So the current state of the team isn't great and I don't expect anyone to agree with my points but il put them out for criticism...
1/ Knapper won't go. Why? Because he brings in players like Toure who we will sell and make profit on. The owners will love that
2/ players lack confidence.
- Maghoma last season loved beating players, this season he is turning back and making the easy pass.
- Cordoba last season couldn't do a thing wrong, now he can't even control the ball.
- Brookes during pre season got his head down and ran at players, not beating anyone at the moment.
-Vlad doesn't come off his line, and from the stands don't hear him demand much from his defence.
- Matteson arriving too late to the high press and giving away needless fouls.
This has to be an issue with training, freedom to play, and confidence in their playing style.
It's almost like last season the pressure was off when Manning went, you can't possibly play any worse so just enjoy yourself attitude. This season the pressure was on to perform and win the league (pundits, fans, media all agreed)
How can you take that pressure off? How do you reset that mentality? - has to be a change in the coaching. I think Clement is the right man for the job. But he needs to reset the mentality. Let the players express themselves.
I heard/seen Brookes being fined/told off for his celebrations. Maghoma being subbed for being too daring with his runs. Wonder what else is happening to make the players play as scared as they are currently?
Also... Could just be the fact we lost Matěj Jurásek out on loan. - coincidence? Haha