I wouldn't say that was so much from capitulation - we were typically knackered by the end of matches and have defenders incapable of staying switched-on for a full 90 minutes. Really?! I don't see that at all. Troy was probably our most bullied player as he can't compete with most Prem centre-backs any more and he has little else to his game, but physically we were more than a match for most clubs. Excluding the two Manchester clubs, off the top of my head bizarrely it was only Brighton where I can recall any significant failings in our performances or results being principally due to being out-muscled across the pitch. Even against Burnley we more than matched them man-to-man (but lost due to horrendous marking).
Whilst I'm erring on the 'Gracia is too defensively minded he needs to go', I'm actually rather excited to see what he can do with the talent we have coming in next season. The idea of having Penaranda, Richarlison, Deulofeu (hopefully), Success - if he can reach his potential, all within the squad. Add Hughes and Chalobah in their and you have a young exciting core of the squad to look forward to under Gracia. I look at the way we played against Chelsea at home under Gracia and look forward to more of that with a younger ensemble. I do however envisage, should we keep all those players at Vicarage Road, Gracia might see players shifted into lesser known positions to fit a more defensive ideology and keeps players happy in terms of game time, which could be to his detriment.
If we properly upgrade our defence, then with a fully fit squad he or any other manager would have no excuses if they struggled. Possibly Alan Pardew being the exception. If we don’t bother with the defence however good the rest of squad is he'll essentially have one hand tied behind his back.
If he gets an upgrade on Holebas and Deeney/ Gray and we bring in Del, he will have no excuses next season if he doesn’t significantly improve. If he gets upgraded CBs too then I expect big things.
Don't be so down. We actually played some nice football towards the end of last season - especially at home. Only individual errors at the back and poor decision making in front of goal stopped us picking up more points. If we get a proper goalscorer, fix the defence and keep everyone fit I don't see why Gracia can't have a decent season with us.
I really don't understand those that label Gracia as negative. I don't remember a single game where I thought he put out a defensive lineup, and for the most part we dominated possession against all but the top sides. He was let down by poor finishing, not a negative game plan
If. That’s the same thing we said last close-season and we didn’t do any of those things. Those factors would help any manager. I want a manager who can do well regardless of those excuses. Everyone knows my opinion so I won’t even comment on it again over the summer unless we are linked with a new manager or what not. But my last point on him over the summer is this - and I’m happy for anyone to reference me on it come October next season: He’ll be gone before 10 games are over.
You might be right, you might be wrong about the 10 games, but no other Pozzo type manager will achieve significantly more or better with the players at his disposal last season. Look at Udine for long term proof of concept. Numerous reasons why it's more sensible to stick with JG in the meantime until his position becomes untenable. Which will happen sooner or later. Just not now. We have a mid to lower league squad & that's exactly where we are. Breath of fresh air for us to keep the manager & try to build progressively from last season. It is a significant risk when you have an unknown manager plying their trade in the PL for the first time, we have been lucky thus far. A dud is only around the corner. Look at Palace last season.
I don’t think Gracia is overly negative, he’s been shaped by Spanish football which is tactical and technical. He does need to learn from last season, develop a style that suits us and imprint it on the team over the summer. Do that well and he’ll be fine. A counter attacking team that defends well, presses hard, and motors fast through the transitions using Delafoos and Richys pace would be my choice.
The last season we started with the same Head Coach as the previous campaign was Beppe. It didn’t look a good decision to do so, and so it proved as he left five matches later. He was a stabiliser and did what he was asked to do after Zola’s deoarture. Strong home form, poor away. In the end it took his departure and the eventual arrival of a new Head Coach to achieve our dream and get us promoted. Will history be any different this time? We shall see.
I think you know that most of us have sat on the fence over Gracia. There are few who would argue he is a great manager. The truth is it is too early to tell - he had a job to do and he achieved it. Have the Pozzos found one manager you would be able to argue was demonstrably better than Gracia though? You cannot cite Jokanovic as he is yet to be tested in the Premiership. In the end Gracia's points per game record was equal to the Snake's. Until we move to appointing a coach with a materially better background than that so far found by the Pozzos we are going to see the same again. I would not bet against Gracia leaving before Christmas - but equally if we appoint another Quiche-Mazz-Snake-Gracia I would not bet on them either. Surely a stable close season and a chance for players and manager to get to know each other and plan properly has to be worth something?
Again I will say he got the job done. There were flashes of what we were capable of and some dire moments too. I'm happy to proceed with him. The two matches against Man Utd and Spurs away gave me encouragement. If we had a decent striker we would of seen different results and that's progress. We have to remember he is still learning about this league and only by experiencing it will he learn. The GD deal and by the way players speak about him shows me he has a good respect within the game.
I've had just about enough of all these pastry related puns so it's time for me to retire. It's been a good run and my love for Fulham will never be doubt. Bonjour.
Well he's been well and truly stitched up by the club. Starting the season with Capoue as our only fit centre midfielder is criminal. Even "yes man" Gracia has made it clear he wanted reinforcements and that the club still haven't sorted out Peñaranda's work status.
Not what Gracia has just said. http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sp...g-but-says-youngster-can-feature-this-season/
