Partey at 8, it’s not ideal

Partey can't turn and recover whereas Rice for all your nonsense about his not being quick enough can, Partey needs to be facing the game, that's why he's better at 6

[Niall_Quinn]

No, I absolutely would prefer Partey to play there because I think he’s a better passer of the ball. My personal preference would be that in most home games that Rice plays at 6 and we have two more attack minded midfielders in front of him. Because although I’d prefer Partey at 8, it’s not ideal

So why not just cut to the chase? You have an agenda against Rice because you want another player there - even though that player wouldn't have the foggiest how to play that role and is actually perfectly suited to the role he already plays.

[Chippy]

Ok, this prick must be out by the end of the season and take Odegaard with him. We will not finish in the top five at this rate, so, Europa League for us next year. The Kroenke family should not give him another penny to waste.

So, after City winning on Friday and Chelsea beating Liverpool today, is anyone else thinking of the possibility of us not getting top five?
We might scrape past Southampton but, we ain't getting anything at Anfield and Newcastle enjoy raising their game against us. Only us and Spurs could finish sixth in a two horse race :rolleyes:

[Letters]

So, after City winning on Friday and Chelsea beating Liverpool today, is anyone else thinking of the possibility of us not getting top five?

No.
And there was no race at all this year.
It was a one horse procession

[Niall_Quinn]

So, after City winning on Friday and Chelsea beating Liverpool today, is anyone else thinking of the possibility of us not getting top five?
We might scrape past Southampton but, we ain't getting anything at Anfield and Newcastle enjoy raising their game against us. Only us and Spurs could finish sixth in a two horse race :rolleyes:

They'll do the absolute bare minimum to get what's needed for the next payday.

[Chippy]

They'll do the absolute bare minimum to get what's needed for the next payday.
There have been far too many bare minimum performances this season.
They are taking payment under false pretences. My employer has introduced a "pay for performance" wage increase system. Football clubs should do the same.

[Letters]

My employer has introduced a "pay for performance" wage increase system. Football clubs should do the same.
Not a bad idea.
Hilariously by the way my employer has done the exact opposite. No pay rises this year but we do get a one off bonus - amount to be determined but am expecting a pittance. But my favourite thing is the amount isn't dependent on your performance evaluation. Everyone gets the same regardless. Watch my motivation levels soar!

[Niall_Quinn]

There have been far too many bare minimum performances this season.
They are taking payment under false pretences. My employer has introduced a "pay for performance" wage increase system. Football clubs should do the same.

All the players would go to Spain and Italy or Saudi. In modern sport you have to get your priorities in order.

[Niall_Quinn]

Not a bad idea.
Hilariously by the way my employer has done the exact opposite. No pay rises this year but we do get a one off bonus - amount to be determined but am expecting a pittance. But my favourite thing is the amount isn't dependent on your performance evaluation. Everyone gets the same regardless. Watch my motivation levels soar!

We need DOGE here in the UK.

[Chippy]

Not a bad idea.
Hilariously by the way my employer has done the exact opposite. No pay rises this year but we do get a one off bonus - amount to be determined but am expecting a pittance. But my favourite thing is the amount isn't dependent on your performance evaluation. Everyone gets the same regardless. Watch my motivation levels soar!

That's funny. My employer changed the wage increase to performance related because you could do f all and get the same pay rise as the hard workers. <_<

[Letters]

We need DOGE here in the UK.

We kinda do to be honest. I mean, a competent version of it.

[Chippy]

There is a chance of Arteta being sacked if we mess up top five :partytime:

The attached thread offers a scenario where we could actually miss out on CLK footy next season.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cx20wpp1kr2t

[Mac76]

There is a chance of Arteta being sacked if we mess up top five :partytime:

The attached thread offers a scenario where we could actually miss out on CLK footy next season.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cx20wpp1kr2t

The 'run-in' thread sets it all out.

basically if we get 0 points from our last 9 available then there's a chance but crucially Chelsea play two of the other top five contenders to it is very unlikely

Either way, Arteta will not be sacked at the end of this season and would have to fail on all fronts next season (including top four/five) to get the sack even then I suspect.

As I've said before it's more likely he'll choose his own departure, probably after we finally win something or even failing that, if he realises his stock is in danger of falling too far if he stays much longer

[Niall_Quinn]

We kinda do to be honest. I mean, a competent version of it.

You'll be out of a job if they are competent. So maybe an incompetent version would be more in line with your particular organisation.

[Letters]

You'll be out of a job if they are competent.
Already am, fella :)

[Niall_Quinn]

Already am, fella :)

Good. But just you - or all of that bunch pf wasters?

[Letters]

Good. But just you - or all of that bunch pf wasters?
The gap between how much you think you know and how much you actually know is hilarious :lol:
But somewhere in between.
It was voluntary. Of course the issue with that is they don’t necessarily lose the right people.
But everything is so fucked that they will have to get rid of more people and I hear rumblings that they are now realising how many people aren’t doing much.

[Niall_Quinn]

The gap between how much you think you know and how much you actually know is hilarious :lol:
But somewhere in between.
It was voluntary. Of course the issue with that is they don’t necessarily lose the right people.
But everything is so fucked that they will have to get rid of more people and I hear rumblings that they are now realising how many people aren’t doing much.

Wow, what a shocker. Money sponging propaganda outlet of the British establishment isn't "doing that much" - I would have never guessed. Well, at least you soaked the taxpayer for a few good quid. So what's next? Government grant to study sleep patterns?

[Letters]

It’s weird you keep repeating things which aren’t true even though I’ve told you multiple times it isn’t true
:lol:

[Niall_Quinn]

It’s weird you keep repeating things which aren’t true even though I’ve told you multiple times it isn’t true
:lol:

Truth may be weird, but it's the truth. So you got our before the newcomers USAID'd you? Smart.

[Letters]

Truth may be weird, but it's the truth.
Correct.
It’s just all lot of the things you say on multiple topics, this being one of them, aren’t true.
I have explained some of this before and yet here you are repeating them :shrug:

[Niall_Quinn]

Correct.
It’s just all lot of the things you say on multiple topics, this being one of them, aren’t true.
I have explained some of this before and yet here you are repeating them :shrug:

Alright. I'll lay off.

[Niall_Quinn]

Just hate the fact you voted for Labour. That's fucking evil. But whatever.

[Letters]

Just hate the fact you voted for Labour. That's fucking evil. But whatever.
You hate the fact I voted at all, I reckon.
I’m not a particular fan of any party really, and under a better system I would vote differently.
You see it as empowering evil. I don’t agree with the evil. And I see it as a pragmatic decision.
I think we are just going to have to agree to disagree.
I

[Niall_Quinn]

I don’t agree with the evil.

That can't be true, or else...

[Letters]

That can't be true, or else...

There's two things. Firstly, I don't agree with you that they're evil.
Secondly, I continue to believe pragmatism is preferable to not engaging.
HCZ didn't vote because he deemed none of the candidates worthy. You didn't vote for the same reason and you don't believe in "the system" either.
The end results is you still have an MP, that person still "represents" you, or is supposed to. You not voting didn't change that, the only difference is you didn't get a say. So what have you actually achieved? A spoiled ballot would have been preferable, at least then "they" would have known your view. As it is there is no way to distinguish you from the lazy and the apathetic.
The main difference here is while I don't agree with your stance I do respect your right not to vote - although as I said elsewhere I quite like the Australian system where people have to do something even if the something is to spoil their ballot. Or maybe a "none of the above" option or write ins.
I think I've explained this as much as I'm going to.

[dazthegooner]

Well think he’ll be given until Christmas and if we’re nowhere near challenging for the title he will be sacked.

[Marc Overmars]

Biggest failure is that we don’t have a competent forward line after so much money and time invested in building this squad.

Need a massive summer really, even if it means having some difficult conversations about existing players and shipping them out.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

We've invested a lot in this squad but comparitively not much in attacking positions.

Most of it has been on defenders, we can't sign any more of them in the summer but I'm sure we will.

[Mac76]

Biggest failure is that we don’t have a competent forward line after so much money and time invested in building this squad.

Need a massive summer really, even if it means having some difficult conversations about existing players and shipping them out.

Out:

Zin
Partey
Jorg (only because already confirmed)
Tierney (likewise - a huge mistake IMO)
Cala
Neto
Odegaard
Arteta

In:

Tierney (immediate re-signing)
Two strikers
DM
Right 8
Good goalie to put Raya under pressure
A manager who knows what they're doing

[Niall_Quinn]

That's weird.

Partey was our best player tonight. He's CL standard and many aren't. What about Odegard?

Tierney is our best attacking fullback. Can't blame him if the manager doesn't twig how to use him.

Just get Gyokeres in - that's it - league title, good chance of CL.

Hmm, not sure about Arteta - he could coach Gyokeres into playing backward passes.

[Niall_Quinn]

There's two things. Firstly, I don't agree with you that they're evil.
Secondly, I continue to believe pragmatism is preferable to not engaging.
HCZ didn't vote because he deemed none of the candidates worthy. You didn't vote for the same reason and you don't believe in "the system" either.
The end results is you still have an MP, that person still "represents" you, or is supposed to. You not voting didn't change that, the only difference is you didn't get a say. So what have you actually achieved? A spoiled ballot would have been preferable, at least then "they" would have known your view. As it is there is no way to distinguish you from the lazy and the apathetic.
The main difference here is while I don't agree with your stance I do respect your right not to vote - although as I said elsewhere I quite like the Australian system where people have to do something even if the something is to spoil their ballot. Or maybe a "none of the above" option or write ins.
I think I've explained this as much as I'm going to.

Doesn't matter because you are blind.

The cunts just signed a deal with India so their lazy cunts they send over don't have to pay NI.

Work it out for yourself for a change.

You endorsed evil. You want to lie ( a sin), but the reality is self-evident.

You pitch up at chapel and virtue signal, but you already committed the ultimate sin. And you even defend it. If you said sorry, God would forgive. But you double down.

[KSE Comedy Club]

Just hate the fact you voted for Labour. That's fucking evil. But whatever.

:gp:

[KSE Comedy Club]

Biggest failure is that we don’t have a competent forward line after so much money and time invested in building this squad.

Need a massive summer really, even if it means having some difficult conversations about existing players and shipping them out.

Let’s face it we are in the position of a rebuild again this summer.


5 years on, £700m spent and we are almost back to square one.
Seriously!?!

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

Let’s face it we are in the position of a rebuild again this summer.


5 years on, £700m spent and we are almost back to square one.
Seriously!?!

Don't forget we've won 2 charity shields! Its a legitimate cup according to Arteta.... :shrug:

[Niall_Quinn]

Let’s face it we are in the position of a rebuild again this summer.


5 years on, £700m spent and we are almost back to square one.
Seriously!?!

Failure to plan. It makes me crunch my own teeth and spit them out in rage. Knowingly walking into failure in the hope some miracle or random set of events will fall your way. Looking back at history and seeing that never happened. Thinking you'll be the first.

Sterling on loan and he's so bad we can't even play him anyway? Because we were WAITING to get Sesko? And all those other bastard teams refused to wait and just got on with the season! Wankers.

Two transfer windows to set ourselves up for what turned into the easiest title to win in living memory, and the easiest CL to win in living memory. And the plan was, let's get Sterling on loan.

Somebody has to pay for that.

The loan I mean, 200K a week or something like that I suppose? Because obviously nobody will take responsibility for this fuck-up of a season.

[Niall_Quinn]

The club is excellent at one thing - the false dawn.

Suddenly we can defend, until we can't.

Suddenly we are making important signings, until we aren't.

Suddenly we beat City 5-1 until we go on a shit spree collapse in the league.

Suddenly we beat Madrid and then forget to turn up.

It's a rollercoaster ride alright, not a great one though. A flat track with a three exciting bumps. That's be 2 grand please! Stay in your seats while we take you for a ride.

[HCZ_Reborn]

I think an ambitious club would see that it’s time for us to part ways with Arteta.

For what it’s worth, he’s definitely exceeded my expectations of him as they were three years ago. To challenge for the title and get to the semis of the European cup is far more than I would have thought him capable of.

But this is his ceiling. It’s hard to know who to blame for last summer. It felt more like an exercise in someone deciding that a) we could make do with what we had and b) we can make the squad a lot thinner by getting rid of a lot of players and easing up the wage bill.
So it’s fair to say we have a problem even if he goes, but that’s not a reason to keep him. Ultimately last night wasn’t the problem, we made errors and they were punished but the real problem was the position we put ourselves in from the first leg. Like NQ I don’t think PSG are anything special, they’ve got some good players but also a lot of “meh ok I guess” players but they are well drilled as a unit and knew how to punish us.

That Arteta couldn’t find a more creative solution to being without Partey in the first leg shows his limitations. I’m sure he’d do ok with a team like PSG where the money and creative accountancy is there to allow you a steep learning curve.

But all throughout his Arsenal career, he’s made fatal errors in judgement, both in the transfer market and in tactical judgement and been too slow to correct.

And just in case people thinking im overlooking it, the striker or lack thereof situation is so glaring that it almost goes without saying. Who is responsible for that fiasco again not sure, but if Arteta wanted the power he now has at the club he also takes the responsibility.

Unlike some here I don’t think a rebuild of the squad is called for, but I think it will be if we keep Arteta on past this season

[Globalgunner]

Never was keen on Arteta from the start but he has shown us undoubtedly that he has a ceiling, and it is 2nd tier at best. New manager rocks up at Pool and wins it at a canter in his first season with virtually the same players as last year. Arteta never broken through in 5 years. Ill say that we have a good squad, better than I assessed at the start of September last year. Im impressed with Raya who is an upgrade on the chap getting relegated with Southampton but he lost me when he chose Havertz over Alex Isak and signing Sterling shows he doesnt actually have a clue. Arteta is like a recurring decimal. Same result no matter how hard he tries. Perfect Wenger replacement.

[Chippy]

Never was keen on Arteta from the start but he has shown us undoubtedly that he has a ceiling, and it is 2nd tier at best. New manager rocks up at Pool and wins it at a canter in his first season with virtually the same players as last year. Arteta never broken through in 5 years. Ill say that we have a good squad, better than I assessed at the start of September last year. Im impressed with Raya who is an upgrade on the chap getting relegated with Southampton but he lost me when he chose Havertz over Alex Isak and signing Sterling shows he doesnt actually have a clue. Arteta is like a recurring decimal. Same result no matter how hard he tries. Perfect Wenger replacement.

It is all rather depressing.
Like a fool, I had hope a few months ago that we had a chance to win the Premier League or the Champions League, but as many times before, we have fallen away.
Who can we get if we replace Arteta?

To make things even more annoying this morning, I have my Spud colleagues saying they will be champions of Europe come the end of May <_<
I couldnt even be bothered to remind them what Champions of Europe actually means.

[selassie]

I personally think Arteta should be given one more season. If we can nail the recruitment this summer and we all know what we need, and if we win either one of PL or CL next season because these are the expectations now, then he rightfully stays.

A season similar to this and I think Arteta should be shown the door next season.

Some of the issues this season could have been avoided if we were smarter with our recruitment, not just last summer but over the past few seasons....and whilst that is clearly Arteta and Edu's fault, I don't think any manager in World Football would have won us the big trophies this season with the squad we currently have given all our injuries this season etc

I definitely think Arteta is owed one more season, because up until this season we have been improving and those improvements were clear for all to see.

[Niall_Quinn]

A bastard like Simeone would be worth a punt. Somebody who can teach this lot that if you want the massive wages and all the trimmings that go with the privilege, you need to give back on a consistent basis. You need to earn it. Some of the performances this season have been a piss take. Players like Odegard checking out at the halfway mark and coasting home with the captain's armband, that can't be allowed to happen.

[Niall_Quinn]

I personally think Arteta should be given one more season. If we can nail the recruitment this summer and we all know what we need, and if we win either one of PL or CL next season because these are the expectations now, then he rightfully stays.

A season similar to this and I think Arteta should be shown the door next season.

Some of the issues this season could have been avoided if we were smarter with our recruitment, not just last summer but over the past few seasons....and whilst that is clearly Arteta and Edu's fault, I don't think any manager in World Football would have won us the big trophies this season with the squad we currently have given all our injuries this season etc

I definitely think Arteta is owed one more season, because up until this season we have been improving and those improvements were clear for all to see.

Well he's definitely getting at least one more season, I don't think that's in doubt. If we get a proper striker in and take care of the same mistakes that keep on happening, who knows? We'll likely get the striker - even they can't get away with that one for a third window. Whether Arteta can clean up the lack of consistency in the performances, so far there's no indication he can. He'll have to change the way he does things and I wonder if he's capable or willing to do that?

[HCZ_Reborn]

A bastard like Simeone would be worth a punt. Somebody who can teach this lot that if you want the massive wages and all the trimmings that go with the privilege, you need to give back on a consistent basis. You need to earn it. Some of the performances this season have been a piss take. Players like Odegard checking out at the halfway mark and coasting home with the captain's armband, that can't be allowed to happen.

Isn’t our football devoid enough of entertainment?

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

I think an ambitious club would see that it’s time for us to part ways with Arteta.

For what it’s worth, he’s definitely exceeded my expectations of him as they were three years ago. To challenge for the title and get to the semis of the European cup is far more than I would have thought him capable of.

But this is his ceiling. It’s hard to know who to blame for last summer. It felt more like an exercise in someone deciding that a) we could make do with what we had and b) we can make the squad a lot thinner by getting rid of a lot of players and easing up the wage bill.
So it’s fair to say we have a problem even if he goes, but that’s not a reason to keep him. Ultimately last night wasn’t the problem, we made errors and they were punished but the real problem was the position we put ourselves in from the first leg. Like NQ I don’t think PSG are anything special, they’ve got some good players but also a lot of “meh ok I guess” players but they are well drilled as a unit and knew how to punish us.

That Arteta couldn’t find a more creative solution to being without Partey in the first leg shows his limitations. I’m sure he’d do ok with a team like PSG where the money and creative accountancy is there to allow you a steep learning curve.

But all throughout his Arsenal career, he’s made fatal errors in judgement, both in the transfer market and in tactical judgement and been too slow to correct.

And just in case people thinking im overlooking it, the striker or lack thereof situation is so glaring that it almost goes without saying. Who is responsible for that fiasco again not sure, but if Arteta wanted the power he now has at the club he also takes the responsibility.

Unlike some here I don’t think a rebuild of the squad is called for, but I think it will be if we keep Arteta on past this season

:gp: Quite a measured post from you this morning.

Apparently Arteta believes we were the better side across both legs and PSG only have Donaruma to thank for going through.

He basing his argument on Xg , which is interesting.

AW and all other football people I've heard this morning dIsagree though, and are saying the same thing, we didn't do enough.

As far as I am concerned, Arsenal does not exist in a bubble.

Despite all the sacrifices made in the league, you couldn't compare our semi final efforts with what Barca and Inter gave in both matches; and when you look at the things that really matter, not Xg, not reaching semi finals, not coming second in the league every season, you realise the pattern of Arteta's Arsenal falling short by consistently being unable to go the extra mile when it counts.

Like Sky points out, we have had 4 semi finals after the FA cup win, playing 8 games in these ties and not won a single leg.

We've come a close 2nd twice in the league, losing each title in the business part of the season. Even this season, Liverpool's results in the business half shows they could have been caught, if we replicated the form we had last season in our last 15 games (we took 40 points from 45, we'd be 13 points better off and only 2 points behind Liverpool, with Anfield to come).

Looking at the players yesterday I never saw belief that they would get back into the game, not once, not even after the penalty save. Again, we don't exist in a bubble. Barca came back from a 2 goal deficit in 2 legs twice!

With all the Xg, we were only comfortable enough to get a goal when it was clear the game was done and dusted. This is a game that was easily our most important game in 15 years or so. BTW, that goal was only our 2nd goal across 8 semi final matches!

Arteta's belief in small incremental steps will encourage this team to stay comfortable and never ask themselves tough questions. They'll never be able to reach within themselves to unleash that extra and bring out their full potential. This idea of being comfortable in your skin is not a mentality that can make you no1 in a truly competitive sport.

[Niall_Quinn]

Isn’t our football devoid enough of entertainment?

Nothing to lose. Can't see Arteta abandoning that soul crushing possession game in 90% of the matches. At least Simeone would introduce a bit of lumping and bone crushing - something to watch.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Nothing to lose. Can't see Arteta abandoning that soul crushing possession game in 90% of the matches. At least Simeone would introduce a bit of lumping and bone crushing - something to watch.

Well if by that you mean thuggery and actually cheating. Prolific divers and time wasters

We’d get the same amount of red cards, only this time we’d probably deserve them

[selassie]

Well he's definitely getting at least one more season, I don't think that's in doubt. If we get a proper striker in and take care of the same mistakes that keep on happening, who knows? We'll likely get the striker - even they can't get away with that one for a third window. Whether Arteta can clean up the lack of consistency in the performances, so far there's no indication he can. He'll have to change the way he does things and I wonder if he's capable or willing to do that?

I personally think we need more than a striker. At the bare minimum we need a striker (top class one, not a project), we need a top class winger to effectively relegate Martinelli to a bench / rotational player, I also think we need a creative midfielder to properly challenge Odegaard. Backup keeper is required too of a decent standard.

For sure Arteta needs to be a bit more flexible in his approach, but some of what we are seeing is more down to who we have available because the football we saw from a fully fit squad January 2024 to the end of last season was a damn sight better than what we have seen for a majority of this season.

[Niall_Quinn]

:gp: Quite a measured post from you this morning.

Apparently Arteta believes we were the better side across both legs and PSG only have Donaruma to thank for going through.

He basing his argument on Xg , which is interesting.

AW and all other football people I've heard this morning dIsagree though, and are saying the same thing, we didn't do enough.

As far as I am concerned, Arsenal does not exist in a bubble.

Despite all the sacrifices made in the league, you couldn't compare our semi final efforts with what Barca and Inter gave in both matches; and when you look at the things that really matter, not Xg, not reaching semi finals, not coming second in the league every season, you realise the pattern of Arteta's Arsenal falling short by consistently being unable to go the extra mile when it counts.

Like Sky points out, we have had 4 semi finals after the FA cup win, playing 8 games in these ties and not won a single leg.

We've come a close 2nd twice in the league, losing each title in the business part of the season. Even this season, Liverpool's results in the business half shows they could have been caught, if we replicated the form we had last season in our last 15 games (we took 40 points from 45, we'd be 13 points better off and only 2 points behind Liverpool, with Anfield to come).

Looking at the players yesterday I never saw belief that they would get back into the game, not once, not even after the penalty save. Again, we don't exist in a bubble. Barca came back from a 2 goal deficit in 2 legs twice!

With all the Xg, we were only comfortable enough to get a goal when it was clear the game was done and dusted. This is a game that was easily our most important game in 15 years or so. BTW, that goal was only our 2nd goal across 8 semi final matches!

Arteta's belief in small incremental steps will encourage this team to stay comfortable and never ask themselves tough questions. They'll never be able to reach within themselves to unleash that extra and bring out their full potential. This idea of being comfortable in your skin is not a mentality that can make you no1 in a truly competitive sport.

Wenger's curse still lingers. The club has never shaken it. The Top 4 Trophy! Now we are "Champions in Waiting", apparently. Ah, the waiting period... Roll on the summer and the wanting period, followed by the what-the-fuck period.

[Niall_Quinn]

Well if by that you mean thuggery and actually cheating. Prolific divers and time wasters

We’d get the same amount of red cards, only this time we’d probably deserve them

Like I said, nothing to lose.

[Niall_Quinn]

I personally think we need more than a striker. At the bare minimum we need a striker (top class one, not a project), we need a top class winger to effectively relegate Martinelli to a bench / rotational player, I also think we need a creative midfielder to properly challenge Odegaard. Backup keeper is required too of a decent standard.

For sure Arteta needs to be a bit more flexible in his approach, but some of what we are seeing is more down to who we have available because the football we saw from a fully fit squad January 2024 to the end of last season was a damn sight better than what we have seen for a majority of this season.

Absolutely, several players required to shake up the luxury some of the current crop enjoy due to the lack of competition. And just for the squad depth. We literally went into those big CL ties with half the academy on the bench. When you look at the squad depth of all the teams we are supposedly challenging, there's no comparison. I wonder how everyone else can afford the wages when we can't, especially in light of the ever increasing commercial efforts. Trouble is, it's a vicious cycle. If you aren't winning then you need to pay over the odds and pay early to keep hold of your talent. And when you bring in cover/ competition you risk players running off who don't fancy it, because they can benchwarm at far more successful clubs. I can imagine it's not easy to juggle it all - but they bring it on themselves. Just a little bit of ambition last summer and where might we be today? Every make do and mend, jam tomorrow decision has potentially many knock-on effects. Same as the momentum argument - winning is a habit and everyone likes being involved in a winning environment. And the benefits accrue from there.

Hopefully the fanbase won't settle for, "We didn't do too badly, second (fingers crossed) in the league, semis in the CL!" Hopefully they won't be able to slide that one past and make the oweners and manager feel as comfortable as some of these players are.

[Mac76]

There's an incredeible amount of revisionism going on on social media, apparently our lack of a stiker is nothing to do with Arteta and it's all the board/owners fault for not backing him, never mind that he prioritised Merino and Calafiori over the summer while getting rid of ESR, Vieira, Nelson, Eddie - Ok, none of them are that great but he replaced them with ... Sterling

I get that they clearly wanted to sell off some players to bring some money in (and I'm not unhappy with any of the ones they did sell), but it's where he put the money available that's on him - he honestly thought Havertz and Jesus would be enough...

[HCZ_Reborn]

There's an incredeible amount of revisionism going on on social media, apparently our lack of a stiker is nothing to do with Arteta and it's all the board/owners fault for not backing him, never mind that he prioritised Merino and Calafiori over the summer while getting rid of ESR, Vieira, Nelson, Eddie - Ok, none of them are that great but he replaced them with ... Sterling

I get that they clearly wanted to sell off some players to bring some money in (and I'm not unhappy with any of the ones they did sell), but it's where he put the money available that's on him - he honestly thought Havertz and Jesus would be enough...

The thought process as I understood it was that Merino and Calafiori were more necessary because it was expected that if we were going to be in midfield and defence (I think we all can agree that Partey playing as much as he has this season is not something any of us thought would happen).

Where as Trossard, Saka and Havertz who got the majority of our goals last season did stay fit, and with them we got 91 league goals

To clarify, this is not my view….this is what I believe the view of Arteta and those around him had (although there is a question mark over how unified they all were, as the reasons for Edu’s departure still remain speculative)

It was a Gamble and one that clearly failed.


I can’t remember whether it was you or someone else who said that they were mainly happy for the fringe players to go because the expectation was that they would be replaced (which was much how I felt at the time), to a degree I guess they have been with the promotion of Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly.


But selling off Nketiah and not bringing someone else in felt particularly rum, simply because there are a lot of games where he could have played and not risked Havertz with soft tissue injuries by being overused.

And that’s before you factor in the very big assumption that all these players would perform as well in front of goal as they did last season. And that there would be more goal contributions from Jesus, Odegaard etc

As I said in a post this morning, Arteta wanted the power, he also takes the responsibility

But equally the owners are not absolved from blame, they clearly wanted to make sure that we didn’t spend more than we brought in. Whilst I understand the main issue was the wage bill rather than transfer spending, the consensus appears to be that we had more than enough elbow room to be ambitious.

[Niall_Quinn]

The owners are focused on expanding the stadium so they can rinse more mugs.

[HCZ_Reborn]

The owners are focused on expanding the stadium so they can rinse more mugs.

I’m assuming someone like yourself will have at one time watched The Magnificent Seven

“If God did not want me to sheer them, he would not have made them sheep”

[Mac76]

not sure about Arteta - he could coach Gyokeres into playing backward passes.

one of big concerns about Arteta, that he to an extent can curb players' attacking instincts

You can tell the difference in a game, like last night, when he's told the team to be attacking - we nearly score twice in the first five minutes - then other times it's clear they've been told to focus on possession and we end up in the horseshoe of death.

[Mac76]

To clarify, this is not my view….this is what I believe the view of Arteta and those around him had (although there is a question mark over how unified they all were, as the reasons for Edu’s departure still remain speculative)



all the signs say Edu didn't agree and he was right

[HCZ_Reborn]

all the signs say Edu didn't agree and he was right

So I’ve seen stuff that said he was specifically against the signing of Mikel Merino

What seemed less clear was whether he was against signing that particular player or signing any player in that position


Who knows…in many ways who cares. Even if the club held an inquest into this season, it probably would be less than transparent

[HCZ_Reborn]

Ah so the speculation is that Edu was also unhappy that we sold the Nigerian lad whose name escapes me, to United

But it seems to be as much that Edu was unhappy with his agent who was pushing for the move

Edit - only ethnically Nigerian, born in Denmark and represents Denmark at under 21 level