Will Slot go down as one of our best managers?

AN ARTICLE BY ALAN CRONIN

My thoughts on our summer business.  I’ll stick to the players, as it looks nailed on Slot will still be here. I’ll let others spend all Summer whinging about it, but I don’t see the point. At this stage there’s zero sign of him turning things around and the season only got worse the longer it went on.  I’d like nothing more than him to stick two fingers up to the absolute nonsense he’s been subjected to this season though and turn us into a force again. When you look around the squad, it doesn’t fill you with much hope as there are problems everywhere, especially in attack. I thought I’d look at what I think are the biggest problems and possible solutions. This team is crying out for some pace and dynamism. Oh and a bit more effort wouldn’t go amiss either. Maybe a few players that might actually attempt a proper block or tackle would also be most welcome. 

Last summer, I argued we needed to sign more attackers, but was told we have plenty of players that can fill in here and there. The same fans labelled Slot as Clueless for playing players out of position, even though he mostly did it out of necessity. I thought this last season, even after Gakpo and Salah had their best seasons in a red shirt. This season, the need for more dynamic attackers and goals is even more pressing.

First out the door would be MacAllister and Chiesa. Gakpo going is probably a non starter as he has just signed a new contract, but has had a woeful season. This would leave us starting the new season with an attack comprised of a seriously underperforming Gakpo, an 18 year old who will be expected to be starting more games but is not ready to be the solution just yet, an injury prone Isak and an injured Ekky Tekky, who’s not expected back until Christmas and may never be the same again.  Can’t see where the consistent supply of goals are coming from with that lot. We need at least 2 quality attackers. With money to be spent elsewhere, I reckon Bowen would be a no brainer to start with, allowing for a Diomande type signing too. I wonder why the hype around Nico Williams has gone so quiet . A couple of years ago he looked like the next big thing in football.  Maybe he could be worth considering and time for him to play on a bigger stage. I’d bring in Wharton for Macca and hope that Jones will stay, as you could argue we need to sign 2 cms too. Anderson might be even more ideal, as he looks more of an all action type than Wharton, but supposedly he’s a done deal with City.  Hopefully, McConnell and Nyoni might provide depth here too (I’ve given up hope of ever seeing Bacjetic as an option) I really like Gibbs-White, but he won’t be on our radar as we spent so much on Wirtz. There’s also strong links with two lads playing in the French league. Elliott is coming back too, but for all concerned I think it’s best he finds a permanent move, unless we think Slot is on borrowed time. Quansah too might be under consideration to bring back, but with Leoni and Jacquet I don’t think they will splash out on another substantial fee for him, though losing Konate might change that. I’m not happy with either of our rbs, but if Joe stays, I think money would be better spent elsewhere. That means 3 signings at least, but hopefully 4. That’s also hoping and praying Ali stays. That save again Sunday confirming there’s nobody better, certainly not Mama.

Hopefully, last summers signings will be better next season having acclimatised, but I have my doubts, particularly with Frimpong and Wirtz with Wirtz’s latest cameo, again just bringing more frustration.  He’s looked anything but a 100 million pound plus player. It will be interesting to see how both and in fact all our players perform in different teams in the World Cup. Then again, International football is not always the best way to measure footballers talent and suitabity for the PL. What’s for certain the likes of Wirtz and Frimpong need to show a lot more and if they don’t have a good start to the season, these doubts will just grow stronger. Interesting and uncertain times ahead.