Saint Garrett Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/mayuka-happy-to-be-back-644850.aspx?pageView=full#anchored Emmanuel Mayuka is looking to make up for lost time after returning home earlier than planned from the African Cup Of Nations. I got back last weekend so I’ve only had a week of training with the new manager, but it’s so far so good" Emmanuel Mayuka During the past month or so, the 22 year-old forward had been hoping to defend Zambia’s title in South Africa, but his nation’s campaign came to an abrupt end. Having struggled to deal with difficult playing surfaces, Zambia drew all three of their group-stage fixtures and were knocked out at the first hurdle. It has been a similar story of frustration for Mayuka in his debut season with Southampton, as he has yet to string a run of games together in the Barclays Premier League. Mayuka was an unused substitute in the four Saints matches prior to leaving for Africa, and given that he was in the middle of trying to battle his way into contention at St Mary’s, he admits that a month away from the club might not have been ideal – though the opportunity to play football is something he relished. “I can see both sides – going away was both a good thing and a bad thing,” the forward tells Saturday’s official matchday programme. “I really needed game-time and to play football because I hadn’t had much, and to represent your country is the best thing anyone can wish to do. “I was excited about going to the Africa Cup of Nations and playing games, but I am part of the family here so I felt bad that I was leaving them behind.” Little did he know that just two days before the Chipolopolo’s opening game against Ethiopia, he received the news of a change of manager back in Southampton. While Mauricio Pochettino was meeting his new players, Mayuka was more than 5,000 miles away. “I didn’t want to think about it too much because we were in the middle of the tournament,” he says, “but it was hard knowing that he was coming in and meeting the players without me there. “When you hear there is a new manager coming in, it’s just the same as going to a new club. You have to try to show him what you can do and what you can bring to the team. “It only takes you one-or-two days to make an impression, so I was already looking forward to coming back and getting into training with the new manager.” Emmanuel was hurt by the fact that the Chipolopolo could not follow up last year’s tournament-winning success, but he can see a silver lining to his team’s early elimination. “It was horrible to go out, especially without even losing a game – at least if we lost one, it’d be easier to come to terms with,” he says. “We’re disappointed, but the positive for me is that I can come back to Southampton sooner than expected. “I got back last weekend so I’ve only had a week of training with the new manager, but it’s so far so good. I’m enjoying working with him.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Charlie Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 Still think he could play a part. With pacy players like him it is as much the teammates that need to release the ball early as anything. Great option to have on the bench. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dig Dig Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 Unwise to write the lad off just yet as some already have, may make decent impact for us until now and end of season. Just needs consistent opportunities which he's never really had. Adkins was mostly cautious when integrating new players so will be interesting to see how Pochettino utilises him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Garrett Posted 8 February, 2013 Author Share Posted 8 February, 2013 He's a lot better option to have off the bench that De Ridder, and it looks liike maybe Isgrove might be getting a chance in the squad over the rest of the season. I think Mayuka is ok, he just needs a bit of playing time. 3 times I've seen him this season he's looked a handful. (Spurs (h), WHU (a), Villa (h)). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KelvinsRightGlove Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 The guy's clearly got potential I think, just needs to get on the pitch and start showing it now I think. That pace could be a valuable if harnessed correctly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Charlie Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 To be fair when he started vs Sunderland he was ok too, it was just a poor team performance. He is certainly worth having. With Ramirez too we would probably start seeing the real benefit next season, like happened with Mata and Silva who also needed time to settle and get used to English footy. It has been very stop start for Mayuka, but we have a decent run now til end of the season for him to get involved in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToreSF Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 To be fair when he started vs Sunderland he was ok too, it was just a poor team performance. He is certainly worth having. With Ramirez too we would probably start seeing the real benefit next season, like happened with Mata and Silva who also needed time to settle and get used to English footy. It has been very stop start for Mayuka, but we have a decent run now til end of the season for him to get involved in. Agree. Way to soon to write off young players like these. Both have great potential and could easily become important players for us next season, or even in the final stages this season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pingwing Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 He's got plenty of potential, just think he's been hampered a bit by Adkins favouring Punch a bit too much (and not being an out and out right winger). Hopefully gets some more game time as his version of direct running is a lot better than De Ridder, actually involves the ball and defenders looking worried. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clifford Nelson Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 Whatever anyone thinks MP looks like wanting players to play within the system, rather than accommodating their wishes. We already have one striker, and one no 10, and we will not return to 4-4-2 again, so Mayuka needs to look at himself as one of the front three, and in his case the competition is Puncheon. He is quicker and more straightforward, so he ought to get game time if not yet a regular starting spot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintrich Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 I think we'll use Mayuka more under Pochettino. Not sure Adkins rates him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 I think we'll use Mayuka more under Pochettino. Not sure Adkins rates him. not sure Adkins knew what to do with him is more likely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 not sure Adkins knew what to do with him is more likely. That lone striker role against Sunderland was a very poor error of judgement from Adkins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 Write him off at your peril. Similar seems to have happened here, as with Boruc. He didn't do much wrong, but because he didn't play much he was deemed rubbish. Now he's playing you can see that he's actually our best GK. Once Mayuka settles and gets game time, he will be frightening in this league IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dig Dig Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 Write him off at your peril. Similar seems to have happened here, as with Boruc. He didn't do much wrong, but because he didn't play much he was deemed rubbish. Now he's playing you can see that he's actually our best GK. Once Mayuka settles and gets game time, he will be frightening in this league IMO. Or that their limitied performances happen to come during a time where the team have struggled or coincided with a generally poor game (Sunderland) and too much is made from individual performances. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mowgli Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 not sure Adkins knew what to do with him is more likely. And I can understand that. I've seen Mayuka play a few times and there are two things that occurred to me (in the way we played him). He can't head the ball. He can't even jump. But he is undoubtedly a strong lad of the Billy Sharp type who can hold off a player a close quarters. He has blistering pace and a good eye for goal but not so strong playing the holding role and laying it off for others. I honestly can't recall his crossing ability. So I don't really know how best we would play him. If MP finds a good role for him and it works, it will be good evidence that Cortese knew what he was doing changing the managers around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour Mash Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 Write him off at your peril. Similar seems to have happened here, as with Boruc. He didn't do much wrong, but because he didn't play much he was deemed rubbish. Now he's playing you can see that he's actually our best GK. Once Mayuka settles and gets game time, he will be frightening in this league IMO. Who is writing him off? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pingwing Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 That lone striker role against Sunderland was a very poor error of judgement from Adkins Didn't work against Leeds or in the last 10 mins against United either. Adkins seemed to think despite being short and fast he could be a target man... No idea how he got it into his head that would work with Rodriguez on the left. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Garrett Posted 8 February, 2013 Author Share Posted 8 February, 2013 I didn't see the Sunderland so can't comment on that, but has impressed me when he has played. Not sure he is capable of playing the lone forward role just yet though although maybe with Gaston in behind and our high pressing would suit his game better. When he came on against Man Utd we just lumped balls up to him and he's not that kind of player. Also it was mentioned that when we signed him that Cortese bought him straight from YoungBoys without Adkins knowing about him or any agents being involved. Not sure if this stopped him from giving him a proper chance or not, but I hope he comes good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dig Dig Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 Who is writing him off? Why do you always demand evidence of such things? Are you talking about who on this specific thread or are you asking for him to provide you with forum names as to who have "written him off", however you choose to define that. From my perspective, I've seen plenty of comments from people on here saying that they don't understand why he was signed, is a waste of money, not what we need, not good enough etc. I think the general point is that it's generally too early to make such comments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dig Dig Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 I didn't see the Sunderland so can't comment on that, but has impressed me when he has played. Not sure he is capable of playing the lone forward role just yet though although maybe with Gaston in behind and our high pressing would suit his game better. When he came on against Man Utd we just lumped balls up to him and he's not that kind of player. Also it was mentioned that when we signed him that Cortese bought him straight from YoungBoys without Adkins knowing about him or any agents being involved. Not sure if this stopped him from giving him a proper chance or not, but I hope he comes good. Not true, Adkins went to see him play the season before he signed for us. Who knows what his thoughts were after the scouting but he wouldn't have been a complete surprise to Adkins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Garrett Posted 8 February, 2013 Author Share Posted 8 February, 2013 Well our trusty journo Nixon, said that it was an odd deal as it hadn't gone through either manager, It went from chairman to chairman with no agents involved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dig Dig Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 Well our trusty journo Nixon, said that it was an odd deal as it hadn't gone through either manager, It went from chairman to chairman with no agents involved. Yea the deal was done with no agents involved granted but Adkins had watched him play before so it's not the case that he would have just arrived one day as a complete unknown to Adkins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour Mash Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 Why do you always demand evidence of such things? Are you talking about who on this specific thread or are you asking for him to provide you with forum names as to who have "written him off", however you choose to define that. From my perspective, I've seen plenty of comments from people on here saying that they don't understand why he was signed, is a waste of money, not what we need, not good enough etc. I think the general point is that it's generally too early to make such comments. Either. No one has really written hm off on this thread. Hardly anyone said he is rubbish or a waste of money on this forum. Most people have been quite open-minded on the lad, obviously disappointed not to have seen more from him so far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dig Dig Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 Either. No one has really written hm off on this thread. Hardly anyone said he is rubbish or a waste of money on this forum. Most people have been quite open-minded on the lad, obviously disappointed not to have seen more from him so far. I agree no one on this thread has said that but equally, there have obviously been enough comments made for a couple of posters (including myself) to observe that it's a little unwise to suggest that he's not good enough at this stage. Such comments are mostly made by posters who are unhappy about our transfer dealings in the most part. Anyway, just semantics as we clearly agree that it's a shame he hasn't been able to have much of an impact regardless of the reasons behind it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KelvinsRightGlove Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 Who is writing him off? All the people that repeatedly bleat about what a waste of money he was, and point to him as an example of how poor our summer shopping was. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maggie May Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 Although Lambert scored from the resulting penalty, a goal for Mayuka against Villa could've kicked-started his season with a bang. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KelvinsRightGlove Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 I didn't see the Sunderland so can't comment on that, but has impressed me when he has played. Not sure he is capable of playing the lone forward role just yet though although maybe with Gaston in behind and our high pressing would suit his game better. When he came on against Man Utd we just lumped balls up to him and he's not that kind of player. Also it was mentioned that when we signed him that Cortese bought him straight from YoungBoys without Adkins knowing about him or any agents being involved. Not sure if this stopped him from giving him a proper chance or not, but I hope he comes good. But Cortese picks the team? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 But Cortese picks the team? Yep, picks the team, washes the kit, makes the tea, sweeps out the stands,answers the phone. A real control freak, does it all himself....apparently :rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPTCount Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 Still think he could play a part. With pacy players like him it is as much the teammates that need to release the ball early as anything. . this against sunderland there where so many chances to feed him in behind the defense, they were playing such a high line hoping he will get a run under MP, and our goal scoring has petered off recently Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
110_Persaint Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 By the end of the season (Stoke at home) Mayuka will be a regular in the starting XI. Mark my words. You heard it here first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour Mash Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 By the end of the season (Stoke at home) Mayuka will be a regular in the starting XI. Mark my words. You heard it here first. Which position? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Who? Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 He has a future at the club I have no doubt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 Unwise to write the lad off just yet as some already have, may make decent impact for us until now and end of season. Just needs consistent opportunities which he's never really had. Adkins was mostly cautious when integrating new players so will be interesting to see how Pochettino utilises him. Agreed...in fact I might say, it's by near impossible as he hasn't played two full games and only been on as a late sub. You can't begin judge a player on less than half-a dozen games and then it depends on the rest of the team's performance as well as their own personal input. ....I just wonder if he can play left back ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bucks Saint Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 FWIW - and yes I fully appreciate it is v early days and he could well be decent - so far he reminds me of Nicky Banger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dalek2003 Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 Not being funny, but why did we sign him if we can't find a role for him ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
110_Persaint Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 Which position? Somewhere behind the striker. Unless Rickie gets injured (fingers crossed) one of the '3' in the 4-2-3-1, most likely on the right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bowers-sfc Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 Id imagine his £7k appearance fee does not help Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dig Dig Posted 8 February, 2013 Share Posted 8 February, 2013 Id imagine his £7k appearance fee does not help Don't be silly. Why give a player an appearance fee in the first place of you don't want to pay it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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