Thomas Frank - Head Coach

[braineclipse]

If we buy creative midfielders then in 3-4 months time there's going to be an issue with Maddison and Kulu back. There is likely a thought process that goes along the lines of Madders and Kulu being the now, Bergvall and Gray being the future, and therefore bringing a midfielder in overloads that area when everyone is fit.
I'm not saying this is right, but I wonder if that is why we are focused the way we are.

What I do know is that we've gone from Son, Bale, Moura and Kane to Johnson, Kudus, Odobert and Kolo Muani, in 4 years - so we're definitely in deficit up front.

Anyone we buy and we'll end up with a bit of an overload on numbers, apart from left back maybe.

I don't think we need a creative midfielder as a #10. But a more creative, ball progressing, deep playmaker type I do think would be super useful. Gray is playing more there now and I think that's good. On numbers it depends on how Frank sees Bergvall in the future, will he be used deeper or is he seen more as a #10 as he has been used so far under Frank.

If we count both Bergvall and Gray as deeper players we do have numbers, but both very young and still with some development to go through.

 

[DubSpur]

If we buy creative midfielders then in 3-4 months time there's going to be an issue with Maddison and Kulu back. There is likely a thought process that goes along the lines of Madders and Kulu being the now, Bergvall and Gray being the future, and therefore bringing a midfielder in overloads that area when everyone is fit.
I'm not saying this is right, but I wonder if that is why we are focused the way we are.

What I do know is that we've gone from Son, Bale, Moura and Kane to Johnson, Kudus, Odobert and Kolo Muani, in 4 years - so we're definitely in deficit up front.

It's a deep lying ball player that we need, Maddison and Kulu don't fit that role whether fit or not. They are both better closer to the box.
The new player would be replacing Bentancur and/or Palhinha.

 

[Bedfordspurs]

If we buy creative midfielders then in 3-4 months time there's going to be an issue with Maddison and Kulu back. There is likely a thought process that goes along the lines of Madders and Kulu being the now, Bergvall and Gray being the future, and therefore bringing a midfielder in overloads that area when everyone is fit.
I'm not saying this is right, but I wonder if that is why we are focused the way we are.

What I do know is that we've gone from Son, Bale, Moura and Kane to Johnson, Kudus, Odobert and Kolo Muani, in 4 years - so we're definitely in deficit up front.

There really isn’t many world class attackers out there now and we have been blessed having had some of the very very best

 

[Lemonade Money]

It's a deep lying ball player that we need, Maddison and Kulu don't fit that role whether fit or not. They are both better closer to the box.
The new player would be replacing Bentancur and/or Palhinha.

Palhinha? That deep lying defender that we need?

 

[Gutter Boy]

Palhinha? That deep lying defender that we need?

Good teams don't have DMs that aren't passers too.

 

[Lemonade Money]

Good teams don't have DMs that aren't passers too.

Well this forum needs to make its mind up.

 

[Mikey10]

There really isn’t many world class attackers out there now and we have been blessed having had some of the very very best

 

[lurker of old]

Rasiak. omg, why do you remind us? The worst forward I've seen in the shirt by a million, million miles. Poor guy was so far out of his depth!

 

[thfcsteff]

Another presser today where I wish he would be courageous and protective. If people keep bringing up the Archie Gray moment last week, protect him. It's done, he said his piece at the time, why not just say 'guys it's been discussed within the dressing room with everyone, mistakes are a team thing, we move on'. Instead, he repeatedly tells us he's talked with Archie. We knew last Sunday. Just say 'he's doing great, great player, onwards'...instead, he goes back for a second soliliqy on the matter!

And how about protecting whatever process he's in by not hammering how 'long' this is all going to take 'to fix'? He also keeps on using previous seasons results as some sort of mitigation for certain aspects of what he's doing/how he will deploy. There is nothing especially either empowering or strong in that IMO. He then grifts off how 'nobody likes to talk about the extra games' in terms of Europe, when it is one of the most widely discussed dilemmas in football, he then takes a cheap pop about how last season the balance between Europa and PL 'didn't go top' (no context of course) before then saying we've gone up a level in this seasons CL (I think we'd all agree our group has been firm Europa standard).

He had a week to prepare for this presser, and IMO did not use it well at all for a man who is reportedly 'under pressure'...

 

[Legohamster]

As someone on the fence over Frank, it's becoming harder and harder to stay on the fence and not want him removed

What is he even thinking with those comments on the fans.

Mad.

 

[thfcsteff]

As someone on the fence over Frank, it's becoming harder and harder to stay on the fence and not want him removed

What is he even thinking with those comments on the fans.

Mad.

Indeed. I didn't even mention those but agree...when he said the group who can see 'the bigger perspective' it is actually in line with a lot of people who think they are seeing that but don't necessarily measure it against WHAT that 'bigger perspective' is for.

If I am going to be written off as being reactionary for questioning the destination Thomas has for us in terms of style of play, then I'm proud. I do NOT believe that 'bigger perspective patience' should be endlessly given on pure principle (I actually love the principle, in errr principle!) however when the proof repeately suggests a destination I don't believe it style-wise, then I find it tough.

 

[Mikey10]

Another presser today where I wish he would be courageous and protective. If people keep bringing up the Archie Gray moment last week, protect him. It's done, he said his piece at the time, why not just say 'guys it's been discussed within the dressing room with everyone, mistakes are a team thing, we move on'. Instead, he repeatedly tells us he's talked with Archie. We knew last Sunday. Just say 'he's doing great, great player, onwards'...

And how about protecting whatever process he's in by not hammering how 'long' this is all going to take 'to fix'? He also keeps on using previous seasons results as some sort of mitigation for certain aspects of what he's doing/how he will deploy. There is nothing especially either empowering or strong in that IMO. He then grifts off how 'nobody likes to talk about the extra games' in terms of Europe, when it is one of the most widely discussed dilemmas in football, he then takes a cheap pop about how last season the balance between Europa and PL 'didn't go top' (no context of course) before then saying we've gone up a level in this seasons CL (I think we'd all agree our group has been firm Europa standard).

He had a week to prepare for this presser, and IMO did not use it well at all for a man who is reportedly 'under pressure'...

I am massively in the camp of giving him the season no matter what - probably 18 months tbh - but someone on the PR side of the club needs to be helping him. Said the same for Ange…and no one ever did.

 

[thfcsteff]

I am massively in the camp of giving him the season no matter what - probably 18 months tbh - but someone on the PR side of the club needs to be helping him. Said the same for Ange…and no one ever did.

This I absolutely agree with. As you know I felt they hung Ange out to dry from last Jan (we know why) and I agree, the likes of Lange and VV should be doing more here. Frank's way is not going to help him at this club. Again, it isn't Brentford...

p.s. I am aware my bias is tipping. I am trying hard, but, well, obviously not hard enough!!!

 

[Gutter Boy]

I am massively in the camp of giving him the season no matter what - probably 18 months tbh - but someone on the PR side of the club needs to be helping him. Said the same for Ange…and no one ever did.

The club has gone to brick since Simon Felstein left. Maybe getting him back should be our number 1 January transfer target? He and Poch used to work in tandem so well together.

 

[DeanoAustin]

Another presser today where I wish he would be courageous and protective. If people keep bringing up the Archie Gray moment last week, protect him. It's done, he said his piece at the time, why not just say 'guys it's been discussed within the dressing room with everyone, mistakes are a team thing, we move on'. Instead, he repeatedly tells us he's talked with Archie. We knew last Sunday. Just say 'he's doing great, great player, onwards'...instead, he goes back for a second soliliqy on the matter!

And how about protecting whatever process he's in by not hammering how 'long' this is all going to take 'to fix'? He also keeps on using previous seasons results as some sort of mitigation for certain aspects of what he's doing/how he will deploy. There is nothing especially either empowering or strong in that IMO. He then grifts off how 'nobody likes to talk about the extra games' in terms of Europe, when it is one of the most widely discussed dilemmas in football, he then takes a cheap pop about how last season the balance between Europa and PL 'didn't go top' (no context of course) before then saying we've gone up a level in this seasons CL (I think we'd all agree our group has been firm Europa standard).

He had a week to prepare for this presser, and IMO did not use it well at all for a man who is reportedly 'under pressure'...

I didn't particularly want Frank but given I didn't want BMJ, Harry or Poch, that was probably an encouraging sign. I don't like his football and I haven't been particularly impressed with him so far but I was willing to give him at least the season and, if he had us top half, probably a second one.

But he's not making it easy. I know managers and their press conferences get scrutinised to the point of parody but just his general tone says to me that the club is too big for him. Similar to when Hodgson got the Liverpool job I guess. He did a brilliant job at Brentford and that validates him as a really, really good football manager but what got him to this point isn't going to make him successful here. I fear we are heading for all too familiar territory...

 

[MartyFunkhouser]

I didn't particularly want Frank but given I didn't want BMJ, Harry or Poch, that was probably an encouraging sign. I don't like his football and I haven't been particularly impressed with him so far but I was willing to give him at least the season and, if he had us top half, probably a second one.

But he's not making it easy. I know managers and their press conferences get scrutinised to the point of parody but just his general tone says to me that the club is too big for him. Similar to when Hodgson got the Liverpool job I guess. He did a brilliant job at Brentford and that validates him as a really, really good football manager but what got him to this point isn't going to make him successful here. I fear we are heading for all too familiar territory...

He might not be the guy

But all he is doing is repeating the last 20 years of fan discourse

Ultimately, unless we build over long time we cant expect to continue the route we are on and hope for success. It's hardly worked for the last 15 years and unlikely to for the next

 

[Mcfee]

He might not be the guy

But all he is doing is repeating the last 20 years of fan discourse

Ultimately, unless we build over long time we cant expect to continue the route we are on and hope for success. It's hardly worked for the last 15 years and unlikely to for the next

Overrated.
Get the right manager in tandem with quality players and it’s game on. We’ve done that recently enough.

 

[Bedfordspurs]

Overrated.
Get the right manager in tandem with quality players and it’s game on. We’ve done that recently enough.

Like managers have done elsewhere
Doesn’t take very long for the right guy at the right club to get the team playing his way
Frank may have done that but without anyone knowing his way it’s hard to tell

 

[DeanoAustin]

He might not be the guy

But all he is doing is repeating the last 20 years of fan discourse

Ultimately, unless we build over long time we cant expect to continue the route we are on and hope for success. It's hardly worked for the last 15 years and unlikely to for the next

I don’t really think there is “a guy”. Poch was as close as we got and that was just a bunch of things aligning and a very good and brave manager being one of those elements. Maybe the example of Klopp at Liverpool suggests otherwise but I don’t think there is a messiah out there for us and there are a lot of things wrong at our club.

However, there are some managers who just aren’t up to it. I think it was Carragher who made the point recently that he can’t remember any manager in recent times who was successful at a lower half club playing functional/pragmatic football who was a success when they got a big job. Nuno, Hodgson and Moyes are all good examples of what he’s talking about. That’s why I have major doubts on Frank but I am willing to reserve judgement until he drags us into a relegation fight or until he has a full season.

That said, most of what I’ve seen to date, from the performances to the players’ behaviour to his utterances in press conferences suggest to me that he’s out of his depth.

 

[Bedfordspurs]

I don’t really think there is “a guy”. Poch was as close as we got and that was just a bunch of things aligning and a very good and brave manager being one of those elements. Maybe the example of Klopp at Liverpool suggests otherwise but I don’t think there is a messiah out there for us and there are a lot of things wrong at our club.

However, there are some managers who just aren’t up to it. I think it was Carragher who made the point recently that he can’t remember any manager in recent times who was successful at a lower half club playing functional/pragmatic football who was a success when they got a big job. Nuno, Hodgson and Moyes are all good examples of what he’s talking about. That’s why I have major doubts on Frank but I am willing to reserve judgement until he drags us into a relegation fight or until he has a full season.

That said, most of what I’ve seen to date, from the performances to the players’ behaviour to his utterances in press conferences suggest to me that he’s out of his depth.

His comments about the fans are very unusual
Almostt like he sees a divide