ProDirectSaints

Jesus Perez, Translator + Assistant Manager, or Coach, or something. But basically he follows Poch around and translates everything

The change in manager, despite the unusual timing, is something I can live with. Likewise, I have no issue with Pochettino either and I am more than willing to give him a chance. HOWEVER, I find it absolutely disgusting how Cortese/the board not only refuse to thank Adkins or even acknowledge what he has helped the club achieve, but will also instruct the stewards to confiscate any Adkins related banners! Fine, if the club don't wish to acknowledge Adkins' services, there is nothing I (or anyone else) can do, but to prevent fans from voicing their opinions (simply thanking Adkins!) is rather disappointing and not something I had hoped to see in a club I love so dearly. I suspect these tactics are probably a business management technique he has used in the past (to "cut ties" quickly and painlessly, and keep employees looking forward rather than back), but can't he allow at least ONE game for the fans to thank their previous manager, under whom the team has seen two successive promotions? It is as if he wants the fans to forget that Adkins even existed and take credit for everything himself. Don't get me wrong - I give Cortese credit for a lot of what was achieved over the last few years, but I would more inclined to like him as a person as well if he would simply allow the fans to give some credit where it is due. Thank you, Nigel.

He looked bad in the last game too. He is a half-second too slow reacting, nearly gives me a heart attack whenever the box is in the 6-yard box. Also he can't seem to hang on to the ball, nor punch it! There were at least 2-3 corners which Stoke could easily have scored had we not had a defender in the way, due to his crazy positioning on the corner

Bringing Richardson on baffled me as well. I was expecting Ramirez for Guly/Lambert/Punch from about 75 min onwards, but it never came. That said, I'd take a point from Brittania any day. Brilliant first half, in my opinion we need to see more of J-Rod up front. He allows us to have a much more direct playing style (i.e. playing balls he can run on to), as opposed to the usual Rickie headering it down for Ramirez/Punch/Lallana. Final thing, in my opinion KD cannot play at this level. While none of the goals were his fault exactly, he just seems a half-second slow reacting to any and every ball. every time we were defending a corner, he just did not look confident nor aggressive enough Hopefully we can build on this performance. Well done by Adkins to get the starting line-up and tactics right, but once again, questionable subs (I had no problem with Fox, but Fox AND Richardson).

Shaw looking good early on. Ramirez appears to have started on the left... he has played there before at Bologna, will be interested to see how he does

Well, in Fonte's defense, most changing room showers don't have walls... 'tis the case even at many training grounds also. What was Ronaldo doing doing press ups in the shower? What a strange man. I must admit though, the way you put it, I got a chuckle out of that.

Guly? What on earth... Was hoping to see Mayuka come on also

I'm going to be interested in how Shaw and Clyne deal with Sterling and Enrique. Enrique has looked very good recently IMO. Our fullbacks will have their hands full with these two, but at least they have the pace to deal with it (compared to Fox/Richardson). I'm worried about Fonte and Yoshida though, I don't think they are a very good matchup for Liverpool's attack. Fortunately our midfield woes seem to have improved with the return of the Cork/Morgan partnership, we will need them to win us the midfield. If we can keep some decent possession, I reckon our attacking 4 could cause Liverpool some problems. Plus Liverpool's fullbacks really like to push forward, if Puncheon/Lallana get the right ball they could try to exploit that. What I'm expecting: 3-1 Liverpool What I'm hoping for: 3-2 Saints