26 May 2023 12:53:44
German football news outlet "kicker" reported that we are currently monitoring Benjamin Pavards contract situation as he is holding of signing a new contract with bayern.

His contract will end next summer. He usually plays CB for bayern but also plays as a RB for france, if im not mistaken.

1.) 26 May 2023
26 May 2023 14:53:46
If the rumours of players like Timber and Pavard (both RB/ CB) are true it suggests a full move in position for Trent. Either Trent goes fully into midfield (more likely I'd say) or perhaps he even goes over to play as an inverted left back like Cancelo did. I really like both Timber and Pavard by the way. Both extremely comfortable on the ball and good at defending in wide areas if they get dragged out.

Maybe because we've now messed up Amrabat and Ugarte for a DM signing, it's easier to just put Trent there. I saw that since he moved to the inverted role he's regained possession more than any other player in the league, so he's shown he has the ball winning prowess in midfield areas to do that DM job. It might now be seen as better value in the market to buy a good RB than a good DM.

It's all just rumours right now though so we'll have to wait and see if any of these links are substantiated. We're still being linked with a lot of CB's who can play LB too (Van de Ven being the latest) .

Interesting times. Does seem like we're not targeting like for like players. Goal scoring number 10's for midfield, more defensive minded full backs etc. A change in direction tactically possibly, but i hope we keep our high intensity however we line up in terms of shape!

2.) 26 May 2023
26 May 2023 18:18:56
Hi MK,

I’d just like to say that I value your insight into the game as a whole, you’re obviously a bit of a thinker and I always enjoy your posts.
So maybe you (and any others, of course) can help me clear my thinking. The simplest way to ask the question is…
On the Sly Sports team sheet next season, will it still be a 433 or will or be a 343 with a box midfield?
(Hopefully the gist of my question comes across…)

3.) 26 May 2023
26 May 2023 20:20:05
Hard to know MancScouser. For the record I've got doubts the Timber and Pavard links are genuine so I'll base my reply on what I believe from Ed002, rather than the press. I'm not in the know on who we will sign or what the plans are for Trent but i think this new system has been too successful to drop/ change it. Sky are weird how they show formations by the way. So for example they show the Man City formatiom as 3-2-4-1. Rodri and Stones being the 2, Haaland being the 1 and i'm sure you can fill in the gaps for the back 3 and attacking 4. So i guess they might show ours in a similar way assuming we continue with Trent in a hybrid role. Only player I'm confident we'll sign is MacAllister. So Maybe something like: (3-2-4-1)

Alisson
Konate, Virgil, Robbo
Trent, Fabinho
Salah, Hendo, MacAllister, Diaz
Gakpo

I do also expect to see competition signed for Robbo, Fabinho and Hendo as well though with a more defensively minded LB/ CB, a more mobile CM/ DM and a RM/ AM who will score more goals. Ed002 as confirmed interest in lots of players that fit that criteria. We can also easily upgrade them with younger players who suit this system more. I can only guess who those players might be. With Schmadtke taking the DoF role i would not be surprised if a couple of the new signings came from the Bundesliga (which he'll know very well) . I definitely expect at least 1 of the new players to qualify as homegrown too.