My sauce references is metaphorical, but the sauce is The Ribman if you want it
This is Jonathan Blaustein’s monthly contribution to the community, follow him @Jblauphoto for his twitterings.
It’s March 27th, as I write this.
Yesterday, here in the Taos valley, it was 67 degrees Fahrenheit.
I can’t tell you what this is in Celsius, because for some reason, I’ve never been able to figure out how to make the translation.
Basically, it means it was warm and sunny.
Balmy, if you will.
But for the first time, I was able to ride the Kachina Peak lift at Taos Ski Valley, and found myself at 12,400 feet, on the very top of a massive mountain.
The lift only runs part of the year, and this season it was much delayed, due to the two tragic avalanche deaths off the same peak.
When I left my house in the morning, it was spring. The first shoots of green grass were standing perkily in the sun. The birds were chirping like they were onstage at Lollapalloza in 1997, giving it all they had.
But then, all of a sudden, I was in icy, snowy winter, like something out of Lord of the Rings, and I could see for a hundred miles in several directions.
(How’s that for the American perspective. Fahrenheit, feet and miles all in one column opening. Fucking arrogant Yanks!)
It’s a good feeling, to be able to see forever. And teetering between those seasons, spring and winter, is strange. But combine the two, (the distance and time of year,) and it makes for a particular perspective.
So let’s get into it.
At this point, I’ll mention another date: March 14th. That’s the last time Arsenal played a competitive football match. (I don’t care what happens in Dubai.)
Who did we even play back then?
Oh right, Rennes.
We spanked them 3-0.
And who did we beat before that? Manchester United.
2-0.
Say what now? Two clean sheets in consecutive massive games?
If any other coach had done that, while anchoring Arsenal in both the #Top4 and the Europa League, Londoners would be singing his name from the lamp-posts.
But something about the guy makes him seem less cool, less smart, less attractive, or less innovative than his fellow Top 6 coaches.
Be honest with yourself: it’s true.
During the huge winning streak, we were impressed but dubious, waiting to see what happened once the injuries mounted, and points were dropped in the depths of dark winter in December.
All along, it’s been wait and see, in particular in this very column. Now I’m suggesting that maybe it’s a subconscious thing, comparing Emery to Pocchetino, Klopp, Guardiola, Sarri and OGS.
Perusing the list, in late March, you’d say Emery has outperformed Sarri for sure, and OGS rode in on a white pony, so it’s too soon to say. (But he has the star-power thing down pat.)
We beat Tottenham once, easily, and really should have beaten them again. The draw felt like a loss, as we all know, because Auba missed that penalty.
But what happened in the next game?
Lacazette wins another penalty, and he gives the ball to his buddy.
I sat here on my couch, with my 11 year old, watching it two hours late on the DVR, and we both screamed “NOOOOOOOOOO.”
Take it yourself, Laca!
We need the win!
Are you insane!
Obviously, in hindsight, we were wrong. (Is it a coincidence that Laca is both of our favorite Arsenal player at the moment?)
That kind of scene, one teammate believing in another, is what sports is all about. It gives you chills.
And it’s real. You can’t pay for it.
Arsenal have that, and they also now have a manager willing to play all his best players at once in the same game. (Imagine that?)
The squad is in the perfect place for this time of year, and one way or another, we’ll soon know if they finish strong, finish brilliantly, limp to the line, or choke like the Atlanta Falcons in the 2018 Super Bowl.
Within a short span of time, we won’t be able to say “wait and see” any longer.
And let’s play what if, for a moment.
If Emery gets the team into the Champions League, he’ll definitely get more money to spend. Maybe a lot more.
He’ll have proven he can do the job, and that proof will have delivered more cash. Given our model of spend what you’ve made, that means more on transfers.
Some new names are intriguing, like Thomas, from Atletico. More money, better signings.
It’s clear that the manager is staring at a very binary outcome: he makes it in, or he doesn’t.
If Arsenal win the Europa League and get in the Top 4, or somehow miraculously overtake Spurs and hang on 3rd, then I think this guy will have money, clout, and a new aura.
The story will be that his tactical acumen is his special power. It won’t be that he doesn’t stick to a style, but rather that he’s so amazing at the details that he breaks the game down into phases, which explains all the halftime subs, and each game plan is unique because HE CAN.
HIS BRAIN IS THAT BIG. HE BREATHES AND EATS FOOTBALL.
Now, if Arsenal choke on both fronts, and end up in 5th or 6th, knocked out by Napoli in the Europa League, it will be very, very different.
He didn’t improve on Wenger’s performance, only the point total.
Yes, some advance was made in the Big 6 Mini-league, but the results weren’t enough. We’ll give him a modest budget, and a decent leash into next year, but there better be some major improvement, or we might be coach shopping this time next year.
Like I said, it’s binary.
And we’ll know soon enough.
From this odd vantage, winter and spring all at once, on the mountain top in morning and in the valley in the afternoon, I’ll say one thing:
I’m really glad the team is perched where it is, and that we’ve managed to put a whooping on some hated rivals: Chelsea, Tottenham, and Manchester United.
How great would it be if in the multi-verse, we end up with one of the happy timelines?
I wonder what I’ll be writing this time in April?
Remember, follow @Jblauphotoxxx
P.S. Take a bow son.
Granit Xhaka scoring a banger for Switzerland with his weak foot. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/gTdnj1tAaw
— Arsenal FC News (@ArsenalFC_fl) March 26, 2019
My opinion on OGS is I don’t give a fok… Any talk about Man. U manager is boring to cringe. Somewhere on that spectrum. I will talk about him when he accomplishes something I care about. So far he has managed to lose to Arsenal.. so I like where he is headed.
Rowley was apparently retained as a consultant
Apparently nothing. There’s nothing that says that. The generality said while giving him his marching orders isn’t a fact that he’s actually been consulted on anything. But the point originally was that he was back at the club which as we know is a lie
Again bam the best you can say about Wenger during the most successful period is good while OGS has a good first 3 months at United and all of a sudden he’s an excellent manager? He is not at all an excellent manager he hasn’t yet proven that. If anything it’s the support structure around him that’s excellent.
Midwest
Nonsense. We talk about other teams, other teams’ players and other teams’ managers all of the time on here. This is not a we-only-talk-about-Arsenal-here blog. Weird comment.
Talk about what you want Bamford it’s still cringeworthy in my opinion and I skipped over most of it.
Sanchez was the last player we bought to make a difference- the guy was a baller. Probably his best years were with us.
Marko
Yeah, based on what I’ve seen, I think he is an excellent manager. And I’m pretty sure I am entitled to my opinion. Thanks.
Midwest
Saying you think a manager is excellent is “cringeworthy”. I think Klopp is excellent and have thought that for some time; is that “cringeworthy”? Do tell.
There should have been a question mark above, not a period, after “cringeworthy”.
Yeah, based on what I’ve seen, I think he is an excellent manager. And I’m pretty sure I am entitled to my opinion. Thanks.
You are very much entitled to it and very much entitled to being wrong too.
Bamford
There’s no need to get so defensive when other posters are making valid points. OGS 3 months in the job, done OK nothing more, previous track record got Cardiff relegated but apparently done well in Norway.
All anyone has said on here today is either it’s too early to say or they hope he fucks it up – or both.
It’s as if you’ve made a hasty comment and with reflection can’t or won’t put it in perspective.
No it’s cringeworthy because it came across as you big upping a manager who has done nothing… except lose to Emery. and in the same breath.. managing to disparage Arsenal history and then it took a 4 paragraph synopsis to explain what Excellent meant. But whatever.
What has Harry Kane done to deserve an MBE ?
This makes a mockery of the honours system and renders them worthless
B10-you are a decent poster but your dislike for Aw is colouring your penchant for hyperbole and that is your weakness. You have always asserted that MU has a better team and then say ole is excellent. They lost to us and another two:three losses and then in EL next year.
I think someone likes to believe in the kool aid a little too much.
Hillwood
Fucking 100% right.
It’s as if you’ve made a hasty comment and with reflection can’t or won’t put it in perspective.
This is something Yamford has exhibited repeatedly. Cheaters will always cheat.
Midwest
Wait, assessing Arsene Wenger as something less than what some think he was is equal to “disparaging Arsenal history”? What a crock of shit. I took nothing away from those teams, those players or what they accomplished. Nothing. I simply stated that the Wenger was the same manager then that he was in second ten years. What a piece of shit comment on your part. Seriously.
And saying another manager is “excellent” isn’t “big-upping” him. It’s simply stating an opinion. Am I allowed to say that Klopp is excellent? That Gaurdiola is excellent? Do tell.
Marc
I’m not being defensive. I’m making arguments. Certain people are making bad arguments and that is annoying me, but in no way am I being “defensive”. Cheers.
Luteo
I get the feeling Bamford takes the “if I predict enough things sooner or later I’ll be right” he can then claim some great insight because he assumes people will forget the bad predictions.
A couple of years ago he had a strop after being torn to pieces for saying Ramsey was a great No. 10.
I said nothing hasty nor anything incorrect. And no one has proven that I did. Sorry. I have laid out my case above. Make a go at rebutting it. But no one here has done so, and saying I’m wrong is not the same thing as demonstrating it, something you won’t be able to do.
“Arsene Wenger couldn’t coach his way out of a paper bag.”
I can’t believe Bamford would say that. Oh that’s right, that wasn’t Bamford: that was Tony Adams.
Hamford
Like it or not Wenger is a part of Arsenal history, for better or worse. Both, from my perspectiv. But of all the things we debate, Wenger is a big part of the club and a big part of its history, that part is not colored by your opinion, that’s fact.
“I can’t believe Bamford would say that.”
Excpet no one would react like this, ever. Everyone expects the nonsense that comes out of your mouth, you’re fooling no one.
Marc
Wrong. A couple of years ago I was a Ramsey CRITIC. It is only over the past year that I have become a defender of his — because of the absurd criticism he came in for here. And like Paulinho, my defense of Ramsey has been vindicated both by his play this season and by his Juventus contract. This is why Dissenter gave props to me and Paulinho yesterday.
Try to get the Le Grove record right, please.
“This is why Dissenter gave props to me and Paulinho yesterday.”
Dimford sharing a bit of his diary entry lol
Bamford
Sorry but you’re lying now – you had major case of throwing your toys out of the pram after saying Ramsey was a great No 10 and several poster including me tore you to pieces.
As for saying nothing hasty or incorrect – well saying someone is a great manager after 3 months having done nothing of note is both hasty and incorrect.
Marc
Ummm, no, you’re wrong. Unless you’re referring to some more recent moment. But above you said “a few years ago”. Again, a few years ago, I was a Ramsey critic. So your story, unless you amend it, is bogus.
Marc
In order to say that my belief that Solskjaer is excellent is “incorrect,” you’d have to know that he isn’t excellent. But you don’t know that. By your very arguments, you can’t know that. You have too little data.
So, ummm, no.
Bamford
Sorry but you and I both know the truth on this. I can’t remember the exact timeline but it was after Wales had been at an international tournament with Ramsey playing the “10” role for them.
And saying another manager is “excellent” isn’t “big-upping” him. It’s simply stating an opinion. Am I allowed to say that Klopp is excellent? That Gaurdiola is excellent? Do tell.
If you can’t tell the difference between calling Pep and Klopp excellent and calling OGS excellent then I can’t help you
Well I did say it could be more on the spectrum of boring… either way. I don’t care about OGS and wouldn’t call him excellent… no. When he goes a whole season without losing…. that would be excellent. When he wins anything of note that would be excellent… Getting relegated.. Cardiff City …that’s not excellent..
Klopp…. excellent yes.. he has won things that matter.well, in Germany but still a big League. . Pep.. yep. obviously.. OGS nope.
@Bamford, The reason why I said that I have been told is because I have been told by somebody who I trust. That person who has previously me told me things about Arsenal. It was a casual remark with no particular agenda. I don’t have particular contact, but I used to attend youth team games in London because of my godson who is now a professional footballer in lower league in France. Sitting in the stand, you meet parents, scouts, former players. In some case you strike a casual relationship with people who attend games as part of their coaching… Read more »
Bamford
“In order to say that my belief that Solskjaer is excellent is “incorrect,” you’d have to know that he isn’t excellent. But you don’t know that. By your very arguments, you can’t know that. You have too little data.
So, ummm, no.”
But that also means you have too little data to say he is excellent. My position hasn’t changed – it’s lets see what he does next season before jumping to conclusions.
When in a hole stop digging.
This is why Dissenter gave props to me and Paulinho yesterday.
Yeah about that. That was really silly of him to do that for one thing Ramsey isn’t elite and for another thing giving “props” in this day and age is about as lame as you can get
Marc
I generally like you, but trust me, you have never “torn me to pieces”. If you are talking about the time when I said that an in form Ramsey is a top 33 in the world player, that was like nine months ago, not “a couple of years ago”. And yes, a group of nitwits assaulted me at that time for saying the above, and they did think they got the better of me, but I was absolutely correct: an in form Ramsey is a top tier player, and this is why Juventus is paying him as such.
B 10 we have got adequate data- relegated Cardiff and done nothing since. I am happy he is MU manager – we have a real chance of overtaking them I the next few years.
@Bamford,
As much as I liked Tony Adams the player, he is now a bitter rent a gob idiot. In that same interview he tried to big up his credentials as a coach, where in fact he has failed miserably at every attempt.
Even as a pundit, I cringe every time I see him on TV. He is like the cool uncle that you used to cherish as a kid and is now an embarrassment. I am not even going to start talking about his vomit inducing, colourful clothes.
Ramsey isn’t elite?
Why would anyone still utter such nonsense even when the facts have overtaken the tripe.
Juventus have proven to have knack of finding good midfielders from everywhere, old ones, young ones..name it. They almost always get it right.
The Juve scouting and management have deemed fit to offer Ramsey that deal — which is proof that football people in the know think he is elite.
Why is hard for people to own up to the fact that they might have been wrong all this while.
As for saying nothing hasty or incorrect – well saying someone is a great manager after 3 months having done nothing of note is both hasty and incorrect.
This is it really in a nutshell
Agreed Dis- Ramsey has been good for us but not great as some would claim
but I was absolutely correct: an in form Ramsey is a top tier player, and this is why Juventus is paying him as such.
I suppose Khedira and Matuidi are also in this top 33 in world football nonsense
Marc It sounds like you’re talking about the time when I suggested that we try Ramsey out as a CAM, a #10. This was a few years back. A couple of dickheads then jumped on me, claiming that the idea of Ramsey playing as a #10 was the most ludicrous thing they had ever heard in their lives. It was no such thing of course, and this is why I got frustrated. I explained that he was playing this position for Wales — and playing it well — and that his skillset and inclinations made him at least a potentially… Read more »
In the league he will flourish due its slower pace and emphasis on systems. He will be drilled into it and succeed. Almost like his last few games for us
In the Italian
league he will flourish due its slower pace and emphasis on systems. He will be drilled into it and succeed. Almost like his last few games for us. Just hope he helps us to CL
Night, all. Time for some basketball.
The Juve scouting and management have deemed fit to offer Ramsey that deal — which is proof that football people in the know think he is elite. Hardly proves he’s elite. Proves more that they love a good bargain though it’s not much of a bargain if other players end up wanting pay parity. But just so I have it straight Aaron Ramsey is so elite that for all the years that he’s been at Arsenal not one club ever came in for him or bid for him once but because he’s leaving on a free to Juve he’s all… Read more »
B10- why isn’t it a ludiyidea?
Ludicrous idea
Cya Bamford … I was just being honest.. with you man.. It’s what I do.. Sorry wasn’t trying to pile on. Watching BBall as well.
Well that was a pretty major U turn by Bamford – I wonder how long before he’s tying himself up in knots over OGS?
Midwest you’ve nothing to apologise for you didn’t say anything bad. Bamford on the other hand does this thing when he gets even the slightest bit of pushback for saying something silly he digs in and throws in a hissy fit. If anything his “piece of shit comment” response to your criticism was going full jilted. First person to get defensive of the new Man United manager on an Arsenal blog
Yeah.. Well I was just trying to tell him in a nice way… it was a bit cringe. But then he had to go full on dissertation. I do think people like to pile on him though.. And many times he does make good points. Just not this time. hahahaha
Marc
That’s not a u-turn in any sense, mate. I was still a critic of Ramsey at that time; I was simply suggesting that, given his attacking inclinations, he might work better as a CAM.
Midwest
No worries.
you have never “torn me to pieces”.
Of course not, that honour is reserved for his heroes OGS and Paulinho. Rawr.
Your thoughts on Newcastle match
I think we have about a 70% chance of winning.. It’s the other 30% I’m worried about and we really can not afford even a draw. But we usually match up well with them.. They give our creative types space.
You are right mid west- generally we have had a upper hand but because I am so scared for the next 8 games I am sh—ting my oants
Pants
Feet and miles are used daily in England and Fahrenheit is by the older generations
‘Elite’ is hard to measure but I wouldn’t put Ramsey in that category by any stretch of the imagination He’s a good player with a great engine and a really niche set of skills that can be very useful in the right team and league (he will find it easy at juve because he won’t need to defend much and will be playing inferior opposition, with far superior team mates to boot) When I think of elite I think of (outside of Messi and CR7), aguero, KDB, VVD, Kroos, Neymar, this standard of player. Ramsey is good but is he… Read more »
Ramsey is a very good player. 18/19 is his third best season for the club. He was excellent in the first half of 17/18 season. Think we lost only a couple of matches out of 15 with him partnering Xhaka at CM in 3-4-3. Shame he got injured and derailed our CL qualification bid. Need him and Granit for the bulk of the matches till May.
Guendouzi and Torreira have been average in 2019,
Dream10 “Guendouzi and Torreira have been average in 2019,” Looks like Emery will be relying on the Wenger boys to see us home . Guendouzi,Torreira, Suarez and Lichsteiner only bit part players at best , Sokratis is the one new signing who has to start , very impressed with him , his fitness is vital for the club’s success over the coming months and next couple of years. Will probably be wing backs v Newcastle due to the influence of Kolasinac at wing back , Ramsey and Xhaka centre mid and then Emery has a decision to make on who… Read more »
Looks like Emery will be relying on the Wenger boys to see us home .”
Agree.looks like he’s gradually giving his boys some much needed breather and trusting more on the core of the former manager
But I bet Emery ultras will be coming for you soon enough, you have just succeeded in poking the bears with such pov,wait for it…
Pierre
Emerys players were great during 2018 record winning run of wins….
Lets not rewrite history bud
“Looks like Emery will be relying on the Wenger boys to see us home .”
Does he really has other options ?? such a bunch of cretins around here…
Emery’s players
Wenger boys
What nonsense is this?
They are all players paid by Arsenal FC and the manager has a right to use them as he pleases until he replaces them.
Emery seems to have no “rights”, for all the wenger era’s nostalgics.
Wenger had ALL the rights when he was in charge, for the better… and mostly for the worst.
China
So we are stuck in a word-play; who is an’elite’ player.
I reserve ‘world class’ for the level of Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappe, etc
The level below this would be the elite class; That’s where I place Ramsey. He has a knack of shinning in the biggest games of his career. He was one of the three best players in the last Euros and repeatedly came through for us in FA cup finals.
Many of us thought he was destined for Everton. I never imagined he would be choosing from Juventus and PSG.
As if the international break wasn’t long enough, we have to wait til Monday to watch Arsenal play… ffs.
Ramsey is so elite, he’s scored 3 league goals this season in 25 appearances, two if which were against Fulham (one at home, one away, final results were 4-1 and 5-1). Benayoun managed more in fewer appearances on loan with us.
Looking forward to seeing Juve win the CL next season.
Dissenter
Making a freebie move to Juve doesn’t make a player elite,they also brought in Can, who is as basic as they come,Juve love some freebies is all ,really can’t take anyone serious who thinks Ramsey is elite,he is a good player tho,nothing special,no way.
Victorious
Emre Caan is not “As basic as they come”
Liverpool fought tooth and nail to keep him. Had he stayed, he would be a revolving starter for a championship challenging team.
I stand by my Ramsey assessment.
I used to rubbish him like most here. I got that wrong and refuse to keep sticking my head in the sand.
Regarding Ramsey;
How does he get to fuck over the club and walk away a hero?! The guy turned down a contact and intentionally ran down the remainder of his contact to get a big paycheck at the end and fucking over Arsenal in the process.. a club that stood by him through years of injuries..
At least we got some money for RVP, Cesc and Nasri.. yet they are constantly seen as “snakes”.
“I never imagined he would be choosing from Juventus and PSG.”
Doubtful any of those clubs would have been interested if there was a transfer fee involved.
Ramsay was and is a pile of shit. One good season and a multitude of wayward Hollywood passes will sum up his career. A decent enough chap and an adequate player but let’s not kid ourselves, Ramsay is a solid 7/10 player and that’s it.
This revisionist bullshit because he’s going to Juve is nonsense.
lol
More seriously, concerning Ramsey, let’s hope for them that Juve had a very competent medical staff.
I guess it’s back to beating up on Aaron Ramsey, a good player who has been key not only to a number of important victories/results this season but to several trophies. Arsenal player of the year last year according to the fans as well, I believe.
@Bamford –
Oh no, did someone have the gall to start a topic of conversation without your prior consent?!
Ramsey is a bang average player.
This might stir up a little discussion: if Xhaka had been available for the same terms Ramsey was — i.e., on a free, 200k a week in salary — do people think a Juventus would have been in for him? That is, would a top club like Juventus rate Xhaka just as highly as Ramsey? Or is it the case that in losing Ramsey and keeping Xhaka we are actually losing the better footballer?
Curious to know what people think.
Another question for people, which is a slight twist on the previous: in losing Ramsey and keeping Mesut Ozil, are we losing the more valuable, more productive footballer?
Yeah, that wasn’t the point at all, Jim. But you do you, mate.
Bamford –
Yes to both. Ramsey > Ozil > Xhaka, imo.
Still doesn’t make Ramsey elite though. He’s made a tangible difference this season once in the league – against Spurs. His other 2 goals were both against Fulham, who will probably be back in the Championship next season.
Not bashing Ramsey, just keeping things in perspective. Consummate professional, always has been. Would’ve liked him to stay on his current wages, but hey ho, he’s off on a monster contract. Good luck to him.
Jamie
Fair enough. Question, though: what, exactly, do you mean by “elite”? It might be useful to define this term.
Bamford – Elite by any standard or semantic discussion. His return on the pitch this season, if you examine it, is lower than in most of his previous seasons. Fewer than 10 combined goals and assists doesn’t make for good reading when championing a player’s calibre as ‘just below Messi and Ronaldo’ as was mooted earlier by someone. He has never seen a meaningful final in his career. We all agree the FA Cup is not a major trophy; nothing he’s done internationally is noteworthy either. Kane, who you don’t rate as world class, was just made an MBE (ffs!!)… Read more »
Xhaka was bought and brought him to be a destroyer DM in the shape of Torreira or Kante. He’s really more of a deep lying play maker who likes to dictate the pace of the game through his passes.
In acquiring Torreira we’ve bought a player that makes both Xhaka and Özil work for the team.
That’s why next year we need another player like Lucas to take the burden off…
The Declan Rice ship has sailed, he’s too feted and West Ham will want over £50m for him easily.
Anybody else we should be looking at?
Mislintat being lined up as sporting director by Roma. Ugh we should have never let him go.
This might stir up a little discussion: if Xhaka had been available for the same terms Ramsey was — i.e., on a free, 200k a week in salary — do people think a Juventus would have been in for him? I think they would. They picked up Khedira, Can and now Ramsey for free. And funnily enough I can see Xhaka doing well in Italy he’s got good technical ability. I can see Juve fans getting annoyed with the flicks and ball getting trapped under his feet that Ramsey does sometimes. Again this all came about because he’s being called… Read more »
Or is it the case that in losing Ramsey and keeping Xhaka we are actually losing the better footballer?…in losing Ramsey and keeping Mesut Ozil, are we losing the more valuable, more productive footballer? You see this is where people then all of a sudden start to dog pile on Ramsey because dickheads like you go off on some ridiculous tangent reimagining things and how good he is. First off let me say I don’t want any of them at Arsenal I’d sooner bin them all. Is Ramsey that much better than Xhaka? I’m not sure. Is he better than… Read more »
He has never seen a meaningful final in his career. We all agree the FA Cup is not a major trophy; nothing he’s done internationally is noteworthy either. Kane, who you don’t rate as world class, was just made an MBE (ffs!!) for his ‘contribution to sport’ during the last world cup by scoring a few penalties. Neymar, who hasn’t carried Brazil, Barca, or PSG on his back during a CL or WC final, should be measured by the same standard as Ramsey, in the interest of balance, fairness, and objectivity. This. I mean in a nutshell really. Doesn’t rate… Read more »
I’m sorry, who on here doesn’t rate Kane?
Clueless.
https://metro.co.uk/2019/03/29/manchester-united-told-made-unavoidable-mistake-appointing-ole-gunnar-solskjaer-9058493/
The man has a point whoever he is, if we do not believe Emery can take us to the next level because of the presence of Pep and Klopp in this league, how can Ole take United to the next level?? Is he better than Pep? Klopp? Pochettino??
“What do I think of Unai Emery so far? I like him.
But it’s hard because Emery inherited a dodgy squad and a decadent culture and a skinny German who expects the team to do all his running and tackling. Ozil is often a passenger.”
Ouch!!
Myles Palmer going in with two feet on Ozil
Receding our improved performances against the other top 6 sides suggests that he can compete with those other managers mentioned. As for the next level stuff we just need Emery to steady the ship and improve us from the decline under Wenger. That’s his next level. Fix the malaise have us back competing in big games again and have us acting like a proper club again and then after that you think about the next level
I think United should have typed up OGS new contract and just kept it locked away until he’s secured CL qualification for next season.
It’s understandable that they chose to offer him a contract early in the hope that this will give the players a fillip to kick on and get CL qualification for the new manager.
They had some lucky results in that run. I just think they peaked too soon.
Arsenal and Spuds will get that 3rd and 4th spot.
Chelsea will win EL, they got the favorable path to the finals.
emery looks to bring in 5 New players as he wants to mount a title challenge next season.
That’s bloody ambitious if you ask me. Realistically, we could challenge for the title but I don’t think we will win it. Unless city and pool start to bottle it like spuds.
Marko yes i don’t think any club that spends 70m a summer and spends the winter window practically begging round the world has any right to talk about the next level regardless of who their manager is
that midfield from Eibar, looks average as fk. Hope we at not wasting 12m on him.
United should be the ones talking about the next level (or getting back to their former level) and they have just hired a manager on hire wages than Emery who will not be taking them there in my opinion
Ole now earns higher than Klopp, come to think of it Pochettino earns higher than Klopp