unrest in the squad

[Matt]

So seriously, i'm not wumming, this is a genuine question because whenever i'm picking people up on it i'm getting no response and i'm not doing it to wind people up, I genuinely want to have a discussion about it.

 

This "player power" people speak of which I don't deny, however I can sympathise with them to an extent.

 

I can't speak for fact but I can imagine it's very boring and depressing at the moment under him.

 

Under Ranieri, he did alot of damage to himself with all the upheaval he caused in his 2nd season.

 

Shakespeare - I don't think anyone (until now when it suits their argument) claimed "player power" or that they weren't playing for him, he was simply out of his depth and had a tough start, we were only going one way under him and something had to give.

 

Anyway, i'm going off track abit, so this "player power", how does that work when Puel is consistanly picking said players who are 'running the changing room'?

 

Does he not have the bollocks to drop them?

 

You could argue dropping them could cause more aggro for him but it's clearly not working as it is so whack em' out, show some discipline, show them who's boss and let them know in no uncertain terms that their time is numbered.

 

IF this "player power" or unrest within the squad does exist or it's simply a case of player's not playing for him, he's letting them, he's allowing it and letting them 'win'.

 

I accept he doesn't have many options in positions because he (And the managers that have been before him) have been failed by the recruitment team but he does have options, not showing any sign of using them though.

Edited 14 April 2018 by Matt

[StriderHiryu]

6 minutes ago, Matt said:

So seriously, i'm not wumming, this is a genuine question because whenever i'm picking people up on it i'm getting no response and i'm not doing it to wind people up, I genuinely want to have a discussion about it.

 

This "player power" people speak of which I don't deny, however I can sympathise with them to an extent. I can't speak for fact but I can imagine it's very boring and depressing at the moment under him.

 

Under Ranieri, he did alot of damage to himself with all the upheaval he caused in his 2nd season.

 

Shakespeare - I don't think anyone (until now when it suits their argument) claimed "player power" or that they weren't playing for him, he was simply out of his depth and had a tough start, we were only going one way under him and something had to give.

 

Anyway, i'm going off track abit, so this "player power", how does that work when Puel is consistanly picking said players who are 'running the changing room'?

 

Does he not have the bollocks to drop them?

 

You could argue dropping them could cause more aggro for him but it's clearly not working as it is so whack em' out, show some discipline, show them who's boss and let them know in no uncertain terms that their time is numbered.

 

IF this "player power" or unrest within the squad does exist or it's simply a case of player's not playing for him, he's letting them, he's allowing it and letting them 'win'.

 

I accept he doesn't have many options in positions because he (And the manager that have been before him) have been failed by the recruitment team but he does have options, not showing any sign of using them though.

Unfortunately I think it’s likely the players don’t like or get on with him. I don’t think they hate him (or do they?) but I don’t think they like his style or training methods. 

 

Burnley play a style that suits them and gets the best out of their players. I don’t think our players think Puel’s style does the same for them. In my opinion we were today the better team but I give maximum credit to Burnley and Sean Dyche. They knew the importance of the game, wanted it and delivered. That’s the result of a well drilled coaching setup and fostering a good team spirit - things we were famous for. Congratulations to them for getting into Europe as they fully deserve it. 

 

To get to “the next step” as a club I believe switching our style and utilising our relative wealth to do so is the correct move, but I can no longer see it working out with Puel. I hate chopping and changing the manager so often but think we will see it again soon. We do need a club builder type of manager but also need someone who can relate to the fans and players. Both fans and players want a high octane style of play. Would Wagner be worth a shout? 

[Donut]

Ive already nailed my colours to the mast on this one.

 

My thoughts are that this squad is one that contains an "old" element of Leicester, mixed with a more technical group that I believe have already shown in patches, that they are suitable for a new direction for the club.

 

People do mention about going back to what we know best, which is more direct play. But we have seen that this is becoming less and less effective. Shakespeare was trying to play more direct football and it simply wasnt working well. For us to adopt this style and make it a success in the long term, i dont see a manager who could do this.

 

I also think next season, if we did go down this route, you would have people moaning just the same that we were playing a poor style, and i dont trust the medium term future of building the club around signing these types of players.

 

I also think its short sighted to build our style of play around suiting current players that almost certainly must be binned. Whether they won a league title or not, the game moves on and they are not suitable for us now. End of story. Nothing changes the fact that they arent legends because they are, but they have all shown their ineffectiveness this season, Morgan has been riddled with mistakes, Simpson is simply not a good enough modern full back. Its all been said before.

 

I think the long term sustainability has to be built around what Puel is trying to do, and this in turn will allow new signings and our better, more technical players like Iborra, Silva, Ihaenacho, Maguire, even Chilwell develop in the side.

 

Any new manager is going to face exactly the situation Puel is facing. Its very easy to think swapping the manager will be a cure for everything but we know it wont, and if we keep looking backwards to an ineffective style, how are we going to make this a basis for the long term?

 

So im very much Puel in, and yeah, ill have a few people quoting me, telling me what a moron i am etc etc. Its fine.

 

I will not make any judgements on Puel until he has his squad in place, a pre-season under his belt and his style of play bedded in.

 

If he doesnt make it to that stage, ill back whoever the new man is, who will have to do exactly the same. And at some point, everyone will have to accept someone needs time to change things, or we will go down whilst blaming an inability to play exactly like a title winning team.

[Matt]

1 minute ago, StriderHiryu said:

Unfortunately I think it’s likely the players don’t like or get on with him. I don’t think they hate him (or do they?) but I don’t think they like his style or training methods. 

 

Burnley play a style that suits them and gets the best out of their players. I don’t think our players think Puel’s style does the same for them. In my opinion we were today the better team but I give maximum credit to Burnley and Sean Dyche. They knew the importance of the game, wanted it and delivered. That’s the result of a well drilled coaching setup and fostering a good team spirit - things we were famous for. Congratulations to them for getting into Europe as they fully deserve it. 

 

To get to “the next step” as a club I believe switching our style and utilising our relative wealth to do so is the correct move, but I can no longer see it working out with Puel. I hate chopping and changing the manager so often but think we will see it again soon. We do need a club builder type of manager but also need someone who can relate to the fans and players. Both fans and players want a high octane style of play. Would Wagner be worth a shout? 

Can't disagree with any of that, but you've still not answered my question as such, he still keeps picking these players, if these players aren't playing for him, don't like him, pick some of the fringe players, even kids (Technically he is but I mean pick them over the 'old guard' the ones people are pointing fingers at) atleast they would have something prove, especially now the seasons over, it's not working as it is so he has nothing to lose, atleast he be showing some authority and atleast trying something different.

 

I said Wagner at the end of last season and when Shakespeare was sacked, I'm not saying he'd be right, any manager is a risk but i'd certainly be interested.

[StriderHiryu]

Puel has dropped Fuchs, Simpson and Albrighton at times. He’s also hooked off Mahrez early several times. I do think there is some fear about dropping Morgan though given he’s club captain. So I think there’s an element of player power. 

 

I wonder what he will do now because he’s fast approaching last chance saloon. 

[KJT]

Why does he still pick Morgan every week every game, Dragovic must be thinking as a loan player it's time to move on in the summer. Doesn't Puel read this forum, listen to the radio Leicester comments or watch the game, Morgan his been rubbish since he came back, Why does Puel still pick him?

[sishades]

Quote

Ive already nailed my colours to the mast on this one.

 

My thoughts are that this squad is one that contains an "old" element of Leicester, mixed with a more technical group that I believe have already shown in patches, that they are suitable for a new direction for the club.

 

People do mention about going back to what we know best, which is more direct play. But we have seen that this is becoming less and less effective. Shakespeare was trying to play more direct football and it simply wasnt working well. For us to adopt this style and make it a success in the long term, i dont see a manager who could do this.

 

I also think next season, if we did go down this route, you would have people moaning just the same that we were playing a poor style, and i dont trust the medium term future of building the club around signing these types of players.

 

I also think its short sighted to build our style of play around suiting current players that almost certainly must be binned. Whether they won a league title or not, the game moves on and they are not suitable for us now. End of story. Nothing changes the fact that they arent legends because they are, but they have all shown their ineffectiveness this season, Morgan has been riddled with mistakes, Simpson is simply not a good enough modern full back. Its all been said before.

 

I think the long term sustainability has to be built around what Puel is trying to do, and this in turn will allow new signings and our better, more technical players like Iborra, Silva, Ihaenacho, Maguire, even Chilwell develop in the side.

 

Any new manager is going to face exactly the situation Puel is facing. Its very easy to think swapping the manager will be a cure for everything but we know it wont, and if we keep looking backwards to an ineffective style, how are we going to make this a basis for the long term?

 

So im very much Puel in, and yeah, ill have a few people quoting me, telling me what a moron i am etc etc. Its fine.

 

I will not make any judgements on Puel until he has his squad in place, a pre-season under his belt and his style of play bedded in.

 

If he doesnt make it to that stage, ill back whoever the new man is, who will have to do exactly the same. And at some point, everyone will have to accept someone needs time to change things, or we will go down whilst blaming an inability to play exactly like a title winning team.

This...... absolutely.

[NorthfieldsFox]

Simpson 

[esoog]

I think owners doing a right thing if sticking by Puel. To have further success in years to come we had to change our tactics and not kick the can down the road and play our champion winning style because teams figured it out ala shakey brief era. 

Burnley likely will be bottom half next season (just an opinion). Teams will figure them out and break down their robust defending. 

Puel obviously doesn't have the right players to play the style he needs. Change will come, we can see that as he's getting a feel with his changes week in and out. I'm sure owners know this and backing him as we are safe for another run at Europe next season. Have belief and trust 

[Kitchandro]

1 hour ago, StriderHiryu said:

Unfortunately I think it’s likely the players don’t like or get on with him. I don’t think they hate him (or do they?) but I don’t think they like his style or training methods. 

 

Burnley play a style that suits them and gets the best out of their players. I don’t think our players think Puel’s style does the same for them. In my opinion we were today the better team but I give maximum credit to Burnley and Sean Dyche. They knew the importance of the game, wanted it and delivered. That’s the result of a well drilled coaching setup and fostering a good team spirit - things we were famous for. Congratulations to them for getting into Europe as they fully deserve it. 

 

To get to “the next step” as a club I believe switching our style and utilising our relative wealth to do so is the correct move, but I can no longer see it working out with Puel. I hate chopping and changing the manager so often but think we will see it again soon. We do need a club builder type of manager but also need someone who can relate to the fans and players. Both fans and players want a high octane style of play. Would Wagner be worth a shout? 

But why would you believe that when all evidence suggests that it isn’t the correct move?

 

There is nothing historically, recent or otherwise, to suggest that a club our size can use wealth to compete with the bigger clubs, or that playing possession football will give us an advantage over anyone.

 

History tells us quite the opposite - that the teams that break the mould (i.e. us) play a different way to the top sides.

 

Every time we sod the possession nonsense and try to play at a high tempo with the emphasis on getting forward we look great. Every time the emphasis is on keeping the ball we look awful. This has been the case for 2 years and is the case for pretty much every team.

 

We think we’re being clever by trying to develop into a possession team but it’s just the emperors new clothes. The aim of the game is to score goals and 2 years ago we had a great formula for doing that. Why we’ve tried to move away from that since I have no idea.

 

What is the next step anyway? We’ve already won the league and reached the quarter finals of the Champions League playing in one way, you think we can do better than that by playing a style similar to now?

Edited 14 April 2018 by Kitchandro

[Donut]

4 minutes ago, Kitchandro said:

But why would you believe that when all evidence suggests that it isn’t the correct move?

 

There is nothing historically, recent or otherwise, to suggest that a club our size can use wealth to compete with the bigger clubs, or that playing possession football will give us an advantage over anyone.

 

History tells us quite the opposite - that the teams that break the mould (i.e. us) play a different way to the top sides.

 

Every time we sod the possession nonsense and try to play at a high tempo with the emphasis on getting forward we look great. Every time the emphasis is on keeping the ball we look awful. This has been the case for 2 years and is the case for pretty much every team.

 

We think we’re being clever by trying to develop into a possession team but it’s just the emperors new clothes. The aim of the game is to score goals and 2 years ago we had a great formula for doing that. Why we’ve tried to move away from that since I have no idea.

We moved away from it by necessity.

 

The longer that style went on, the more and more it became less unique, teams could adapt to it more easily and nullify it.

 

We achieved a level of success that was unrealistic to expect from such football. And that has now become the elephant in the room as its what we compare everything to, as if to say if we went back to that style we would win another league.

 

The issue for me is, that kind of style is not sustainable. Allowing other teams to dominate you, hoping you can keep them out, and then nicking games.....can you build a long term strategy around that? can you improve the calibre of your squad like that?

 

I dont know, maybe you can but i suspect long term, you have to become a better team and be able to play different ways.

 

I dont know what the answers are but i dont think simply going longer and upping the tempo is going to cure everything.

[Corky]

2 hours ago, Matt said:

I accept he doesn't have many options in positions because he (And the managers that have been before him) have been failed by the recruitment team but he does have options, not showing any sign of using them though.

Going by the match threads and taking out the players that are useless, crap, past it etc, this is what we'd have:

 

Jakupovic

 

?

Maguire

Dragovic

?

 

Mahrez

Iborra

Ndidi

?

 

Vardy

?

 

Schmeichel, Simpson, Morgan, Fuchs, Chilwell, Albrighton, Gray, Silva, Okazaki, Iheanacho, Amartey have all been called the above in the past few games or in their own threads.

 

If those players aren't good enough and we could fill in the blanks then go ahead.

[StriderHiryu]

3 hours ago, Kitchandro said:

But why would you believe that when all evidence suggests that it isn’t the correct move?

 

There is nothing historically, recent or otherwise, to suggest that a club our size can use wealth to compete with the bigger clubs, or that playing possession football will give us an advantage over anyone.

 

History tells us quite the opposite - that the teams that break the mould (i.e. us) play a different way to the top sides.

 

Every time we sod the possession nonsense and try to play at a high tempo with the emphasis on getting forward we look great. Every time the emphasis is on keeping the ball we look awful. This has been the case for 2 years and is the case for pretty much every team.

 

We think we’re being clever by trying to develop into a possession team but it’s just the emperors new clothes. The aim of the game is to score goals and 2 years ago we had a great formula for doing that. Why we’ve tried to move away from that since I have no idea.

 

What is the next step anyway? We’ve already won the league and reached the quarter finals of the Champions League playing in one way, you think we can do better than that by playing a style similar to now?

Donut gave a much better response than I will, but it's because our style was found out and we had no Plan B. If you compare our style to let's say Tottenham Hotspur, they've continued to progress as a team and are arguably better now than when we beat them to the title. Their transfer spending has not been ridiculous either compared to the Manchester clubs, so their style has proven to be sustainable over a longer term period. When Pochetino took over they were struggling quite badly, and though higher in the table than we won the league, were quite far off challenging for the title. They've turned it round by creating a style of football that is arguably better to watch and harder to pull off than the teams that are in a different stratosphere to them financially. Certainly though Manchester United are above them, I would argue Spurs play much better football then them and they may still end with more trophies this season than Man U, though I hope they don't!

 

To be fair, you called the current situation months ago and said it would all end in disaster. Well maybe disaster is not the right word for it, because we are at least safe this year, but we're no better really than last year and given the squad we have are massively underperforming. Vardy has scored more goals than any striker at Burnley and Arsenal who are above us, but yet we are miles off and there is no guarantee we will even finish in the top half given our current form and long winless streak at home.

 

What I would like to say though is that I'm not pining for possesion football per se, but rather a style that isn't just playing a long ball to Vardy at every opportunity. Actually a style that I think would be desirable long term is Klopp's style at Dortmund / Liverpool with his "gegenpressing" which means they start fast and put pressure on the opponents. The difference between that style and our title winning style is that once they get the ball, they play it round a bit more and have better quality forwards to attack with. I think over time, we could play a version of that.

 

If you look at all of the top teams around Europe over the last 5 years, only one team managed to win the title with a pure counter attacking style, Leicester City. Credit to Ranieri for getting us setup like that, but we need a change of style to become a team that can sustain a top 7 place for a long period of time. What that style is, I don't yet know, but would agree that Puel's style isn't going to be it. It's a real shame because his first 8 or so matches was really encouraging.

[inckley fox]

I'm yet to see much evidence of 'player power' gone wild. They look dispirited and it's easy to confuse that for a lack of conviction. I was never convinced by the Ranieri-era rumours. Many of these players have a history of losing form for prolonged periods - three or four of them were on board as far back as our early-2013 collapse - so it's likely that the slump will pass.

 

Ranieri didn't survive his slump because there was the serious risk of relegation, Shakespeare didn't because (you'd guess) he'd failed to convince the board that he was a long-term solution. There's less urgency to move Puel on. Plus I'd imagine he was brought in with a mandate to shake things up, so presumably the board understood that the road wouldn't always be a smooth one.

 

None of that is to say that he hasn't made mistakes. With hindsight he may regret not letting Mahrez go (if that was in his power) in January, perhaps bringing in a few more new faces. His game management is questionable. And no, it's not a concrete necessity that we play elaborate passing football (nor is it certain that our old style was sussed - the loss of Kante, and form, the psychological impact of the title win, instability and the mess we made of Deadline Day 2017 were all critical to our failure. We never needed to rip up the rule book). It's easy to believe rumours of a communication issue.

 

On top of that, it's wrong to say that there aren't decent alternative out there. The management team which took us up two leagues, kept us up, built our best ever side and (in 2 out of 3 cases) won the league with us may be available, for one, though I know many of you would prefer us to take a gamble on the other options.

 

But at some point a manager will have to begin a new project and upset the apple cart in the process. We plumped for Puel, and I don't see why we should drop him the moment people get a little disgruntled. If we do, then the process will begin all over again, and at some point we are going to need to look forward. Puel will have a much clearer idea of what he needs to assemble his project than any new manager would, so I'd prefer us to just get on with it. Unless this turns into freefall, I'd suggest we looked at how things stood come the November international break.

[sylofox]

8 hours ago, Matt said:

So seriously, i'm not wumming, this is a genuine question because whenever i'm picking people up on it i'm getting no response and i'm not doing it to wind people up, I genuinely want to have a discussion about it.

 

This "player power" people speak of which I don't deny, however I can sympathise with them to an extent.

 

I can't speak for fact but I can imagine it's very boring and depressing at the moment under him.

 

Under Ranieri, he did alot of damage to himself with all the upheaval he caused in his 2nd season.

 

Shakespeare - I don't think anyone (until now when it suits their argument) claimed "player power" or that they weren't playing for him, he was simply out of his depth and had a tough start, we were only going one way under him and something had to give.

 

Anyway, i'm going off track abit, so this "player power", how does that work when Puel is consistanly picking said players who are 'running the changing room'?

 

Does he not have the bollocks to drop them?

 

You could argue dropping them could cause more aggro for him but it's clearly not working as it is so whack em' out, show some discipline, show them who's boss and let them know in no uncertain terms that their time is numbered.

 

IF this "player power" or unrest within the squad does exist or it's simply a case of player's not playing for him, he's letting them, he's allowing it and letting them 'win'.

 

I accept he doesn't have many options in positions because he (And the managers that have been before him) have been failed by the recruitment team but he does have options, not showing any sign of using them though.

Matt does it not strike you as odd that this is reported but no one is named?

 

Does it not strike you as odd no ITK has mentioned this player power or named anyone.

 

It makes me laugh some papers print something and name a player and people on here go it's bollox.

But this is reported with no one named but it's true.

[Matt]

4 hours ago, sylofox said:

Matt does it not strike you as odd that this is reported but no one is named?

 

Does it not strike you as odd no ITK has mentioned this player power or named anyone.

 

It makes me laugh some papers print something and name a player and people on here go it's bollox.

But this is reported with no one named but it's true.

Well exactly, that's the point i'm trying to prove to all the people who are pro-Puel claiming there is this player power.

 

I'm not claiming there is player power, I do believe the players are bored, frustrated and uninspired under him but I think that is just coming naturally, it doesn't mean they're downing tools or working against him. I was just giving scenarios and asking question of those claimng it

Edited 15 April 2018 by Matt

[VLC86]

I’m starting to think something have gone off with Drago and that’s the reason he isn’t being played but I have no idea what.

 

Has he done something? Will he trigger a clause if he plays another game? 

 

Its clear to everyone, even Wes himself surely knows that his time is up. After the 2nd v Newcastle he was stretching his back out and looked injured.

 

Either than or Puel is just crap...

[Finn Claw II]

Give Puel the summer to buy the players to fit his system.  We have traded potentially 7th spot for more time transitioning.

 

i’m sure there is some unrest,  change will inevitably bring that.  Morgan and Simpson clearly don’t fit the system,  Mahrez will go,  Ulloa, Musa, Slimani are surplus to requirements,

 

the squad must know a lot of change will happen, that will impact things 

[mozartfox]

We have changed Manager 3 times after Nige, may it is time now to change more of the Old Guard instead?   King was shipped out at the blink of an eye-lid without much protest, yet many on here think Wes should play every week despite committing some howlers.  

[ian_marshall]

13 hours ago, Matt said:

Can't disagree with any of that, but you've still not answered my question as such, he still keeps picking these players, if these players aren't playing for him, don't like him, pick some of the fringe players, even kids (Technically he is but I mean pick them over the 'old guard' the ones people are pointing fingers at) atleast they would have something prove, especially now the seasons over, it's not working as it is so he has nothing to lose, atleast he be showing some authority and atleast trying something different.

 

I said Wagner at the end of last season and when Shakespeare was sacked, I'm not saying he'd be right, any manager is a risk but i'd certainly be interested.

You make some very valid points in your post's and I must admit that my initial thoughts were along the same lines. However, having given it a little more thought I actually think Puel may be picking these player's to make a point. 

 

We know from previous reports that these player's are rumoured to have the ear of the senior management at the club. Maybe certain established player's from this group who were dropped raised concerns again. Puel rather than taking a heavy handed approach may actually be smarter than we give him credit for, and have countered by selecting these player's to out their lack of ability and fall on their own sword. He's effectively saying 'you've openly made it clear within the club that you you believe you're good enough for selection, now prove it!' 

 

Yes, he could just drop them and select our second string or youth, but if/when that fails he's effectively strengthed the position of the rebels in the squad by allowing them the opportunity to make the argument of look what happens when we don't play. Likewise I'm sure if said player's were dropped they'd also argue that they weren't given a fair cracking of the whip to demonstrate their ability to play his style of football.

 

If he continues with the old guard and results don't improve what bigger statement to the board than simply demonstrating that these player's aren't good enough to step up to the next level. They'll be no hiding places this time for the player's. Yes it might cost Puel his job (depending on his influence in the boardroom or lack of), but either way rather than being viewed as weakness you could argue it's a brave and courageous move and a case of him trying to pick his battles wisely. 

 

Time will tell I'm sure, but judging some of the comments on here directed towards certain players following recent poor performances you could say that his approach is possibly having the desired effect and weakening their stature within the club. 

Edited 15 April 2018 by ian_marshall

[sylofox]

2 hours ago, Matt said:

Well exactly, that's the point i'm trying to prove to all the people who are pro-Puel claiming there is this player power.

 

I'm not claiming there is player power, I do believe the players are bored, frustrated and uninspired under him but I think that is just coming naturally, it doesn't mean they're downing tools or working against him. I was just giving scenarios and asking question of those claimng it

Sorry if was silly o'clock not sure what I read in your post.  

 

Are the players bored though. I suspect four or five of them know they are finished. They know they won't make the grade next season. Wes Simmo Albrighton and even Chilly are probably looking at being bench players at best. That's if they even get named in his squad.

[sylofox]

1 hour ago, Costock_Fox said:

I’m starting to think something have gone off with Drago and that’s the reason he isn’t being played but I have no idea what.

 

Has he done something? Will he trigger a clause if he plays another game? 

 

Its clear to everyone, even Wes himself surely knows that his time is up. After the 2nd v Newcastle he was stretching his back out and looked injured.

 

Either than or Puel is just crap...

try reading some of my posts for once or are you taking the piss?  

[brucey]

8 hours ago, StriderHiryu said:

What I would like to say though is that I'm not pining for possesion football per se, but rather a style that isn't just playing a long ball to Vardy at every opportunity. Actually a style that I think would be desirable long term is Klopp's style at Dortmund / Liverpool with his "gegenpressing" which means they start fast and put pressure on the opponents. The difference between that style and our title winning style is that once they get the ball, they play it round a bit more and have better quality forwards to attack with. I think over time, we could play a version of that.

This. I'd very much love it if we tried to play like Liverpool instead of Man City. Suits our pacey players, far more exciting to watch even when it doesn't come off, cheaper to buy quality players for that style. Sadly this is not Puel's style and will never be.

 

I still can't make my mind up about Puel in or out. Ranieri v2 was far worse and was almost entirely at fault for the situation back then. Puel is okay (not great) and the players are at least partly to blame for the current situation. I do worry that history tends to repeat itself - Ranieri v2 has already manifested at Nantes, and there are many traits of Puel's Southampton cropping up here.

[VLC86]

4 minutes ago, sylofox said:

try reading some of my posts for once or are you taking the piss?  

 I’m genuinely not taking the piss, what have you said?

[sylofox]

5 minutes ago, Costock_Fox said:

 I’m genuinely not taking the piss, what have you said?

The club asked him to start looking for a house local. His reply was he wanted to live in London but would not commit as he wanted to see if he got better offers in the summer. That's when he got dropped.