I like Garde. He's not a tea cup thrower by the look of it, and in some moments we probably do need that, but he's certainly a strict disciplinarian. He demands a certain level and he's not afraid to tell players when they're not achieving that level. Gabby has swanned around the club for too long and expected to waltz into the starting lineup. Remi has demanded more. He's indentified others falling short.
Now I know many, myself included have wanted to see Kozak but it may well be, for whatever reason, that Remi hasn't seen enough. Effort? Quality? I don't know which.
He's taken Grealish to task, who like so many who get thrust into the limelight very early, can often suddenly believe their bollocks are bigger than they are.
Now I've not agreed with every decision Garde has made. I have however agreed with the way he's approached stamping his authority on the side. It's plain for everyone to see, except our last 3 managers, that Gabby is a rotten apple. A festering boil that either needs drastic treatment or removal. Now if Gabby reacts in the right way, we may well see him come back. IF.
We haven't won yet under Garde. The Watford game was the biggest disappointment. The other games he's had have been tougher on paper and we've perhaps come away with about what was expected, but honestly, even Watford look a side with a bit of momentum so us expecting a win may have been a little too arrogant.
I don't think we're not going out to win games. We are trying but in Remi's defence he's inherited far and away the most fuck awful backline in the league. Amavi (injured) and Richards aside (who's played out of position), every player in our defense are absolutely fucking atrocious. No ifs, no buts. Fucking dire. Piss poor. Way below the standard of this league or way past their prime. Shite. What can he do with those cards dealt to him? And a Keeper who has turned to complete bollocks too. He's also inherited an awful choice of strikers.
This season is all but gone but I'm happy to see him try and build something with his own signings whilst trying to intergrate our youngsters, which could actually be easier in the Championship.
He won't settle for anything less than 100% though. I'm pleased with that. Under previous managers certain players got away with murder. I want to see the right reactions from players like Grealish. I want them to follow what Veretout and Ayew have done as an example.
