Hopefully you all, like myself, have calmed down a bit from yesterdays debacle. I was trying to pinpoint something that I feel has been not right for a while, something that is lacking with the current group of players. I came up with personality and fun.
Prior to the last few games Pep rolls out - and I know he's never had a love affair with the British media - with a sullen, angry approach. Before the Leicester game he sounded more like Maureen - moaning about fixtures, players rest etc. I'm not sure he realises it but that kind of sets the tone for our entire club. We all are not having the greatest of times during this pandemic but football is our entertainment, the 90 mins that takes us away from everyday worries. Players are paid so much to play. I once spoke at length to Ian Bishop and he said most players would prefer to play more games than train! different times maybe but it's still a damn fine way to make a fortune.
I remember seeing the training session films when Pep first arrived and the players were really enjoying their work. The main instigators of that attitude are either gone or are on the fringes of the team. Bernardo is a case in point - for me, when fit, he would be in the starting 11 every single time. He understands that yes it's only a game but certain things, like his guard of honour actions, mean a lot to us fans. His work rate is incredible and I don't think he would have allowed himself to capitulate like some yesterday. He is always smiling and appears to be a good influence to all. It helps he's very talented too. The game needs personalities and I feel looking at yesterday we didn't have a single player who thought - "This is crap, I'm going to do something about it."
Maybe I'm over simplifying it -but one thing that drew me in way back in the mid 70's was we were always different and it was always fun to watch - even in the worst of times. I don't want to come across as being entitled, we leave that to the lot from the other side of town - We have been incredibly lucky to witness such a talented team for a decade or so - we've won more trophies than I ever dreamed we would. But, going forward I want to see a return of personalities, sprinkled with a bit of humour that makes us fun to watch. We have not become a poor side overnight and I don't doubt individual ability - I still think man for man we are the most talented squad in the PL but It is as a team that enjoys playing as well as each others company that will make the difference. If Pep can lead again with that wry wit that we love we will be fine - he just seems low and looking a bit negative which has seeped into the team. I'm sure It will be fixed but it needs to happen soon - I don't think any of us want to re-live the final 30 minutes of yesterday again.
Just my musings, so please forgive the length of the post - it's part of my therapy ha!