Shroppie

No. Firstly, I don't think we'll be buying from another Prem team and secondly it's said the selling team have to agree terms on a replacement. Januzai won't be replaced. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

That will not happen. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

That's where my money is. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

But there's no information either from the known ITKs. So we can assume the lockdown is pretty tight. No, I don't know that this is a new ITK. But I suspect that the club would be quick to take action against anyone leaking unauthorised info. In that situation, would you put your job on the line? Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

I'd rather respect the secrecy. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

The way we do our business, that's probably good news. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Exactly this. Well put, sir. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Exactly. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

If the Rb/Lb can get forward we could do well against that. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Hope for the best? You make it sound like we decide to buy a random "cheap" player and then hope, which is clearly ludicrous. We identify potential, at sensible prices. And, as been proved again and again, get the benefit of a developing player before they either commit to Saints or leave for a profit. Where's the problem? Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Some people can't see beyond equating cost with quality and value. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Seriously? This isn't last season's team, but the defence is unchanged and should be solid. Time will tell how the attacking options work, but with possibly an addition or two, it doesn't look bad to me. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

I'd agree with that. Hope Pool isn't too wedded to one formation. Koeman's strength was not just using same same when things weren't working. I remember going to 3 5 2, for example. Could also switch mid game. Like many others, I think we need a target man to give us another option. Just seen Monolo Gabiadini suggested from Napoli , but no idea really. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

That's certainly not the impression he's given so far. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Or Davis Clasie in the middle of the diamond. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Surprised Fonte not starting Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Good discussion! I agree that possession isn't that important. Long periods of possession without incisive movement and the ability to inject sudden pace or find the killer pass can result in the sort of turgid sideways and backwards football (eg Man U last season) that is so frustrating and boring. The longer a team has the ball, the longer it gives the opposition to build and keep a defensive formation. The most successful teams currently are those who recognise and exploit the opportunities that come in transition phases. A team is at its most vulnerable when the ball is lost either with its players in attacking positions or, trying to play out from the back with players pushing forwards. Hence the importance of pressing to win the ball whilst the opposition are least prepared to defend. Pochettino is the extreme advocate of that and we saw how effective it was until we got tired and/or teams worked out how to use the long ball to counter. Under Koeman we pressed less but it was still effective at times. But we also fell into negative possession on occasions, especially when teams parked the bus. The key factor, whether you are pressing or in possession, is the speed of developing an attack. Look at Leicester last season, for example. I think pressing, at the right time, is an essential element of the modern game and I hope we don't lose it. To make the patient, possession game work we need at least one incisive passer and pacy movement. I think we're still a player short. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

The three CL look probable to me (but Cultic maybe not so), so hopefully just need one upset from the EL. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Astra again it is then. Must be very annoying to get the same trip again, especially when they lost there last year Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

But financial muscle isn't everything. If it's known there's money sloshing around, prices go up to match. And plenty of the names that keep cropping up are over-hyped by agents trying for a bidding war and a big payday. Research and assessment of targets and shrewd buying of the players who will fit our needs and are off the radar of most clubs is at least as important. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

The prize assets described as tat when we bought them? Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Agreed. If he weren't at Manure, no-one would be interested. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Fair point. Was just thinking aloud. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Thanks AR-10. You sound seriously ITK. Who are you? Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Trouble with players who are spectacular is they rarely come on frees and wouldn't be backup. So if he were spectacular, Cedric would be pushed out. Justified? Happy Cedric? Backup players are just that. Prefer them to be young with a chance of developing but let's hope our new man has potential still to be discovered. The manager obviously thinks so. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk