Pamplemousse

Hopefully not the same fun that Russell Martin was having

Just thinking back, I realised after the game that at no point during the added time did I have the usual sense of dread that we'd concede. It was refreshing actually.

I'll take a draw, it would represent progress and hopefully another point closer to 17th

We needed a clear change of tactics and we will get this. I suspect the damage is already done but hopefully we can try and get a bit closer to the top of the drop zone. If we can start keeping clean sheets then we have a fighting chance, guaranteed to pick up at least 1 point if we do that.

Norwich is an absolute shoe-in at some point. It may work for them, I suspect their expectations are a little lower than ours

You can pay the Home Office for priority decisions -the club will have paid for the 'super priority' option (which costs £1,000) which ensures a decision is made by the next working day. I will assume we sorted that all out yesterday and his visa was approved today.

Well done benjii, I know he came in peace but it was all a bit too nice for my liking.

More days off than points

I asked AI to predict his lineup and how each players fits into his usual system. And no matter how many times I tried to manipilute it, it still wouldn't pick Jack Stephens Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale (30) Fit in Jurić's System: Ramsdale’s ability to play out from the back is essential for initiating attacks under Jurić’s system, which demands quick transitions from defense to offense. His vocal leadership helps organize the high defensive line. Challenges: Must maintain composure under pressure, as Jurić’s style often invites aggressive opposition pressing. Back Three Jan Bednarek (35) (Central) Fit in Jurić's System: As the central defender, Bednarek is the defensive anchor. His aerial strength and positional awareness are key for repelling crosses and organizing the backline. Challenges: Needs to manage a high defensive line, which could expose him against faster attackers. Nathan Wood (15) (Right Center-Back) Fit in Jurić's System: Wood brings composure, agility, and defensive intelligence, which suit Jurić’s pressing system. His ability to read the game and intercept passes is valuable for covering spaces behind the wing-back. Challenges: Still gaining top-flight experience and could struggle against high-pressure situations or physical strikers. Taylor Harwood-Bellis (6) (Left Center-Back) Fit in Jurić's System: As a left-sided ball-playing defender, Harwood-Bellis aids in building attacks from the back and switches play effectively. His composure suits Jurić's possession-oriented defensive setup. Challenges: Needs to adapt to the physical demands of covering for an advanced left wing-back. Wing-Backs Kyle Walker-Peters (2) (Right Wing-Back) Fit in Jurić's System: A dynamic presence on the right, Walker-Peters provides width in attack while maintaining defensive solidity. His versatility supports quick transitions and overloads in wide areas. Challenges: Balancing offensive contributions with defensive duties in a system that relies heavily on wing-backs. Ryan Manning (3) (Left Wing-Back) Fit in Jurić's System: Manning’s crossing ability and overlapping runs are crucial for creating width on the left and delivering balls into the box. Challenges: Needs to remain disciplined defensively, especially against counter-attacks targeting his flank. Central Midfielders Flynn Downes (4) Fit in Jurić's System: Downes acts as the primary ball-winner in midfield, breaking up opposition play and protecting the backline. His high work rate and tactical intelligence are vital for maintaining balance. Challenges: Limited creativity may reduce his impact in attacking transitions. Mateus Fernandes (18) Fit in Jurić's System: Fernandes offers a more technical and creative presence in midfield. His composure and vision enable him to link defense and attack effectively, playing progressive passes and controlling the tempo. Challenges: Lacks physicality compared to Ugochukwu, so he’ll need to adapt to the physical demands of Jurić’s high-intensity system. Attacking Midfielders Tyler Dibling (33) Fit in Jurić's System: Dibling is the creative hub, operating between the lines to unlock defenses with incisive passes and intelligent movement. His technical skills and ability to exploit spaces are pivotal. Challenges: His lack of physicality might make it challenging to deal with aggressive marking. Kamaldeen Sulemana (20) Fit in Jurić's System: Sulemana’s pace and dribbling provide a direct attacking outlet, stretching defenses and creating space for others. He thrives in a system that prioritizes quick transitions. Challenges: Needs to improve his decision-making in the final third to maximize his impact. Striker Adam Armstrong (9) Fit in Jurić's System: Armstrong’s relentless pressing and pace make him ideal for leading the line in a high-intensity setup. He’s crucial for initiating the press and exploiting defensive errors. Challenges: His lack of physical presence may limit his effectiveness against deep-lying defenses. Summary of Tactical Fit Defensive Cohesion: The back three, anchored by Bednarek and supported by the wing-backs, provides solidity while enabling progressive play from the back. Midfield Dynamism: Downes provides the defensive cover, while Fernandes adds creativity and composure, ensuring balance during counter-pressing and possession phases. Attacking Fluidity: Dibling’s creativity and Sulemana’s explosiveness offer variety in attack, while Armstrong’s pressing ensures high energy and defensive contributions.

Fernandes, Armstrong and Lallana are one yellow card away from suspension and a nice Christmas off...

https://en.as.com/soccer/torino-director-davide-vagnati-caught-on-camera-fighting-coach-ivan-juric-v/ Looking forward to him dealing with Rasmus...

Ivan Juric's red and white army (we hate Pompey) This is how it feels to be Pompey, this is how it feels to be small, you sign Mousinho, we sign Ivan Juric Ivan Juric's red and white, red and white, Ivan Juric's red and white, he hates Pompey Ivan Juric woahhh Ivan Juric woahhh, he comes from Italy, he fucking hates Pompey

Russell Martin knew the league, how did that go? This "knowing the league" is bollocks. If he's a good manager, he's a good manager. If he isn't, he isn't. It's as simple as that.

Yeah we should go get the guy that did the double over last season, that Maresca fella, whatever happened to him?

Yup agree with this. The second half strategy is a lot easier for us if the other team is also chasing the game I.e. it's 0-0. We left ourselves with a bit too much to do yesterday, but the logic behind the plan was sensible.

There's a way of playing and the second half from yesterday is that way. Aggressive, getting the ball forward quickly, balls into the box causing problems. They lost 4-1 at home to Wolves recently; a bit like Brighton they tend to struggle against teams they should be beating. So hopefully we benefit.

From Richard Keys's blog (apologies if already posted) It was Benjamin Franklin who said ‘nothing is certain except death and taxes’. I’ve re-worked that famous phrase many times and I’m going to again. Nothing - except that Russell Martin was going to get the sack. The only surprise for me is that Southampton waited so long. They’re already down. And that’s not because they weren’t ever good enough for the PL. It’s not because Martin was stubbornly principled, but because he was stupid. He cut a comical character every time he did post match interviews following another Saints mauling. He’d bang on about ‘the group learning’. About wanting to stay true to his principles. About playing ‘the right way’. Oh fuck off. What a load of nonsense. Ask Saints fans if they believe their team have been playing ‘the right way’. Of course they haven’t. They’re rooted to the bottom of the league. They’re going down after a miserable attempt to re-join the big boys. The only thing we don’t know yet is if they’ll make history as the worst ever PL team. Right now they’re on course, but the new guy might give them a fighting chance. More than anything that’s what they need - a bit of fight. To play ugly and win a few games. Get the ball into areas where they can cause the opposition damage - not themselves. Pass. Pass. Pass - goal to the opposition. What’s clever or ‘right’ about that? It’s certainly not good coaching. No. A good coach would find a way. He/she would adapt to the circumstances their team found themselves in. There’s a reason players play for teams like Southampton - because they’re not good enough for top teams. So don’t ask them to play like top players. Even City are being found out because they don’t have a plan B. I noticed Graeme Souness - in his column in Saturday’s Mail - warning that we’re boring our game to death right now (we speak all the time!) and I agree with him. I sense fans have had enough of it. They want excitement. They want to see chances created and goals scored. How long have I been saying this for? Good luck to the new guy at Southampton. I hope he reads this - or Graeme’s piece. They’re much the same. 😂

Exactly, Liverpool got a red card in the previous match and presumably Hooper didn't want to deal with the hassle from their rabble of a fanbase. He bottled it completely.

The second goal came directly from us going long from a goal kick. We have to defend it better but maybe Martin had a point after all!

Why do we not run, why do we not press at all? This is properly shit.

I've got that account blocked so presumably is one of those click batty accounts

Hjulmand for me would be the obvious choice. Similar to Russell in terms of style of play but just a bit better and more refined.

That screams interim appointment

It will be a shitshow. Our best hope is Liverpool rest all their players