Speculation And manager for next season?

[popillius]

I'd give it to Shakespeare unless we drop off significantly. Some people are speculating on what his weaknesses may be next year; we've seen what his strengths are this season. Removing him because of speculation over reality would be both grossly unfair and stupidly rash.

 

[Lako42]

For vast parts of the game against West Brom we were playing with zero style, no real approach when in possession and looked generally without a plan in terms of how to play football.

I think we need a change of direction, mainly because unless we play like possessed nutters we often look totally bereft of ideas or creativity.

Clearly these players no longer have the absolute desire to play the only way that makes us truly effective.

We can be good, but my god do we look devoid of genuine footballing ability when we are bad.

A true crossroads awaits

 

[camberwell fox]

For vast parts of the game against West Brom we were playing with zero style, no real approach when in possession and looked generally without a plan in terms of how to play football.

I think we need a change of direction, mainly because unless we play like possessed nutters we often look totally bereft of ideas or creativity.

Clearly these players no longer have the absolute desire to play the only way that makes us truly effective.

We can be good, but my god do we look devoid of genuine footballing ability when we are bad.

A true crossroads awaits

But I think that comment can be representative of about 14 teams in any given season.

 

[FIF]

The players did give a monkeys. Our ineptitude was more down to the fact that Ranieri was trying to get our players to play in a different manner.

I'm sure that you "give a monkeys" too.

We each have our opinions. I don't see it as either "not giving a monkeys" or ineptitude. For me it was that they were satisfied and hadn't put the work in that they needed to do to be mentally and physically prepared. You can blame Ranieri if you want but I think it was down to each individual and a poor collective pre-season.

I don't think the players were plotting against CR or that they pushed him out but I feel they only "smelt the coffee" when they saw that an icon of our title winning season was discarded so easily by the owners it gave them a jolt which got them fighting to win that they hadn't had all season.

Clearly we had it in the squad to make a run (and IMO obtain) a european place this season. We didn't and the players have to take the majority of the blame for that.

 

[FIF]

But I think that comment can be representative of about 14 teams in any given season.

And none of those 14 should be in Europe. It really shows how poor the league is and how easy it should be for us to make top 6 at the least.

 

[FIF]

For vast parts of the game against West Brom we were playing with zero style, no real approach when in possession and looked generally without a plan in terms of how to play football.

I think we need a change of direction, mainly because unless we play like possessed nutters we often look totally bereft of ideas or creativity.

Clearly these players no longer have the absolute desire to play the only way that makes us truly effective.

We can be good, but my god do we look devoid of genuine footballing ability when we are bad.

A true crossroads awaits

This seems very similar to my view.

 

[camberwell fox]

I'm sure that you "give a monkeys" too.

We each have our opinions. I don't see it as either "not giving a monkeys" or ineptitude. For me it was that they were satisfied and hadn't put the work in that they needed to do to be mentally and physically prepared. You can blame Ranieri if you want but I think it was down to each individual and a poor collective pre-season.

I don't think the players were plotting against CR or that they pushed him out but I feel they only "smelt the coffee" when they saw that an icon of our title winning season was discarded so easily by the owners it gave them a jolt which got them fighting to win that they hadn't had all season.

Clearly we had it in the squad to make a run (and IMO obtain) a european place this season. We didn't and the players have to take the majority of the blame for that.

Totally agree with all that Fif.

People are niaive if they think the first 2/3 of this season was down to a single factor.

There are at least 4 or 5 that I can call out:

1) The 'never been in this position before scenario, how do I adjust to this.

2. After the Lord Mayors show.

3. Tactical changes.

4. Hangover from the celebration and the celebrity status.

5. Poor pre-season.

6. Poor integration of the new signings.

7. Kante.

All of the above +++ resulted at least in part to our poor start and ongoing decline.

 

[camberwell fox]

And none of those 14 should be in Europe. It really shows how poor the league is and how easy it should be for us to make top 6 at the least.

We should have finished higher, no doubt about it.

I replace your 'poor' and insert 'competitive'.

 

[Mike - True Blue Tinter]

I have to agree. The defence with Morgan, Huth and Fuchs all in their early thirties, is in need of a major overhaul. No disrespects to any of them they have done the club proud, but all careers come to an end.

Both Morgan and Huth have looked as good as ever since Shakey took over. If they were showing the injuries of Kompany I would retire them, but I see no reason why they could not have at least one more good season in them. Add another 1 or 2 CBs, like Benny and introduce them slowly through suspensions and cup games.
John Terry is 36 and half the Premier League would welcome him into their side. Youth alone is no substitute for experience, guile, positioning sense and being able to read a game.

 

[Feriol]

I agree that Morgan and Huth can still be valuable, but I worry about having both them playing together going forward. Either one with a more mobile partner is ideal. Huth and Benny have looked like our best partnership in my opinion.

 

[bocadillo]

Both Morgan and Huth have looked as good as ever since Shakey took over

Wes has only played in four of the twelve games since Ranieri left and in one of those games he looked crippled. I fear his time is all but up.

John Terry is 36 and half the Premier League would welcome him into their side

I hope and trust that we are in the other half.

 

[FIF]

We have to understand that skills degenerate especially with older players. Some posters seem to think that past ability is a sign of present and future ability.

 

[Blaarev]

We have to understand that skills degenerate especially with older players. Some posters seem to think that past ability is a sign of present and future ability.

Says the poster who claims to have been posting on LCFC forums since they were only wall paintings in caves.

 

[FIF]

Says the poster who claims to have been posting on LCFC forums since they were only wall paintings in caves.

I don't understand the point you are trying to make. Are you just trying for a cheap laugh? I've never claimed that my posts are great in the past or the present.

 

[Blaarev]

I don't understand the point you are trying to make. Are you just trying for a cheap laugh? I've never claimed that my posts are great in the past or the present.

 

[FIF]

Still confused.

 

[Blaarev]

Never mind. It wasn't even cheap. It was free.

 

[FIF]

Never mind. It wasn't even cheap. It was free.

That's okay then.

 

[Mike - True Blue Tinter]

We have to understand that skills degenerate especially with older players. Some posters seem to think that past ability is a sign of present and future ability.

I disagree. Skills do not degenerate. Speed and stamina does. Passing ability and tackle timing does not disappear. I agree that both Morgan and Huth are slowing down and maybe we need to alternate them with a faster more mobile CB.

I do remember being at the game when Mandaric presented Chris Powell with a trophy I think for 800 appearances. He played the entire match and looked the fittest on the pitch. He was 38/39.

 

[LS6_Fox]

Says the poster who claims to have been posting on LCFC forums since they were only wall paintings in caves.

Excellent work that man!