I don't like Radcliffe but I'm pretty sure Berrada is very good at his job and Wilcox is probably better than anyone we've had making squad decisions since Fergie (which isn't even high praise but still).

From what I understand it's Sporting that are breaking a gentlemen's agreement so I don't think it's comparable. It would've been very different if he'd been trying to force his way out during the season.

It's kind of sad but you don't get the reboot we need just by selling players that aren't good enough anyway. It's when you show that there are no exceptions that the rest of the players get the message.

Yes. But didn't we try it for several league games before the final last season? Wish we'd done that now.

I agree with your comment about a false 9. Wish we'd tried that during these last weeks. Maybe Mount?

But there isn't anyone else. Even with Zirkzee available he isn't a 9. Obi is extremely raw.

I don't think Rasmus is THIS bad, I feel for him bc confidence is obv shot, but let's be honest he's never looked like a premier league striker.

Obi isn't registered. But I agree, it's like playing with 10 men. Think we should have tried playing without a regular striker in the league with the final in mind.

"Obviously a player in there somewhere." Unless he's eaten one.

Tbh Maguire feels like our biggest threat apart from those two.

We should have done something similar to last season, a false 9 in the last 4-5 league games to prepare for the final. Maybe Mount.

I meant that too much emphasis is put on brands. It means, among other things, that it's very difficult for him to change formation because it would be seen as abandoning his brand of football. I really like him btw. I want it to work.

>> it's not criticism of him, it's more that it makes me wonder whether I'd want to give him time if he looked and sounded like Moyes or ETH? If a less likeable manager was as stubborn about wingbacks?

I’m torn too. I really want it to work, I’m sick of changing manager and I also just like the guy and how he carries himself. On the other hand there’s something about the way a manager’s brand has become more important than his football and the results that I really don't like >>

A European Cup final between two teams in complete crisis must be almost unique. El Crapico.

Not if we win the final but I think he could be if not. They have to trust him to let him continue, the only thing worse than sacking a manager after 8 months is to replace the manager in November two years in a row.

...we should be able to win every other game against teams like West Ham with these players even before a system has "clicked", if it ever will.

I'm not so sure he survives the summer if we don't win the Europa League. I've wanted him to succeed so much because of his personality but the performances in the league are at a level where it takes a cup title to instill some belief in what he's trying to do. Being poor is one thing but...

I don't think he will play 442 but I've read that he played 2 forwards at times with Sporting (3412 rather than 3421).

On the other hand it seems the administration considers this "winning".

bsky.app/profile/atru...

That's not criticism btw, he's a hard working player and deserves success. I just still think he's too limited for a team that plays like a big team.

He's perfect for the way they play. He'll probably go to a bigger club and fail because they don't counter attack like Forest do.

Depends on the definition of competing but I think we need
- Goalkeeper
- Left footed centre back with pace
- Right wingback
- Midfielder (that allows Bruno to play as no 10)
- Centre forward

...and that's just for the first 11. Then we need squad depth.

Two young players did well and I'm glad neither missed a penalty, that was my main worry before the shoot out

What makes it even worse is many (most?) of them had already played for him so he knew what we were signing

Scholes uses Liverpool as an example but nobody would've said Gravenberch was title winning material. They have 3 world class players: Alisson, Van Dijk and Salah.

I think people sometimes talk like title winning teams consist of 11 Ballon D'or winners. It's all about balance and one good player can transform players around him.

*not exactly the ONLY reason

Would be brilliant but I read somewhere that he supports Arsenal and that's not exactly the reason to prefer a move there at the moment

Yeah he needs better service but I think he needs to look for space as well. He’s got pace but he’s always wrestling one of the CBs.

Hojlund can’t drop like that, he’s tried in certain games but he can’t control the ball. Zirkzee changed the game because he’s the best player in the team at it. Never thought I’d say it but I think he has to play, at least at home.