05 Jun 2026 08:59:00
Ed1,
Hope all is well mate. I'm sure you're very happy now that Andoni is official. I remember you speaking very highly of him months ago!
Really excited myself, specially after his first interview yesterday. "Football is emotions". Sounds like he gets us. It's a big risk however, let's see if he can walk the walk now! Can't wait.
I had a few questions if you will entertain.
1. How do you think he will balance more games with us? Surely there will have to be days off etc.
2. Do you know much about the back room staff he's bringing with him. Elphick, de la torre?
3. Do you think we should bring in someone like Milner, Thiago who've been linked recently?
4. How long do you think it may take the players to adapt to his intensity? They've had it easy for A year!
5. What are you expecting from this season?
Thank you as always mate!
{Ed001's Note - 1. Rotation and use of subs.
2. Not a lot no. They did well at Bournemouth though.
3. Only if they are good at coaching. They should not be here just because they used to play for us.
4. Pre-season should be enough. It really depends on how much effort they put in. The more they put in, the more they will get out.
5. Just want to see us developing a more exciting play style and giving everything in every game.}
05 Jun 2026 09:25:56
To number 4, going off last season, he lost all the defence and keeper, bought new, and it looked like they had played together for years, so that's looking really positive for us next season.
05 Jun 2026 10:09:05
Cheers mate!
05 Jun 2026 10:40:33
They need to bring their South American scout with them, save us a bloody fortune.
05 Jun 2026 09:47:12
How do you think the truncated preseason will affect the squad and getting into the new boss' system ed? Probably never really a great time to change manager when it's a w/c year as the squad can't all come together early July and get time with the new guy? They'll be back in dribs and drabs I guess depending on how well each nation does
05 Jun 2026 11:47:54
WC year gives more opportunities to the academy players and fringe squad members who aren't internals or play for countries that will be out by the end of June.
05 Jun 2026 13:50:16
Of course it does Slot, but the majority of the starting XI are internationals. It's great for the youth and fringe players, without a doubt. It feels like it could take a while for the new tactics to be drilled into the main players.
Anyone know what the earliest time any players will be back from the WC, ie those who get knocked out at the group stage?