Arne Slot

[Norbs]

We have a big problem with Slot now. I think he's not got the personality to command the respect that's needed with a squad this valuable. Unless he reverts back to a simpler set up he'll lose the changing room

[Kenneth]

His basic assessment is that everyone is playing long and direct against us and we can't work out how to counter it. Fine, but my issue is that he hasn't really tried. Every time I see the team sheet we look top heavy, we persist with Salah who won't defend, gakpo who isn't very good defensively, and Wirtz, who's a piss streak that gets bullied constantly. All in the same shape that has proven so vulnerable. I think we're at a crossroads, he either changes formation and drops any favouritism to fill the positions, or he loses his job by end of this season.

[Harv]

His basic assessment is that everyone is playing long and direct against us and we can't work out how to counter it. Fine, but my issue is that he hasn't really tried. Every time I see the team sheet we look top heavy, we persist with Salah who won't defend, gakpo who isn't very good defensively, and Wirtz, who's a piss streak that gets bullied constantly. All in the same shape that has proven so vulnerable. I think we're at a crossroads, he either changes formation and drops any favouritism to fill the positions, or he loses his job by end of this season.

Thats the thing for me. Like shore up the ****ing midfield and stop teams just walking straight through us? Maybe don't change the best DM in the leagues role? Bench the guy on the right thats been absolutely ****ing ****? Nope...carry on lads, it will work eventually

[Sus]

I’m still semi wallowing in the glory of last season - from watching the games seems I’m not the only one.

We have all season as defending champions - that’s what I’m enjoying at the moment. Such a privilege to be able to do that while slot works out his best team this season

[Norbs]

We have all season as defending champions - that’s what I’m enjoying at the moment. Such a privilege to be able to do that while slot works out his best team this season

Doesn't feel enjoyable to me, it's massively deflating that we're putting up such a weak defence, is spite of spending nearly half a billion

[Buzzo]

One thing with Slot compared to say his predecessor is he seems calm always. I wonder if he has it in him to navigate this situation, he for the first time is working with elite level talent, egos and expectations in a negative scenario. Does he have what it takes to be ruthless. Does he have what it takes to call out underperformance and drive expectations. Is he forcefull. Can he set expectation levels with new signings whilst letting them bed in. It’s a complex landscape that his predecessor was a genius at navigating - understanding that nuance.

We’ve yet to see it from Arne because everything went so well for him last season - bizarrely this was what I expected to happen last season but we are experiencing it now. He’s got to really work hard with his staff to figure this all out. If he can get through this and turn it around the experience of doing so with the squad will take him a long way. If he cannot he’s ****ed.

[BobTheCharmer]

One thing with Slot compared to say his predecessor is he seems calm always. I wonder if he has it in him to navigate this situation, he for the first time is working with elite level talent, egos and expectations in a negative scenario. Does he have what it takes to be ruthless. Does he have what it takes to call out underperformance and drive expectations. Is he forcefull. Can he set expectation levels with new signings whilst letting them bed in. It’s a complex landscape that his predecessor was a genius at navigating - understanding that nuance.

We’ve yet to see it from Arne because everything went so well for him last season - bizarrely this was what I expected to happen last season but we are experiencing it now. He’s got to really work hard with his staff to figure this all out. If he can get through this and turn it around the experience of doing so with the squad will take him a long way. If he cannot he’s ****ed.

All valid points. I've just booked an overnight stay near Loch lomond. Last minute. Hoping for some winter sunshine to cheer the sole.

[Sus]

Doesn't feel enjoyable to me, it's massively deflating that we're putting up such a weak defence, is spite of spending nearly half a billion

Fair enough maybe enjoy is the wrong word

Maybe it’s closer to Buzzo’s wallow

[Buzzo]

Fair enough maybe enjoy is the wrong word

Maybe it’s closer to Buzzo’s wallow

Yeah this is not enjoyable at all. But it’s pain is offset by last seasons title win.

[peterbread]

This is makes me wonder what role Heitinga played last season. Was he organising the defensive side or was he the one coach who pushed back if Slot wanted to try something like what he’s using this season.

[Kenneth]

We face big, fast, physical bruisers every week, and we can't compete physically. We have made ourselves physically smaller and weaker with our spending while other teams are bulking up. We should forget training and get everyone bulking up in the gym.

[danperkins]

If you’re going Hail Mary in every game it tells me you’ve utterly failed as a tactician.

I don’t want this, I didn’t expect this but if he doesn’t get a handle on it soon then the job isn’t for him.

This is my worry, not only has he not been able to come up with tactical changes to combat how almost every team we've played against us but it does seem like pure panic tactics and I do wonder are the lads still with him because not many are putting in a shift.

[Norbs]

Fair enough maybe enjoy is the wrong word

Maybe it’s closer to Buzzo’s wallow

[Sus]

Yeah this is not enjoyable at all. But it’s pain is offset by last seasons title win.

You said this much better than I did

[Deano]

Wonder who decided to sell Diaz? I was not necessarily against it m, but that was more down to the players we were linked with. In retrospect, he was a street fighter. He had that bit of devil in him. We look a bit more plodding without his level of unpredictability. Gakpo you know what he is going to do, he is going to cut inside and try and get a shot away - and often it works. But Diaz had more flair, could go both ways, and still got goals and assists.

Him and his Dad had been agitating for a move since his first summer, I believe they wanted Spain as an ideal destination but no one could afford him. I also heard he got screwed over by agents in terms of signing fees etc etc. Like man, it was always about the coin !