03 Apr 2026 04:31:53
I hate to say it but one of the reasons we are so slow is we are missing Trent in transition. His crossing was a huge part of our attacks and he used to find Salah every time and switched play so many times in a game that helped us out
It certainly doesn't mean we should be playing like we are but it's a definite miss in our game as we have no one near his range.
We have missed those 10-12 assists and link up.
03 Apr 2026 08:28:03
There are loads of reasons, that is just one small one.
No consistency at all in that position this season has not helped.
Massive drop off in the form of Salah, Konate, Mac and Gakpo.
Having to play one of our best players at RB.
Unfit squad.
Ekitike is running on fumes as we've not had any decent alternative #9 options.
Slot is bald. Etc.
03 Apr 2026 09:01:20
We also miss Diaz's marauding runs, I liked his directness, but agree Trent was our quarterback, capable of 50 - 60 yard passes to a red shirt.
03 Apr 2026 09:02:16
It's no coincidence there have been a massive drop off in multiple players' performances.
I wonder what could be the common denominator?
03 Apr 2026 09:33:35
A massive part of our game is gone. Trent was a liability in defence, but his switches to Gakpo were a big part of why Cody was so effective last year. He's been missed more than I wanted to admit, but I still don't excuse the current form. This squad has no excuses to not be challenging on all fronts with the right tactical set up.
03 Apr 2026 09:36:25
Trent wanted to play for Real Madrid, it's not like we cashed in against his will. People have asked if they would take him back. The lad has no intention of playing in red.
Mo has been the biggest loss for us this season. He has been spectacular for so long, we became over reliant, and our record signing goal machine has been injured all season.
03 Apr 2026 10:01:39
Players come and go, that's football. It's up to Slot to sort that out, but so far he has failed.
03 Apr 2026 11:26:49
Absolutely. Slot basked in the glory of winning last year. He should deal, and be held responsible for, what has happened this year. Ultimate responsibility always rests at the top.
03 Apr 2026 11:39:36
If Trent and Madrid were open to a good price deal. Maybe Trent and money for Macallaister, I would be ok to make that happen.
Mentioned as much in my summer wish list.
The Madrid move was a mistake for him. Likewise, we could really use someone with his skills in the team who knows and loves, (although not as much as we thought), the club.
It's a climb down for him.
It would be a climb down for us.
But, sometimes you got to put egos and feelings aside.
Both sides will get over it when he starts playing well for the team, even though I was angry when he left.
Get him back, I say.
Probably won't happen because egos are involved.
03 Apr 2026 12:46:26
What's most depressing is that there were some of us saying that we needed to prioritise certain profiles in the squad last summer in order to be able to compensate for the changes. However, we all got starry-eyed about the attacking names.
The footballing decisions at the club look amateurish at best. And, by named role, those decisions land at the feet of Richard Hughes.
This summer, we are in need of ball progression from the back, a replacement for Alisson that is comfortable with the ball at his feet, a more defensive-minded midfielder, and two wide players. I would also say we need a right back given the current two are constantly injured!
03 Apr 2026 13:02:56
If we miss out on the champions league next season, which is very likely given our form, we'll have a very limited budget. There are far greater needs than a below average right back with an above average right foot.
I don't understand the pining for a player who strung the club along and stuck two fingers up at the supporters. Let Arnold Rat rot in Spain. Balon D'or my arse.
03 Apr 2026 14:16:48
That's not quite the case, Victor, the club has money it invested this summer.
03 Apr 2026 14:41:31
Trent should not be allowed to play for our club again till he retires. He is welcome to play in the charity games during the March international break. But he cannot be welcome back as a 1st team player.
I cannot forget his near perfect Spanish in which he spoke during his announcement at Madrid. Would have taken at least a year for him to learn, which means he had decided long back on his move.
03 Apr 2026 13:54:24
100% Agree with Viktor, leave the Spanish judas were he is.He'll end up like Sterling going from club to club when they realise oh yeah he can pass but he couldn't defend,
03 Apr 2026 15:12:16
The main reason we are so slow is because Slot makes them play like that. Wouldn't matter if we had Trent, Beckenbauer, Koeman and Carlos, we'd still be going at a snail's pace because Slot's as much of a tactician as Amorim.
03 Apr 2026 19:15:01
Funny how most of our players' form fell off a cliff at the backend of last season and all of this season when the manager did a complete u turn in tactics and approach... Hmm, but as Florian would say, that's all the players' fault. By that rationale we don't need a manager at all.
{Ed025's Note - its a good job you havn,t got one then Frode.. :)