04 Jul 2024 13:33:54
Lots of talk about new players and whilst ability is very important, I would venture that attitude and character is more critical right now.
We lack backbone and grit, the team lacks real leaders. For those old enough to remember the '93 and 94 team, we had Schmeichel, Bruce, Palliater, Ince, Keane, Cantona Hughes, every one of whom would not back down or walk away. Looking at today's team, we have Martinez and beyond that, I struggle to see someone with real cojones.
We have talented players, but we need leadership, I think this takes precedence.
04 Jul 2024 14:09:16
Leaders need to emerge. Martinez came in and led. But it’s very difficult to bring in new players and expect them to lead. Casemiro should be a leader, but is here for a holiday. Bruno could be a leader, but is too concerned with complaining.
Players in the squad, even young ones need to step up. I think it will help when the squad is trimmed. Too many players is never helpful.
04 Jul 2024 14:24:18
Ugarte and De Ligt are certainly players who like to get stuck in, and I for one am pleased to see the club targeting this profile of player. Leaders are few and far between these days, we'll never replicate that group we had in the 90's as the world has changed so much.
It will be interesting to see how our mentally feeble players respond. Although Martial has gone and Sancho won't be far behind, so we are slowly but surely ridding the cabbage brains and finding those rarities who have a bit more about them.
04 Jul 2024 15:16:08
I don't know what the issue is Danny but too many seem to shrink them things get tough. Try amd thi k of a Captain in the team, other than Martinez, I struggle.
04 Jul 2024 16:26:10
Totally agree with our players lacking leadership. Looking at De Ligt and Ugate I think we would be bringing in players that want to set an example and along with Onana and Martines we would be in a much better place.
I think even someone like Mainoo has a leadership quality about him that will grow over time.
Fernandes will remain captain for next year and I am comfortable with that and a larger leadership group.
04 Jul 2024 16:45:56
There isn’t AJH, but some of them need to start stepping up or we’ll never get anywhere. Having a huge squad hasn’t helped because it divided things into factions. I think having a smaller squad, and getting rid of the factions will help. I want to see young players like Hojland and Manioo to start pushing players. They clearly have the desire to be top class. Part of that is pushing others, even if they’re older players.
04 Jul 2024 17:49:02
Yes, its not age. I remember Tony Adams becoming captain at Arsenal when he was 21, Fabregas was the same age, De Ligt was captain at Ajax at 18.
04 Jul 2024 17:57:38
Bruno, Dalot and Martinez stand out to me.
04 Jul 2024 18:03:41
Honestly I think it needs to come from the younger lads. Players like Rashford and McTominay have had their chance to grow into leaders, and didn’t take it. I just want a group of players to drive the team when they’re struggling.
04 Jul 2024 21:30:05
I genuinely do not think Casemiro is here for a holiday. That is not his character nor his makeup. I think last year was a tough realisation that his legs are not what they were.
It’s always a shame when real legends of any sport go that one year too long.
Who knows, with the right people around him he could have a hell of a swansong.
{Ed025's Note - your kidding yourself KEEF, he came here for a payday mate and it worked out just fine for him...lets not be naive about it..
04 Jul 2024 21:44:53
Just my opinion Ed025. I like to see the good in people! I just think he is a better person than that.
But hey, I am often more wrong than right!
{Ed025's Note - so am i KEEF, but i have a distrust of most footballers mate, but only because most of them are selfish, egotistical money grabbing rats.. :)
04 Jul 2024 21:46:25
And in all fairness it’s not his fault he was signed. Where was the due diligence? Hopefully that’s a thing of the past eh!
04 Jul 2024 22:40:15
Biggest thing we need this summer is the new people coming in and setting clear rules and a code of conduct.
No more running your mouth on social media or acting like a spoilt brat because you've been put on the bench or subbed off.
Have pride in the badge on the front of the shirt and okay for it or on your bike.
04 Jul 2024 22:49:06
Agreed ed!
05 Jul 2024 01:41:31
This kind of things needs to come from the top. If we want a team with a never say die attitude, Ten Haag needs to stop giving them excuses to underperform. Sadly, as long as he keeps writing seasons off before a ball has even been kicked and blaming all of our problems on injuries, I don’t see anything changing.
04 Jul 2024 23:04:23
Lol 25, brutal! ?.
{Ed025's Note - but fair DB.. :)
04 Jul 2024 23:53:47
Could not agree more AJH.