An important addition to the handsome/sweetboi quota, which took a severe hit on Femenia's departure. He may well in fact have increased even on what was lost, in which case his signing is already justified.
Not a great start, only prepared to give 100%, at least 10% short of promises from most new signings.
One of my sources has it on good authority that we are on the brink of signing Joao Ferreira on loan from Udinese and then plan to re-loan him to Stevenage. Quite excited if true.
Oh dear - so he probably won't exactly be first choice. Mind you Ngakia will be inured soon and Gaspar cover for central midfield.
I think he’s wrong on this. Prior to the injury crisis it was clearly our weakest position and it’s not like Ngakia or Gaspar have really grown into the role with more time. Yes given the injuries it’s not the most dire need but we’ve been crying out for a better RB all season. I thought his comments last week were fair enough but these seem a little unnecessary.
Agree. It's not the greatest piece of man management I've seen, either. 21 year old just arrived in a foreign country and you're basically saying he's not wanted.
I agree. But I just don’t think the previous culture changes overnight. It might need Bilic bringing it into public view. I don’t like Bilic being vocal about this really - but if it helps in terms of stopping the club buying players the coach doesn’t want or won’t use, then it serves purpose.
Take your seats and watch the power struggle. I suspect that the last one involved Nigel Peardon, another strong character - and look at how that panned out.
Disagree that he's throwing any shade on Ferreira, he's not made any negative comment on his ability, just pointed out that we already have 2 able-bodied alternatives, although given those alternatives, there's an argument for saying RB (and LB as he can fill in there) is more of a priority than Bilic is saying
"He's fit and he's available" "not a priority" Sorry but that's shade. By now he's had plenty of time to watch footage of him, watch him in training, get to know him, and he's not really had one positive thing to say about the young lad. As much as he (perhaps rightly) is annoyed at the recruitment team, Ferreira hasn't done anything wrong, and I don't think it's too much to expect at least the facade of enthusiasm for a new young signing. And yes, he's absolutely wrong about us not needing another full back.
In the same press conference as the above quotes he also he said he looked sharp in training and it was a shame he wasn't available for the cup game.
I found it odd that he says we didn't need to reinforce that position and then the kid immediately goes into the matchday squad (and plays a full half).
Yeah he did look a bit out of position on occasions but good going forward, looks quick and strong. I think part of the issue with his defending yesterday was he was probably caught out by how frantic the championship can be as he has just arrived, I think he will look more assured defensively once he has settled in a bit more.
Bilic is talking out of his arse we were not okay at right back, Ngakia has frequently proven that he shouldn't be a starter for us and Gaspar has not looked like he has the legs for right back. Dan Gosling did a better job playing there than JN and MG. When everyone is fit its a fair argument to say that right back was our weakest position.
Seems to be good at getting back and making blocks or tackles even if he was caught out. Made efforts to get forward and link up well with Martins .
Just natural defensive instincts that you could see he didn't have. I didn't think it was anything to do with nerves as he tried to pull off a bit of ridiculous skill further up the pitch. Good addition though as an impact player as he most definitely loved a good old gallop up the pitch
The noise from some of the crowd to that little pirouette was how I imagine a Westlife concert would be. A high pitched 'woooo' and a gentle round of applause...all for giving the ball away.
