I’d be over the bloody moon if we won the Europa, it’s a major European trophy which as you mention gets us qualification for the CL. Id take any trophy right now, but EL over FA cup and League cup all day.
Squad game. Possible Europa League football.
I’m not so sure. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that we look far more solid defensively and far more fluid in attack since he’s been out injured. I just think he can be very sloppy in possession and slows down our attacks by taking too many touches.
It’s true - we remember UEFA cup winners from other countries and grant them respect when we play them, maybe even check out their domestic games. Nobody remembers foreign domestic cup winners.
Problem is, Levy will be delighted that his original hypothesis is proving to be more true by the game and he'll be itching to save a few quid now. The reality is that both was needed, a new coach and new players.
There’s a sliding scale here. If you win the Europa it doesn’t matter where you finish in the top 17. All depends on what you expect week to week in the league. Happy with 5th? How about 17th? Too far? 10th? Fact is lifting that trophy effectively voids your league season unless you win the league or get relegated. 10th and Europa win trumps even 2nd and no cups for productivity. But it’s a hell of a ‘all eggs in the basket’ risk.
I see where you’re coming from and I agree that Jose does seem to like Dele. He is actually one of the few of our players who ticks the box in terms of being a bit of a see you next Tuesday for 90 mins. The thing with Jose is he’s not scared to drag him in games where he’s having a shocker, whereas previously there were games where he was the prime candidate to be dragged but seemed to be untouchable.
