Players can change. Managers can change. Results can change. Life can change.
But the enjoyment experienced from a Seb Stafford-Bloor Hamburg piece, will never change.
Brilliant stuff Seb!
Well, you can, your business will just literally die - see 777 partners (sports example ofc)
Oh yeah I agree, hadn’t read yet but have now.
Think it’s clear that a sale isn’t feasibly going to happen anytime soon. Valuations are sky high and clubs at such a high-level just aren’t going unless in a crisis scenario (e.g. Chelsea, Everton)
Even Brentford can’t seem to get an investment!
I’m a Spurs fan, and I’m very much in the boat of be careful what you wish for, but the thought of Levy staying on in a sporting role specifically is not going to go down well, and rightfully so
This was very good.
Hard truths hurt, and those that are afraid to here them will avoid these points, but it’s the truth.
It’s a fantastic pod, such great insight and thought process behind it.
Agreed. Weirdly it makes me more confident in Ange (if we stick with it) in the long run, just because I now think that he won’t submit to the pressure again, and will now firmly stick to his principles.
I don’t know if doing that will make him successful, but if he were to be, it’s only way he can
I know you’re mostly on here now rather than X (as I am slowly trying to do), but just wanted to say this was a brilliant read. Great job.
Where do you think he’d best fit, Ted?
Crazy to think about how much Dragusin being another signing could’ve altered things.
We’d have one less player needing to offload, and could very plausibly have very strong CB options nailed down for a long time.
Really enjoyed this Phil - Loving the variety of guests and players covered!
I’d love to see a similar player profile on Vitor Reis, but also something on the Rashford situation, especially given I think your pod is particularly good at exploring the psychological side of football.
It’s been so often seen and discussed before - Gasperini maximising output of attackers that have, often previously, not shown the same output elsewhere - Lookman, Gomez, CDK, etc.
With Højlund however, rather than a rehabilitation after a failed move, it may be the reverse.
Jake mentioned how positioning him on the right could force him to play in that area (thus improving him) and how Gasp already did this.
But again, the problem may be that he wasn’t in that role long enough to retain the traits, so at Utd he’s reverted to how he played pre-Gasp
I’m not suggesting that Højlund over-performed in that season, because after all it was HIM that showed qualities of a top striker.
But, that he was there for such a short period that the qualities Gasperini’s system fostered didn’t yet ingrain into his skillset or mindset (e.g. types of runs).
Another absolutely brilliant and insightful MNS from @jakeentwistle.bsky.social
The analysis of Højlund suggests that he would’ve benefited from another season at Atalanta (I agree) and, does make me wonder:
Did Gasperini make him look more prepared and effective than he actually was?🧵👇
Great piece Seb.
Think you covered all angles really well (no pun intended), in terms of his style, ability, and mentality.
Looks as if he’ll have his work permit for Liverpool, so will be interesting to see how he adjusts to such a rapid introduction and step up!
Not saying it’s wrong, unfair or anything like that, but just an interesting thought.
Imagine how different and ever-changing the sporting world would be, and how quickly smaller clubs could scale up, if recent success held more weight to stakeholders than historic success does.
But the size and history of Utd just holds so much power beyond anything else.
Of course a lot of it is resources and finances, but if it weren’t for the weight legacy holds, that financial advantage wouldn’t exist.
It’s fascinating how much weight legacy has in Football, and sport in general.
You look at United’s form, squad, etc Vs Brighton’s over the last few years, and wonder why any player, manager, new fan would want to choose the former over the latter.
@scoutedftbl.bsky.social @llewdavies.bsky.social thoughts?
Seems like Baleba’s potential sale has ramped up the deployment of his replacement - just another day at Brighton really!
Thought I’d share this is on here… for my latest GF video, I analysed Southampton’s Tyler Dibling 🔴 ⚪️ 🌟
- His remarkably unique ball carrying ability
- A positive comparison to Jack Grealish at Aston Villa
- Why he may be of England’s most exciting future talents right now
Check it out! 👇 🏴💫
I think in terms of the profile/ level of manager, and his history in over-performing with lesser teams, he’s a great appointment. The worry is that it’s a starkly different style of play and he’s got a history of being rather harsh (to put it lightly). But maybe that’s exactly what they need!
To be honest I think the situation goes far beyond the players at this point.
The problem lies within the culture right now imo, fans turning on managers too quickly, therefore deterring fans and players, as you mention, from wanting to join.
This was great Tom.
The things you have planned next year may be in early stages, but it looks fantastic - I’m excited.
Genuinely, at what point do we petition to rename him Tyler Dribbling?
Brilliant read.
As someone who watches him every week, a lot of people have acknowledged the his form in terms of G+A, but not really understood the all-round contribution he’s had to the team (in and out of possession), and how well he’s adapted to a new role - this captured that really well!
I think as you say it was just unfortunate with the managerial situation.
Especially with Kompany looking to dominate possession at all times, whereas Tuchel was slightly more pragmatic, a destroyer like Palhinha is just useless 90% of the time.
I very much agree.
I think it’ll translate well in higher quality leagues, regardless of opposition. But it won’t translate well playing FOR higher quality teams.
If he’s in a transition-oriented system he’ll be fine, not if he’s against a deep block.
Molenbeek very bad, last winter they got their record signing just as a tool to loan and sell to Lyon eventually (e.g. Savinho to City).
Botafogo top of the league I think, but been lots of drama - look into it it’s very funny!
He owns Botafogo in Brazil and Molenbeek in Belgium, owned Lyon since December 2022
