Where I reckon we are.https://heroesandvillains.info/2022/02/24/the-view-from-up-here/
I watched the Leeds Liverpool game and what I took away from the game was how Liverpool players all wanted the ball and created spaces for each other. Without the ball they harrassed the opposition all game, I watched and lamented of watching our players playing pass the ball across the backline and midfield not running hard enough to recieve the pass. Somethings not right at Villa, the players look sour and look to be playing for themselves.
In the wake of the Newcastle defeat it felt like the old days, I wasn't looking forward to the next game and my fears were proved to be correct. My doubts about the Manager meant that those fears were always lurking and this was behind my lack of enthusiasm over the Coutinho signing. As much as it represented our ability to attract world class players, in the main down to the reputation of the new Manager, that alone is not enough. World class players also need motivating, a working and progressive system in which to work, and a flexibility when things go wrong.The events of Saturday were alarming, not least the body language from the Manager who appeared to give up once the opposition scored.This may all be part of the Manager settling into the role, time is important, as is patience something I was accused of having a lack of as I argued with a supporter post match. We can't just keep sacking managers was the point, to which I replied do we just stick with bad ones?I though the time was right for Smith to leave but was very disappointed how it turned out. I had major reservations about the new appointment, these have grown in the last few weeks but as I have said on many occasions before, I hope I am wrong, I hope I end up with egg on my face and I hope someone reminds me of my cynicism as the Manager waves a trophy all around the place.
I agree, Lee, but with a nagging doubt that it’s wishful thinking rather than anything I could backup.
I can't get past the feeling that something deeper is wrong you know, having given it some thought.Smith's demise came about due to a drastic shift in tactics and catastrophic run of results. The team went from style to shithousing within a few weeks, the team looked lost, the results didn't come and the Manager was fired. Subsequently said Manager has taken another role where he has reverted to style once more, albeit up against it with the quality of the squad.When the current incumbent took over, out went the long ball, long throw rubbish and in came a narrow but pleasant style of play, topped off with energy and pressing gleaning some fine results. On the evidence of Saturday that energy and press has been all but abandoned, while it would be a stretch to say that we are shithousing again, we are certainly shit and with the exception of that 20 mins against Leeds, recent performances have been flat, uninspired and lacking imagination. Just as they were at the end of Smith's reign.I laid the blame for Smith's sacking at the door of McPhee or rather the former allowing the latter more influence than was healthy. Although McPhee remains, it really is a stretch to hold him accountable once more, particularly given the gargantuan backroom staff we currently employ with certain members held in such high regard within the game.This recent regression has been as surprising as it has been depressing and one would hope that it's not the Club itself that is the problem, as Dave alludes to in the original article, but something that can be fixed within. Or doesn't exist at all and I'm being a big bed wetting twat who's overthinking a run of a few poor results. That have occurred twice in the same season with different Managers...
Great read Dave.