AA Again

[JimmyConway]

When he was appointed and it was revealed his style of play I remember saying back then there is every possibility of no middle ground. When I said that it was mainly based on the current squad still here. Kevin Antonee and possibly Bobb were the only players I felt were likely to be able to be comfortable. There was going to be new additions but we would still have to play with a fair chunk of what we had already here. Three games in and we have picked up a pacey centre back but never got a right back over the line defensively. So why did we not just play to the strengths of what we had in place until those who can adapt are comfortable and those who can't were not going to be exposed like we have seen. If say the new centre back slots in next to Bassey it looks like we are getting a bit of pace centrally a good thing but where Robinson & Castagne have been positioned having quick centre backs is not going to make a lot of difference to the outcomes. He needs to get midfield balance right not just supporting the defence but also linking with attack. Now quite right to think Rome was not built in a day but he is trying to play a style and system let alone the difference in personnel the likes of Pep and Enrique play but with FULHAM!

Now when he got interviewed did the board of Fulham ever think for one minute or realise what they already had in place? Was there not one person with a bit of football understanding to say to accommodate this style we are going to have to change 3/4's if not more of current playing squad or did they imagine it was as a case these players will adapt? It looks to me they have allowed themselves to be hoodwinked into a new young exciting Fulham team who play high level energetic football. We knew the age had to drop eventually but it's looking like we've gone radical here. It's looking more like Arbeloa has been allowed to run riot throughout and it just might and I am leaning towards this more that the DOF has give him "Carte Blanche" to do so and not having a clue what the consequences might be? Will we ever get to know who the other so called outstanding candidate was  when interviews took place. It's a big call giving someone a managers job for the first time in a new country with very little experience prior and manage a established premier team? Why would you? Perhaps another note of caution to the board why did Real Madrid go back to a more defensive coach with Mourinho?

I do hope Arbeloa succeeds with us and every possibility there will be more pain before gain but he has to adapt he can't adopt any stubbornness like Almiron or expansiveness of Ange not with what he has at disposal.

If I am looking to blame anyone for this start to the season let alone pre-season at the moment I would put it all at the door of the DOF!  who has not been seen or heard of a lot last 5 years when an competent and experienced manager has been in place and been able to shift some power away but as soon as Marco leaves his more prominent again in a position totally out of his depth. I know there will be plenty who say his good for the club and has best interests but I would say why do we keep self inflicting ourselves with him at the helm?

My apologies for long post but it's the way I see it. We know it's a life sentence we sign up for being a Fulham supporter. Those dark nights are creeping in now just hope it's not a long winter on the pitch.

[cookieg]

If Silva had been more up front about leaving then the management position could have been sorted out well before the start of the season, players the manager wanted brought in earlier and more time for the squad to work on how the manager wants us to play. Blaming TK is very easy but it is clear that they expected Silva to sign only for him to walk away.

[Hatch007]

Rome wasn't built in a day but nor was it built on sand.

It's clear AA has to adapt his defensive strategy. If he doesn't he will seal his own fate much sooner than later.

I sincerely hope he turns it around but nothing from what he said upon his appointment regarding his style of play or the performances we have put in since pre-season thus far suggest he is willing to do so.

As far more informed posters than I have observed, early indications give Russell Martin/Ange vibes.

[JimmyConway]

If Silva had been more up front about leaving then the management position could have been sorted out well before the start of the season, players the manager wanted brought in earlier and more time for the squad to work on how the manager wants us to play. Blaming TK is very easy but it is clear that they expected Silva to sign only for him to walk away.

They had the option all last season to give Silva the ultimatum. AM has been around a long time as an CEO and he should of read the room months before. I expect TK not to have seen this coming due to inexperience and goes back to having a DOF based here and all likelihood we do not have the scenario of last season. Very naive where Silva is concerned if you ask me.
Arbeloa was in before the players came back pre season or players were aware of his arrival either way no excuse when it comes to playing style or timeline. Players who were here from last season majority not suited this should of been a consideration before appointment? Upheaval could of been of an impact.

[demeant0r]

If survival was our number one priority, I think we should've gone safe and chosen a manager who plays a similar style to Marco because that would have suited our players to a T and the players we've been scouting the last several years would've suited that too. A style that has had tumultuous periods but we've never been close to being relegated.

Alas, I just don't think TK knew just how big of a departure AA is to Marco.

[JimmyConway]

If Silva had been more up front about leaving then the management position could have been sorted out well before the start of the season, players the manager wanted brought in earlier and more time for the squad to work on how the manager wants us to play. Blaming TK is very easy but it is clear that they expected Silva to sign only for him to walk away.

They had the option all last season to give Silva the ultimatum. AM has been around a long time as an CEO and he should of read the room months before. I expect TK not to have seen this coming due to inexperience and goes back to having a DOF based here and all likelihood we do not have the scenario of last season. Very naive where Silva is concerned if you ask me.
Arbeloa was in before the players came back pre season or players were aware of his arrival either way no excuse when it comes to playing style or timeline. Players who were here from last season majority not suited this should of been a consideration before appointment? Upheaval could of been of an impact.

Upheaval less of an impact.

[Fulham Seaxe]

If Silva had been more up front about leaving then the management position could have been sorted out well before the start of the season, players the manager wanted brought in earlier and more time for the squad to work on how the manager wants us to play. Blaming TK is very easy but it is clear that they expected Silva to sign only for him to walk away.

Strange that. Shad Khan said when Silva left that the club were aware of that possibility and had a contingency plan. Subsequently, TK gives an interview stating that he fully expected Silva to sign a new contract.

[cookieg]

If Silva had been more up front about leaving then the management position could have been sorted out well before the start of the season, players the manager wanted brought in earlier and more time for the squad to work on how the manager wants us to play. Blaming TK is very easy but it is clear that they expected Silva to sign only for him to walk away.

Strange that. Shad Khan said when Silva left that the club were aware of that possibility and had a contingency plan. Subsequently, TK gives an interview stating that he fully expected Silva to sign a new contract.

There probably was a contingency plan but if it was expected that Silva was going to sign they probably didn't think they would need to progress it until Silva made it clear he was off. Who knows?

[Jims Dentist]

If Silva had been more up front about leaving then the management position could have been sorted out well before the start of the season, players the manager wanted brought in earlier and more time for the squad to work on how the manager wants us to play. Blaming TK is very easy but it is clear that they expected Silva to sign only for him to walk away.

Strange that. Shad Khan said when Silva left that the club were aware of that possibility and had a contingency plan. Subsequently, TK gives an interview stating that he fully expected Silva to sign a new contract.

More than once I have thought that TK will say anything to shift ame away from himself.

[Jims Dentist]

When he was appointed and it was revealed his style of play I remember saying back then there is every possibility of no middle ground. When I said that it was mainly based on the current squad still here. Kevin Antonee and possibly Bobb were the only players I felt were likely to be able to be comfortable. There was going to be new additions but we would still have to play with a fair chunk of what we had already here. Three games in and we have picked up a pacey centre back but never got a right back over the line defensively. So why did we not just play to the strengths of what we had in place until those who can adapt are comfortable and those who can't were not going to be exposed like we have seen. If say the new centre back slots in next to Bassey it looks like we are getting a bit of pace centrally a good thing but where Robinson & Castagne have been positioned having quick centre backs is not going to make a lot of difference to the outcomes. He needs to get midfield balance right not just supporting the defence but also linking with attack. Now quite right to think Rome was not built in a day but he is trying to play a style and system let alone the difference in personnel the likes of Pep and Enrique play but with FULHAM!

Now when he got interviewed did the board of Fulham ever think for one minute or realise what they already had in place? Was there not one person with a bit of football understanding to say to accommodate this style we are going to have to change 3/4's if not more of current playing squad or did they imagine it was as a case these players will adapt? It looks to me they have allowed themselves to be hoodwinked into a new young exciting Fulham team who play high level energetic football. We knew the age had to drop eventually but it's looking like we've gone radical here. It's looking more like Arbeloa has been allowed to run riot throughout and it just might and I am leaning towards this more that the DOF has give him "Carte Blanche" to do so and not having a clue what the consequences might be? Will we ever get to know who the other so called outstanding candidate was  when interviews took place. It's a big call giving someone a managers job for the first time in a new country with very little experience prior and manage a established premier team? Why would you? Perhaps another note of caution to the board why did Real Madrid go back to a more defensive coach with Mourinho?

I do hope Arbeloa succeeds with us and every possibility there will be more pain before gain but he has to adapt he can't adopt any stubbornness like Almiron or expansiveness of Ange not with what he has at disposal.

If I am looking to blame anyone for this start to the season let alone pre-season at the moment I would put it all at the door of the DOF!  who has not been seen or heard of a lot last 5 years when an competent and experienced manager has been in place and been able to shift some power away but as soon as Marco leaves his more prominent again in a position totally out of his depth. I know there will be plenty who say his good for the club and has best interests but I would say why do we keep self inflicting ourselves with him at the helm?

My apologies for long post but it's the way I see it. We know it's a life sentence we sign up for being a Fulham supporter. Those dark nights are creeping in now just hope it's not a long winter on the pitch.

Spot on JC.
I have written before that I do not think that enough due diligence was done at the interview(s).
The appointment was always going to be a big gamble.
Far too big when you are gambling with your Premier League status.

[JimmyConway]

When he was appointed and it was revealed his style of play I remember saying back then there is every possibility of no middle ground. When I said that it was mainly based on the current squad still here. Kevin Antonee and possibly Bobb were the only players I felt were likely to be able to be comfortable. There was going to be new additions but we would still have to play with a fair chunk of what we had already here. Three games in and we have picked up a pacey centre back but never got a right back over the line defensively. So why did we not just play to the strengths of what we had in place until those who can adapt are comfortable and those who can't were not going to be exposed like we have seen. If say the new centre back slots in next to Bassey it looks like we are getting a bit of pace centrally a good thing but where Robinson & Castagne have been positioned having quick centre backs is not going to make a lot of difference to the outcomes. He needs to get midfield balance right not just supporting the defence but also linking with attack. Now quite right to think Rome was not built in a day but he is trying to play a style and system let alone the difference in personnel the likes of Pep and Enrique play but with FULHAM!

Now when he got interviewed did the board of Fulham ever think for one minute or realise what they already had in place? Was there not one person with a bit of football understanding to say to accommodate this style we are going to have to change 3/4's if not more of current playing squad or did they imagine it was as a case these players will adapt? It looks to me they have allowed themselves to be hoodwinked into a new young exciting Fulham team who play high level energetic football. We knew the age had to drop eventually but it's looking like we've gone radical here. It's looking more like Arbeloa has been allowed to run riot throughout and it just might and I am leaning towards this more that the DOF has give him "Carte Blanche" to do so and not having a clue what the consequences might be? Will we ever get to know who the other so called outstanding candidate was  when interviews took place. It's a big call giving someone a managers job for the first time in a new country with very little experience prior and manage a established premier team? Why would you? Perhaps another note of caution to the board why did Real Madrid go back to a more defensive coach with Mourinho?

I do hope Arbeloa succeeds with us and every possibility there will be more pain before gain but he has to adapt he can't adopt any stubbornness like Almiron or expansiveness of Ange not with what he has at disposal.

If I am looking to blame anyone for this start to the season let alone pre-season at the moment I would put it all at the door of the DOF!  who has not been seen or heard of a lot last 5 years when an competent and experienced manager has been in place and been able to shift some power away but as soon as Marco leaves his more prominent again in a position totally out of his depth. I know there will be plenty who say his good for the club and has best interests but I would say why do we keep self inflicting ourselves with him at the helm?

My apologies for long post but it's the way I see it. We know it's a life sentence we sign up for being a Fulham supporter. Those dark nights are creeping in now just hope it's not a long winter on the pitch.

Spot on JC.
I have written before that I do not think that enough due diligence was done at the interview(s).
The appointment was always going to be a big gamble.
Far too big when you are gambling with your Premier League status.

One of the annoying parts of this Jim is he was a right back so you would think/hope he'd have a good idea defensively not just a gun ho attitude it seems with player/s not suited?

[Bassey the warrior]

One thing he should get some credit for is for helping get the most from King, who has stepped up a gear this season and looks a phenomenal talent, that dummy for the second goal was incredible and some of his dribbling was top notch.

King looks very good in the high press and with our much improved passing game, he also seems to have a bit more freedom to roam.

[WindyCity]

I'm really hoping AA can get things (defense) straightened out, and does not take the sack.  My concern would be a team upheaval of sorts, should he be sacked, with the RM lads scratching their heads and wondering what they're doing in West London, calling agents to search out options.  Could truly be a disaster.  I know a lot of chin wagging about sack possibilities, but I'd give it some more time/games and see if the defense can be sorted.  There are very good players in this team, and some new acquisitions that haven't appeared yet, so I'd be in the camp to allow more time and keep fingers crossed......

[fulhamfever]

Liverpool play tonight so be interesting who gets injured etc

[bencher]

Liverpool play tonight so be interesting who gets injured etc

Barcola has injured his calf

[fulhamfever]

Liverpool play tonight so be interesting who gets injured etc

Barcola has injured his calf

I didn't want to like the post but I knew that something was gonna happen as Atletico are a physical side but interesting game Saturday and I fancy our chances both teams have poor defences but our attack I fancy more.

[Chi_FFC]

Iraola says it was only a cramp.
https://x.com/JamesPearceLFC/status/2097795536615063732?s=20