lcfc_forever

His record is poor on our managerial selections - suggested Benitez would be appointed before Smith got the job as well.

I was reading this carefully until the line "Carlos might want to wait for a more stable opportunity like an Everton"!

Re. Potter, didn't we pull the plug on it previously because we got fed up of him wanting to make his mind up and the costs were too expensive? If so, why would he then want the role now after we stopped talks? Feels like it's a case of him getting it out in the open that he wouldn't be interested, even though he's not on our shortlist so other clubs don't think even Leicester don't want him? I don't get the club putting out there they didn't have someone lined up as makes them look even sillier unless it's a deliberate ploy for some reason - maybe they want to maximise the net and want foreign managers to come forward they may have not considered before?

This is very good: He needs to decide on his system, otherwise it will just create more confusion. The profile of the players we bought seems suited for a more transitional, counter-attacking style vs. possession based.

Soumare hasn’t helped himself with his attitude but he’s not been played correctly for much of the time. He’s been played as a defensive midfielder but he doesn’t have enough positional sense/discipline to do it successfully - I remember his first performance vs. Wolves when we was brought on to see out the game but it almost backfired and he didn’t play well. When he’s got a defensive midfielder next to him and allowed to go off the leash, he’s tended to perform better for us. If he comes in as an 8, that might work but not as a 6 as that won’t work.

Nope, he didn’t have to say it. Not happy with Cooper either but deserves some positive recognition here.

Bingo!

Facu said Cooper was a key part in why he signed - from today's interview in the Telegraph. At least that's one positive (Awaits someone disputing this, even though it's a direct quote from the player!)

Says Cooper was a "big part" in him deciding to sign for the club

Thanks! Appreciate the detailed response. Ndidi’s attacking stats aren’t too shabby either. So free Ricardo!

@StriderHiryu Brilliant analysis as usual! My question is what's the defensive shape if we play how we finished the match yesterday? If we move into a 4-4-2, that means Fatawu at RB which is a risk. But then we have a far better attacking set up so could mean the defence is under less pressure anyway. I like your preferred team - that would be my XI as well as think Ndidi has been very good as the box crasher and you get both wingers into the team, but what's the defensive set up for that 3-2-2-3 formation? If 4-4-2, who is the right full back (if Justin is LCB/LB)? Interestingly, sounds like Winks and Ayew freelanced the move rather than it being something they trained for, but Hughes' impact is still undeniable, especially on offensively. Still think there's more work needed defending them.

Had a rough week, rarely have I screamed joy after a match like that. So happy, needed that.

@StriderHiryu called it in his ForFoxSake analysis that they would go to a wingback system given the pressure on their manager.

Fully agree. In the system we play, there's no need for both of them. Ndidi, Skipp, Buononotte/BEK has to be combination.

Criticism is warranted but looking at the comments in this thread, it’s been way too strong. Agree with him moving to the left and Ricardo in at RB, it’s a no-brainer!

Bumping this after the OTT criticism. Sounds like he still needs to work on his positioning but he’s getting a run of games and hopefully his confidence will come through. That 2nd goal was superb. If JJ can get back near to the 2019/20 version, we have got some player.

Why did he not make subs earlier when we've got so much more depth? How is 15 mins or so enough for them to make an impact? Make it make sense someone?! Hamza was so bad and BDR anonymous. Buenanotte was poor but at least he put a shift in which is more than can be said for so many of the team. So sloppy and careless generally. Only positive except the penalties was Fatawu looking more like himself in the 2nd half.

LOL, just enjoy the good news! We needed it.

Maybe time to change your username after this news mate!

Excellent work @StriderHiryu! I'd reached the same conclusion as you, however wild it might sound, for Buononotte to come into the team ahead of Fatawu. Surely then Ricardo comes into the team, with Justin switching to the left. At his peak, Justin was arguably one of the top 3 left backs in the league and has got a lot of experience playing there, and has played as one of 3 CBs. I also wouldn't be surprised if Coady came into the team alongside Okoli for experience. Buonanotte, BEK and Mavididi could be very exciting upfront behind the striker, and then we have Fatawu and Ayew/Vardy off the bench to finish the game.

Ipswich are paying massive wages, as they don’t have PSR issues. Wonder how it will impact squad harmony with new players being on such higher salaries?

Rubbish, the initial reports about us wanting him were because of Cooper having worked with him before.