11 Aug 2026 18:45:18
For the record Bournemouth had 3 points and were 19th after Iraola's first 9 games in charge (3 draws, 6 losses). This is not a criticism of AI, I just think his system is so far removed from Slots that it will take a long time for our players to get it right and to get to the fitness levels required.
I am a little surprised that Ryan and/or Smith haven't been brought in as they might get us up to speed sooner.
11 Aug 2026 19:09:46
Completely agree, this will be similar to Klopp's 1st season, I think. Inconsistent as the team work their way to the demands of this style of play.
11 Aug 2026 19:19:32
I agree, but I have confidence that it won't take as long this time. The fitness will take a while, but we should start getting results sooner just because the pedigree of players is higher.
11 Aug 2026 19:22:29
I hope I'm right in saying, with the players we have, it won't be like Bournemouth's first 9 games under Iraola or Klopp's first season.
Neither of them had the top class players we have now.
We don't need to be fooled into thinking all our players had gone bad in one season, or some of the talent we signed last season were all bad players.
Slot's tactics and work ethic destroyed our season and we will be twice the team, if not more.
11 Aug 2026 19:27:24
Those first 9 games did not include a pre-season.
Not saying I disagree, but a pre-season makes a lot of difference.
11 Aug 2026 19:47:07
At the moment, I agree with the comments, this could be like Klopp's first season. Fabinho coming in was unbelievable for us, and we still need a DM capable of protecting the back four. Hopefully we score 3 a game and the opponents score less.
11 Aug 2026 20:12:17
I'm still clinging to the hope that the players who should've walked the league last season, if it weren't for Slot, will do just that this season. Simple.
11 Aug 2026 20:33:51
It doesn't matter who comes in or who goes at the end of the day. Against Newcastle there will be 11 starters and we will support them as ever no matter what their names are.
11 Aug 2026 20:39:28
One difference between the first 9 games of AI at Bournemouth and our first 9 ahead, besides the better pedigree of players and preseason, is the facilities for training. Not knocking Bournemouth, but our facilities are way better, from nutrition to recovery to improving fitness levels, etc. The team should be able to ramp up faster than Bournemouth did.
11 Aug 2026 20:59:37
Yes Rome, the league was there for the taking last season - poor management cost us.
We're weaker now without Salah and Robertson, but still strong enough first 11 I reckon. Squad depth needs urgent work though.
11 Aug 2026 21:18:17
Lord-nukem, Salah was finished last season, and Robertson was getting pelters the season before, so losing those 2 is no excuse whatsoever.
It wasn't just poor management that cost us, though that was undoubtedly poor.
It was also piss poor performances from players and also players who didn't come close to living up to their price tags. They all need to step up this season if we're to have a sniff of a chance.
12 Aug 2026 00:01:23
On the money, Rome.