“City in crisis”

[Didsbury Dave]

The team needs a rebuild definitely but it’s feels far worse because we’re in a perfect storm. Losing Stones, Dias, Ake for large parts of the season, playing an unfit Akanji, losing Rodri, Kovacic, Foden and Silva are struggling for form, KDB struggling with fitness and Doku and Grealish having injury issues while Walker is effectively finished all at the same time has made a difficult period feel something far more existential.

Dias, Stones and Kovacic in that team last night would not have fixed all issues but would have given us a far more solid base and some more leadership. Ake going off last night was huge as he’s a defender first and foremost. Last night’s subs removed Gundogan and our key defender. That’s a lot of nous removed, probably unfortunately by necessity due to Ake’s fitness and Gundogan’s age. Another issue is that Akanji is probably our worst centre back defensively but an excellent defensive full back but we can’t play him there due to injuries elsewhere.

Yes our squad issues are due to poor planning and poor recruitment, especially in midfield, has left us with few options and with Pep’s preference for a smaller squad some players have to play regardless of form or fitness. This has also exacerbated the injury issues as players are getting injured through fatigue.

If we add a defensive midfielder and a defender in January that fixes some issues but next summer we need to replace KDB and Silva which is going to be very very difficult.

Very good assement. I'd also add that we#ve had 2 or 3 relatively poor transfer windows. You hope to get 2/3 right but we've been more like 1/3 (at best)/

 

[Sleeping_Easy]

If it came to it. Would you rather have europa league/conference league or no european football what so ever

Immediate reaction was it was a little early for this talk but it might not be by the time we get to the Jan transfer window

 

[Sleeping_Easy]

The team needs a rebuild definitely but it’s feels far worse because we’re in a perfect storm. Losing Stones, Dias, Ake for large parts of the season, playing an unfit Akanji, losing Rodri, Kovacic, Foden and Silva are struggling for form, KDB struggling with fitness and Doku and Grealish having injury issues while Walker is effectively finished all at the same time has made a difficult period feel something far more existential.

Dias, Stones and Kovacic in that team last night would not have fixed all issues but would have given us a far more solid base and some more leadership. Ake going off last night was huge as he’s a defender first and foremost. Last night’s subs removed Gundogan and our key defender. That’s a lot of nous removed, probably unfortunately by necessity due to Ake’s fitness and Gundogan’s age. Another issue is that Akanji is probably our worst centre back defensively but an excellent defensive full back but we can’t play him there due to injuries elsewhere.

Yes our squad issues are due to poor planning and poor recruitment, especially in midfield, has left us with few options and with Pep’s preference for a smaller squad some players have to play regardless of form or fitness. This has also exacerbated the injury issues as players are getting injured through fatigue.

If we add a defensive midfielder and a defender in January that fixes some issues but next summer we need to replace KDB and Silva which is going to be very very difficult.

I really think the leadership element of this is going under the radar. Rodri and Dias are by far are two biggest leaders in the squad so to be without them during this time is going to be having a dramatic effect. Walker and Gundo may have been good leaders in the past but its difficult for them to be leaders when their own performances aren't up to scratch. Bernardo and KDB are more lead by example but that isn't cutting it at the min. We need a few lads in the defence and midfield to be organising things on the pitch

 

[BungleBear]

1st December on Sunday

 

[bluemoon32]

 

[Protein Junkie]

With the team is in this current state where the results and performances are so poor and totally unlike we have witnessed, with year upon year of success and great performances, it is natural for posters to be disappointed and upset.

However, I feel that some of the tone and wording of certain posters, towards the players in general and some very specific, is truly offensive, disrespectful and disgusting.

Disappointment is natural and a fair emotion, whilst vindictiveness and spite is unacceptable imo.

Neither the manager nor the players are enjoying this phase, and pure vitriol and insults will never help improve matters.

Wish I could double like this.
We have some who are already trying to concoct conspiracy theories as to why we’ve lost form.
There are the facts then there’s opinion disguised as fact. A minority of posts are no better than the worst Rag/dipper cheating oil ones on MSM.
Got no issue with constructive criticism though.
Are we destined to finish 5th this year after a couple of firsts?

 

[Matt Diablo]

I really think the leadership element of this is going under the radar. Rodri and Dias are by far are two biggest leaders in the squad so to be without them during this time is going to be having a dramatic effect. Walker and Gundo may have been good leaders in the past but its difficult for them to be leaders when their own performances aren't up to scratch. Bernardo and KDB are more lead by example but that isn't cutting it at the min. We need a few lads in the defence and midfield to be organising things on the pitch

Yep zero leaders without Rodri and Ruben. We are so fukin "nice" it's unbelievable. Whether it's seeing Rico trying to head the ball or gundog/ benardo trying to intercept/ tackle in the engine room it's hard to fukin watch! Also when Nathan and Ankanji are both playing at back without Ruben or Stonesy I wouldn't be surprised our win ratio is as bad as when Rodders is out. They are way too fukin NICE!

 

[CC1]

With the team is in this current state where the results and performances are so poor and totally unlike we have witnessed, with year upon year of success and great performances, it is natural for posters to be disappointed and upset.

However, I feel that some of the tone and wording of certain posters, towards the players in general and some very specific, is truly offensive, disrespectful and disgusting.

Disappointment is natural and a fair emotion, whilst vindictiveness and spite is unacceptable imo.

Neither the manager nor the players are enjoying this phase, and pure vitriol and insults will never help improve matters.

All I can say is “well said”
Take note the ungrateful moaning so called Bluemoon “fans”. The club & players need your support which you’re supposed to give when we’re going through tough times - NOT just when we’re winning - that’s easy

 

[levets]

You'll beat Liverpool Sunday. It always happens when you least expect it

Not with this level of performance and weak mentality

 

[goatfeeder100]

Yes to the injuries and fatigue, yes to the slack, but this is more than a blip. This is a team in decline due to aging players and poor signings.

This.

We can't keep assuming that every dodgy run of results is 'just a blip'.

The skill of the management and recruitment team is to recognise when this squad is falling below the expected standard and acting accordingly, whether that's getting the rotation of the existing squad right or getting the right bodies in at the right time to keep us evolving. It feels like our last few windows have seen a slight regression in the quality of player we've brought in and with the injuries we've got to key players now, it's biting us on the arse now that our squad depth isn't actually that great. Not compared to previous years anyway.

The lads that have continually turned it on when it really matters at the end of the season...that has to come to an end at some point such is the cyclical nature of football. If we have to write off this season as one with minimal, or no trophies at all then so be it if that enforces a reset and an urgency to boost the squad properly next summer. But we have to evolve soon. There's a lot of players that have been through the mill with us, driven us to glory many times over but have ultimately grown old with us.