So, what have we learned? First of all, to calm down. With the kindest of respect, anyone who expected Southampton FC to hit the ground running this season, you were deluded. Some of our key signings are players untested at this level, whilst others (Armstrong) have shown previously this league is a struggle for them.
Our outfield acquisitions never filled me with too much confidence. That’s why my focus was on a keeper. So thinking we were going to roll over teams and push up high in the league, for me, was never on the cards. I felt it was going to be a season of struggle and at best consolidation and I’m ok with that.
If we were still in the Championship this season and you said we could be in the Premier League next season, would you take it, yes? So it doesn’t matter if we finish near the relegation season this time round, as long as we’re building towards something better.
People have started calling fall RM’s head (some back in the Championship) and for me it’s premature. It all has Nathan Jones vibes and whilst Jones was a total moron and needed to go (I called for his head after his second game), I don’t find it the same with RM. Yes he is stubborn and yes the situation will have to become dire before he contemplates tweaking things, but I remember last season when things were going wrong he did give in and adjusted slightly and I think he will again.
I figure 2 key things could change our whole fortunes and if it happens, I think you’ll hear Saints’ fans sing a different tune. First, is the game of Ross Stewart. He’s an unknown quantity at the moment. Not only have we hardly seen him in a Saints shirt, but he’s also not played in the Premier League. When he does finally start getting game time then who knows, he could be the key of turning our possession into goals.
The second and most crucial key point is that RM stops playing his tactics / possession play in our 3rd of the pitch. We haven’t got the players, the tactical know how (or both) to try and do whatever it is we are trying to do there. Maybe possession football and build up play can’t work unless it starts from the back but for now it’s something we need to stop. Only in our 3rd though because across the rest of the pitch our play is decent.
For now, even though I love formations with 3 centre backs, I think we need to go to just two central defenders. To hopefully reduce the amount of passing we do in that area.
My team would be:
Ramsdale, Harwood-bellis, Bella-kotcha (hopefully works out his issues, because he’s solid), Kwp, Sugagowa, Downes, Fernandes, Lallana (needs to play every game if his legs can take it, proved he’s still an elite player), Dibling, Cornet, Archer.
I’m willing to die by sword with RM and go with him and his style until he actually does need to go. Calling for his head now is too soon. I don’t listen to nonsense noise on social media. Most of it is from fair weather people that will jump ship when the weather changes.
For now, RM has the confidence and praise of the players around him and that’s enough for me. When he loses the dressing room, then it is time to start scrutiny. The same commentators that are calling it an embarrassment to do what he is trying to do at this level will be praising him when / if he pulls it off.
Ultimately though, it’s allegiances and stubbornness that are his and our current downfall, but I think as time goes on those will weaken. Players that can’t cut it will eventually be found out, of which are Armstrong, Smallbone, Diaz etc.
Lastly, i’m sticking by him for no other reason than stability. Look at us over the most recent season, chopping and changing, then also look at the current top Premier League teams. The fans always getting on the back of managers if they don’t produce the slightest result in the way they want it. I can’t think of a single manager that will come in and up turn our fortunes.
So for now, until the actual situation is dire, RM do what you’ve got to do. Just stop doing it at the back, please.
Written by lesleee September 01 2024 13:38:07
