Hegemon92

Hi lads. In peace as a saints supporter.
 
Think you've bagged Koeman, I know you've got mixed feelings but he's a solid choice. I was surprised he'd go to Everton, because he'd been pretty firm about staying and clear about finishing his contract here. My guess is that in the end we never offered him an ambitious, or expensive enough, offer. All the Soton club talk has been about ambition, building a good structure in terms of player development, recruiting, partnerships etc. to push for Europa League every season, but I guess in the end even what we pitched to Koeman wasn't ambitious enough.
 
So that's the good part, I think he'll be more forward thinking than you would guess. I know there's talk of him not taking you to the next level, but I wouldn't be so pessimistic. Bear in mind he's got a lot more to work with at Everton, in terms of transfer money and squad depth/quality, and I guess in the end that's why he's likely to join you.
 
So what do you get with RK?
He's been solid for us, Saints fan alike will tell you that he's got a strong tactical head, he likes to play good, positive attacking football but is also very capable at making us better ogranised, good at defending etc. We noticed a difference between Pochettino and Koeman, Pochettino seemed to just out-attack the other team, constantly pressing and stretching the squad, with attackers high up the pitch and defenders sitting back a little. It was a good tactic, we scored a lot but the defensive drill wasn't there as much. Koeman introduced much better organised defense, it was really under RK that the whole 'defending starts from the front' line began to come out much more strongly. That's why he favours players that are willing to track back and help out. It's no surprise that the good success story of this season has been Shane Long with his workrate at hustling defences and coming back to help defend. Koeman is versatile, if you remember season before last he switched formation when we were having a real lull in the season, I think we actually played Everton in that game (with 5 at the back) and won. He did a similar thing last season, playing back 5 for a few games. He didn't trust our right back, Cedric, at defending, and he didn't trust Cuco Martina, our backup RB, for anything at all really. So he played back 5, Bertrand playing as a centreback, for a while. In other words, he really isn't afraid to change up the system and play players out of position. That can be good, because Bertrand has excelled in that role, it can also be bad, for instance playing Yoshida (CB) at RB for several games where he made heinous mistakes. He definitely favours defensive midfielders, hence why last summer we got in Romeu, Clasie etc. Both are defensive, Romeu arguably moreso although Clasie has a reputation of being a tough little guy. This was in a season that we kept Wanyama, as well. So defensive midfield is a big thing. He really doesn't appreciate small nifty attackers. Juanmi, bought last season, and Ramirez (returning from loan) hardly got a look in. Obviously they just weren't up to the physical standard of the premier league, although it could be argued that he just isn't that keen on this kind of attacker. Mane is pretty strong, even though he goes down easily. So he's defensive minded, but he also likes good play. His standard formation for us has been 4-2-3-1, with a big CF up top. Bear in mind Pelle is a favourite of his, as is long, both are good in the air although Pelle's workrate is at times questionable. Steven Davis, James Ward-Prowse, Mane have also been a key part of the saints set-up this year. Make of that what you will as regards qualities he favours. He left Dusan Tadic on the bench for a lot of the season, even though he has been outstanding season before last and made good showings last year as well. Set pieces are a big point for him. Yoshida, but more prominently as season went on Cuco Martina, replacing Cedric as first choice RB, was an indication that he likes height in the box, and expects the RB to play closer to his own box, rather than out wide, allowing players on the wing, such as Tadic, JWP etc. to track back to the corner flag to be defending crosses.
 
He seems to be a good people manager, and several players have come out to say they enjoy playing under such a well renowned defender of his experience. He speaks several languages, which probably helps. However, don't be mistaken in thinking that all our players were his idea. Pelle, Tadic, Romeu, Van Dijk had already been touted (probably by Paul Mitchell, now at Spurs as head of recruiting) before his arrival. Mind you it's difficult to escape the Dutch nationality/played in Eredivisie links. Now that the rumours of Koeman leaving are starting to snowball, some stuff has come out about maybe his relationship with some players not being 100%, and that certain individuals were going to be happy that he's gone. I don't know how true it is.
 
It's true that we're sad to see him go. He comes across as a real nice bloke. But without wanting to finish on a low, it must be said that I don't want Saints successes over the past two seasons attributed to him (i.e. that you can be tempted to think, "he's taken them to their highest ever league finishes"). We have an excellent club structure, scouting and player development system, and our management (aside from notable high profile fiasco's including this one, Alderwiereld transfer and any-other-SFC-transfer-rumour) seem to be very steady and capable. In other words, he's had good people around him. We seem to find that not an insignificant number of players/managers who come here tend to have a wobble when they leave, or collapse completely. The former is understandable, the latter could be down to the club structure making them appear much more capable than they are. I'll leave that there.
 
Koeman can bring out the best in some of your players, and he'll love having a diverse squad that can provide different playing styles/options. In other words, expect that he'll want to have a fast striker, a big CF, a tricky player like Deulofeu (is that how you spell?), wingers, players who can play as either full back or centre back, etc. He likes to have diversity so that second half he can change it up.
 
Listen, I know these are rumours and you and me both are anxiously waiting any announcement...but good luck, hope this provides some interesting food for thought. Get back to me if you've got any questions - happy to try and answer!

I think you might be right. It seems like Moshiri's short-term goals are to keep star-players at the club for next season and to expand transfer-market spending. Martinez is a good recruiter and keeping him at the club may be necessary for the two aforementioned goals. However, I don't doubt that Moshiri has set concrete goals for Martinez, and if these goals are not met, then Martinez is out. With so much time on the sidelines at Arsenal, I also have no doubt that Moshiri has a short-list of coaches to take over at Everton.

Going back to this little caveat, the aftermath of the Heysel Stadium Disaster and Thatcher's/UEFA's ban of English Clubs took a particular toll on Everton. Everton were officially banned from the European Cup in the 1985-1986 and 1987-1988 seasons, from the European Cup Winners' Cup in the 1986-1987 season, and from the UEFA Cup in the 1988-1989 season.

Cheers for my first game at Goodison Park today! I haven't been active because I have been in London for a month, and I finally got to go the grounds today for my first match. Just got back from Liverpool.
 
Impressions on the game: Joel Robles is rocky, but his kicking accuracy is much better than Howard's
 
- Feels so good to have Stones back in the line-up, much better than Distin in every way. Big aerial threat, particularly on defending corners. Past mistakes have included leaving a man free on the far post for the extra cross or shot.
 
- Besic is a work in progress. Very talented player, but lacks confidence at times.
 
- McGeady is our weakest link. How the hell is this guy starting.
 
- Lukaku is fantastic. We need to play more direct to him. Lukaku and Naismith were the only players who showed up to play 90 mins.
 
Impressions on my first time in Liverpool:
- Being from the U.S., you hardly never see anyone with Everton kits, and it felt so great to be at Lime St and you just see everyone with their kits and scarves ready to go. You feel the energy and just being in Liverpool with my Everton jersey really energized the hell out of me. More importantly, I only saw one koppite.
 
- Goodison Park is more beautiful that I could have expected. I really understood what people mean when they say it is a more "classical" ground.
 
- The energy in the stadium was fantastic. Singing "Grand Old Team," yelling at McGeady, and shouting down Man City fans was a blast.
 
This is really a world class team.

I cannot stress enough how important Gibson and Lennon were in this match. Gibson was pivotal to distributing the ball and attacking in a way that Barry has failed to do. It was important in this match that Martinez not stop the flow of the game by putting two defensive midfielders on: Barry/ Besic or Barry/ McCarthy.
 
However, I think that Lennon was by far the best player in the pitch. He fulfills his offensive and defensive duties well. Moreover, he made Coleman shine today, particularly when his play has failed to impress during the season. The reason being that having a fast and tactful player on the right flank that also plays well defensively leaves Coleman open for more runs and crosses, what Deulofeu did last season, and what McGeady has failed to do consistently.
 
Lennon is what we need to play wider football. However, he and Atsu are only here on loan. Wingers will be pivotal during the next transfer window. Who will be the long term solution?

I cannot stress enough how important Gibson and Lennon were in this match. Gibson was pivotal to distributing the ball and attacking in a way that Barry has failed to do. It was important in this match that Martinez not stop the flow of the game by putting two defensive midfielders on: Barry/ Besic or Barry/ McCarthy.
 
However, I think that Lennon was by far the best player in the pitch. He fulfills his offensive and defensive duties well. Moreover, he made Coleman shine today, particularly when his play has failed to impress during the season. The reason being that having a fast and tactful player on the right flank that also plays well defensively leaves Coleman open for more runs and crosses, what Deulofeu did last season, and what McGeady has failed to do consistently.
 
Lennon is what we need to play wider football. However, he and Atsu are only here on loan. Wingers will be pivotal during the next transfer window. Who will be the long term solution?

Cheers for my first game at Goodison Park today! I haven't been active because I have been in London for a month, and I finally got to go the grounds today for my first match. Just got back from Liverpool.
 
Impressions on the game: Joel Robles is rocky, but his kicking accuracy is much better than Howard's
 
- Feels so good to have Stones back in the line-up, much better than Distin in every way. Big aerial threat, particularly on defending corners. Past mistakes have included leaving a man free on the far post for the extra cross or shot.
 
- Besic is a work in progress. Very talented player, but lacks confidence at times.
 
- McGeady is our weakest link. How the hell is this guy starting.
 
- Lukaku is fantastic. We need to play more direct to him. Lukaku and Naismith were the only players who showed up to play 90 mins.
 
Impressions on my first time in Liverpool:
- Being from the U.S., you hardly never see anyone with Everton kits, and it felt so great to be at Lime St and you just see everyone with their kits and scarves ready to go. You feel the energy and just being in Liverpool with my Everton jersey really energized the hell out of me. More importantly, I only saw one koppite.
 
- Goodison Park is more beautiful that I could have expected. I really understood what people mean when they say it is a more "classical" ground.
 
- The energy in the stadium was fantastic. Singing "Grand Old Team," yelling at McGeady, and shouting down Man City fans was a blast.
 
This is really a world class team.

Cheers for my first game at Goodison Park today! I haven't been active because I have been in London for a month, and I finally got to go the grounds today for my first match. Just got back from Liverpool.
 
Impressions on the game: Joel Robles is rocky, but his kicking accuracy is much better than Howard's
 
- Feels so good to have Stones back in the line-up, much better than Distin in every way. Big aerial threat, particularly on defending corners. Past mistakes have included leaving a man free on the far post for the extra cross or shot.
 
- Besic is a work in progress. Very talented player, but lacks confidence at times.
 
- McGeady is our weakest link. How the hell is this guy starting.
 
- Lukaku is fantastic. We need to play more direct to him. Lukaku and Naismith were the only players who showed up to play 90 mins.
 
Impressions on my first time in Liverpool:
- Being from the U.S., you hardly never see anyone with Everton kits, and it felt so great to be at Lime St and you just see everyone with their kits and scarves ready to go. You feel the energy and just being in Liverpool with my Everton jersey really energized the hell out of me. More importantly, I only saw one koppite.
 
- Goodison Park is more beautiful that I could have expected. I really understood what people mean when they say it is a more "classical" ground.
 
- The energy in the stadium was fantastic. Singing "Grand Old Team," yelling at McGeady, and shouting down Man City fans was a blast.
 
This is really a world class team.

Cheers for my first game at Goodison Park today! I haven't been active because I have been in London for a month, and I finally got to go the grounds today for my first match. Just got back from Liverpool.
 
Impressions on the game: Joel Robles is rocky, but his kicking accuracy is much better than Howard's
 
- Feels so good to have Stones back in the line-up, much better than Distin in every way. Big aerial threat, particularly on defending corners. Past mistakes have included leaving a man free on the far post for the extra cross or shot.
 
- Besic is a work in progress. Very talented player, but lacks confidence at times.
 
- McGeady is our weakest link. How the hell is this guy starting.
 
- Lukaku is fantastic. We need to play more direct to him. Lukaku and Naismith were the only players who showed up to play 90 mins.
 
Impressions on my first time in Liverpool:
- Being from the U.S., you hardly never see anyone with Everton kits, and it felt so great to be at Lime St and you just see everyone with their kits and scarves ready to go. You feel the energy and just being in Liverpool with my Everton jersey really energized the hell out of me. More importantly, I only saw one koppite.
 
- Goodison Park is more beautiful that I could have expected. I really understood what people mean when they say it is a more "classical" ground.
 
- The energy in the stadium was fantastic. Singing "Grand Old Team," yelling at McGeady, and shouting down Man City fans was a blast.
 
This is really a world class team.

Cheers for my first game at Goodison Park today! I haven't been active because I have been in London for a month, and I finally got to go the grounds today for my first match. Just got back from Liverpool.
 
Impressions on the game: Joel Robles is rocky, but his kicking accuracy is much better than Howard's
 
- Feels so good to have Stones back in the line-up, much better than Distin in every way. Big aerial threat, particularly on defending corners. Past mistakes have included leaving a man free on the far post for the extra cross or shot.
 
- Besic is a work in progress. Very talented player, but lacks confidence at times.
 
- McGeady is our weakest link. How the hell is this guy starting.
 
- Lukaku is fantastic. We need to play more direct to him. Lukaku and Naismith were the only players who showed up to play 90 mins.
 
Impressions on my first time in Liverpool:
- Being from the U.S., you hardly never see anyone with Everton kits, and it felt so great to be at Lime St and you just see everyone with their kits and scarves ready to go. You feel the energy and just being in Liverpool with my Everton jersey really energized the hell out of me. More importantly, I only saw one koppite.
 
- Goodison Park is more beautiful that I could have expected. I really understood what people mean when they say it is a more "classical" ground.
 
- The energy in the stadium was fantastic. Singing "Grand Old Team," yelling at McGeady, and shouting down Man City fans was a blast.
 
This is really a world class team.

Cheers for my first game at Goodison Park today! I haven't been active because I have been in London for a month, and I finally got to go the grounds today for my first match. Just got back from Liverpool.
 
Impressions on the game: Joel Robles is rocky, but his kicking accuracy is much better than Howard's
 
- Feels so good to have Stones back in the line-up, much better than Distin in every way. Big aerial threat, particularly on defending corners. Past mistakes have included leaving a man free on the far post for the extra cross or shot.
 
- Besic is a work in progress. Very talented player, but lacks confidence at times.
 
- McGeady is our weakest link. How the hell is this guy starting.
 
- Lukaku is fantastic. We need to play more direct to him. Lukaku and Naismith were the only players who showed up to play 90 mins.
 
Impressions on my first time in Liverpool:
- Being from the U.S., you hardly never see anyone with Everton kits, and it felt so great to be at Lime St and you just see everyone with their kits and scarves ready to go. You feel the energy and just being in Liverpool with my Everton jersey really energized the hell out of me. More importantly, I only saw one koppite.
 
- Goodison Park is more beautiful that I could have expected. I really understood what people mean when they say it is a more "classical" ground.
 
- The energy in the stadium was fantastic. Singing "Grand Old Team," yelling at McGeady, and shouting down Man City fans was a blast.
 
This is really a world class team.

Cheers for my first game at Goodison Park today! I haven't been active because I have been in London for a month, and I finally got to go the grounds today for my first match. Just got back from Liverpool.
 
Impressions on the game: Joel Robles is rocky, but his kicking accuracy is much better than Howard's
 
- Feels so good to have Stones back in the line-up, much better than Distin in every way. Big aerial threat, particularly on defending corners. Past mistakes have included leaving a man free on the far post for the extra cross or shot.
 
- Besic is a work in progress. Very talented player, but lacks confidence at times.
 
- McGeady is our weakest link. How the hell is this guy starting.
 
- Lukaku is fantastic. We need to play more direct to him. Lukaku and Naismith were the only players who showed up to play 90 mins.
 
Impressions on my first time in Liverpool:
- Being from the U.S., you hardly never see anyone with Everton kits, and it felt so great to be at Lime St and you just see everyone with their kits and scarves ready to go. You feel the energy and just being in Liverpool with my Everton jersey really energized the hell out of me. More importantly, I only saw one koppite.
 
- Goodison Park is more beautiful that I could have expected. I really understood what people mean when they say it is a more "classical" ground.
 
- The energy in the stadium was fantastic. Singing "Grand Old Team," yelling at McGeady, and shouting down Man City fans was a blast.
 
This is really a world class team.

Cheers for my first game at Goodison Park today! I haven't been active because I have been in London for a month, and I finally got to go the grounds today for my first match. Just got back from Liverpool.
 
Impressions on the game: Joel Robles is rocky, but his kicking accuracy is much better than Howard's
 
- Feels so good to have Stones back in the line-up, much better than Distin in every way. Big aerial threat, particularly on defending corners. Past mistakes have included leaving a man free on the far post for the extra cross or shot.
 
- Besic is a work in progress. Very talented player, but lacks confidence at times.
 
- McGeady is our weakest link. How the hell is this guy starting.
 
- Lukaku is fantastic. We need to play more direct to him. Lukaku and Naismith were the only players who showed up to play 90 mins.
 
Impressions on my first time in Liverpool:
- Being from the U.S., you hardly never see anyone with Everton kits, and it felt so great to be at Lime St and you just see everyone with their kits and scarves ready to go. You feel the energy and just being in Liverpool with my Everton jersey really energized the hell out of me. More importantly, I only saw one koppite.
 
- Goodison Park is more beautiful that I could have expected. I really understood what people mean when they say it is a more "classical" ground.
 
- The energy in the stadium was fantastic. Singing "Grand Old Team," yelling at McGeady, and shouting down Man City fans was a blast.
 
This is really a world class team.

Cheers for my first game at Goodison Park today! I haven't been active because I have been in London for a month, and I finally got to go the grounds today for my first match. Just got back from Liverpool.
 
Impressions on the game: Joel Robles is rocky, but his kicking accuracy is much better than Howard's
 
- Feels so good to have Stones back in the line-up, much better than Distin in every way. Big aerial threat, particularly on defending corners. Past mistakes have included leaving a man free on the far post for the extra cross or shot.
 
- Besic is a work in progress. Very talented player, but lacks confidence at times.
 
- McGeady is our weakest link. How the hell is this guy starting.
 
- Lukaku is fantastic. We need to play more direct to him. Lukaku and Naismith were the only players who showed up to play 90 mins.
 
Impressions on my first time in Liverpool:
- Being from the U.S., you hardly never see anyone with Everton kits, and it felt so great to be at Lime St and you just see everyone with their kits and scarves ready to go. You feel the energy and just being in Liverpool with my Everton jersey really energized the hell out of me. More importantly, I only saw one koppite.
 
- Goodison Park is more beautiful that I could have expected. I really understood what people mean when they say it is a more "classical" ground.
 
- The energy in the stadium was fantastic. Singing "Grand Old Team," yelling at McGeady, and shouting down Man City fans was a blast.
 
This is really a world class team.

Cheers for my first game at Goodison Park today! I haven't been active because I have been in London for a month, and I finally got to go the grounds today for my first match. Just got back from Liverpool.
 
Impressions on the game: Joel Robles is rocky, but his kicking accuracy is much better than Howard's
 
- Feels so good to have Stones back in the line-up, much better than Distin in every way. Big aerial threat, particularly on defending corners. Past mistakes have included leaving a man free on the far post for the extra cross or shot.
 
- Besic is a work in progress. Very talented player, but lacks confidence at times.
 
- McGeady is our weakest link. How the hell is this guy starting.
 
- Lukaku is fantastic. We need to play more direct to him. Lukaku and Naismith were the only players who showed up to play 90 mins.
 
Impressions on my first time in Liverpool:
- Being from the U.S., you hardly never see anyone with Everton kits, and it felt so great to be at Lime St and you just see everyone with their kits and scarves ready to go. You feel the energy and just being in Liverpool with my Everton jersey really energized the hell out of me. More importantly, I only saw one koppite.
 
- Goodison Park is more beautiful that I could have expected. I really understood what people mean when they say it is a more "classical" ground.
 
- The energy in the stadium was fantastic. Singing "Grand Old Team," yelling at McGeady, and shouting down Man City fans was a blast.
 
This is really a world class team.

Cheers for my first game at Goodison Park today! I haven't been active because I have been in London for a month, and I finally got to go the grounds today for my first match. Just got back from Liverpool.
 
Impressions on the game: Joel Robles is rocky, but his kicking accuracy is much better than Howard's
 
- Feels so good to have Stones back in the line-up, much better than Distin in every way. Big aerial threat, particularly on defending corners. Past mistakes have included leaving a man free on the far post for the extra cross or shot.
 
- Besic is a work in progress. Very talented player, but lacks confidence at times.
 
- McGeady is our weakest link. How the hell is this guy starting.
 
- Lukaku is fantastic. We need to play more direct to him. Lukaku and Naismith were the only players who showed up to play 90 mins.
 
Impressions on my first time in Liverpool:
- Being from the U.S., you hardly never see anyone with Everton kits, and it felt so great to be at Lime St and you just see everyone with their kits and scarves ready to go. You feel the energy and just being in Liverpool with my Everton jersey really energized the hell out of me. More importantly, I only saw one koppite.
 
- Goodison Park is more beautiful that I could have expected. I really understood what people mean when they say it is a more "classical" ground.
 
- The energy in the stadium was fantastic. Singing "Grand Old Team," yelling at McGeady, and shouting down Man City fans was a blast.
 
This is really a world class team.

We have not only been unlucky this game, but for the whole season on injuries. It is obvious that this season has been worse than last, but this is what happens when you have extra games (Europa League) and an aging team.

I missed the game and I just read this thread. Let me just say:
 

Do people really think that Barkley is that bad? Here is one thing I can't get over. You don't buy talent, you develop it. Case in point the difference Spurs last two seasons. I would rather hold onto Barkley than sell him no doubt. Sure, this season isn't going as well as last season, but maybe instead of focusing on the next 5 months, we need to focus on the next 5 years.
 
Also, am I the only one that thought Barkley was one of the better players out there? Sure, he is selfish on the ball. But, he was also the one baiting defenders and opening up runs on the counter-attack. Lest anyone forget, I may add, he spent half the time helping on the defensive end.

Lukaku and Barkley are getting a lot of flack. Lukaku is 21 and Barkley is 20. They will develop into some of the best players in the world in time and they are playing for the blues. Unfortunately, I feel that they carry too much of a burden and expectation when the real criticism should probably go to the manager. Lukaku and Barkley are both investments that will show their quality and resilience in the long-term. Let's not be so short-sighted and look for scapegoats.

Lukaku and Barkley are getting a lot of flack. Lukaku is 21 and Barkley is 20. They will develop into some of the best players in the world in time and they are playing for the blues. Unfortunately, I feel that they carry too much of a burden and expectation when the real criticism should probably go to the manager. Lukaku and Barkley are both investments that will show their quality and resilience in the long-term. Let's not be so short-sighted and look for scapegoats.

Also, if we are giving Lukaku flak for missing that one-on-one, Eto'o missed a good chance in the first 5 mins that would have changed the whole game. It was when Lukaku + Eto'o were playing clinical passes to each other and played Eto'o into the box. Eto'o sent a shot just wide, but had he shot the ball on target it would have been a fantastic scoring opportunity.