28 Aug 2022 19:57:32
So we play Bournemouth Wednesday what if we get beat or a miserable draw?

1.) 28 Aug 2022
28 Aug 2022 20:22:35
Must say mate, we really didn’t look good today at times, couldn’t keep hold of the ball, second half it seemed like Newcastle won 80% of the second balls. Guedes looks good, Nunes I thought looked a bit lost tbh, I still have faith that it will come good with a new striker but if the rot sets in it could get a bit worrying. We have the quality but you still have to grind out results in this league. I wouldn’t be surprised by a draw against Bournemouth tbh, or even if they grind out a 1-0 win. But we need to step up soon before moral starts to drop

2.) 28 Aug 2022
28 Aug 2022 23:02:16
The teams we have lost to or drawn with have actually all started the season quite well while we have still been rebuilding and integrating new players. However, it looks like we'll be playing Bournemouth without any further additions on the pitch. On paper the team put out today should be more than capable of beating them, so this match will tell us what we need to know and may well define our season. Win it, fine, we move on and hopefully build confidence and integrate any further signings that arrive this week. Lose it and the doubts will magnify ten fold.
One thing sticks in my mind and it's John Ruddy's comment about Lage when he said he needs to work on his man-management skills. I'm not suggesting he has lost the dressing room but we have lost the glue that held it together. Players like Ruddy, Coady and Saiss and we need those capable to step up and fill their shoes. Neves's form, as captain, has gone up a notch as his performances this season have been outstanding. Sa, Collins, Nunes and Neto need to step in and help imo.
I think Fosun will give Lage a month from when the rebuild is complete to prove he can get a tune out of this team, if not, they won't hesitate to act, they will have no choice. On the up side I don't think they'll ever go for someone as inexperienced again so either way, no matter how painful the road gets, I can only see things getting better, thereafter.

3.) 29 Aug 2022
29 Aug 2022 00:05:39
Agree with what you're saying Longmynd. Man management is always an interesting one as sometimes bringing in your own players means they respond to how you operate.

Genuine question though, who could we realistically bring in who would be any good and want to come to us if Lage is dispensed of before the World Cup?

I really want it to work out for Lage, and I could forgive the lack of substitutions against Leeds given the options on the bench. But against Newcastle today the timings of the subs were shocking. He's starting to remind me of a poor man's Gareth Southgate at the moment.

4.) 29 Aug 2022
29 Aug 2022 07:59:39
Alex I think the choice and timing of substitutions is a divisive subject for many fans. It's all about the manager having options available but then knowing when and how to use them to best effect.
This is, of course, tied in with man management trying to give everyone time on the pitch to keep them happy. Ruddy comments I would suggest were not only frustration at the lack of minutes but probably about how Lage handled that on a personal level.
Having said that why anyone would think that bringing players on so late in the game addresses any of that is beyond me, unless it's about appearance money in some way.

5.) 29 Aug 2022
29 Aug 2022 09:37:46
Bournemouth on Wednesday will be interesting as they shipped 9 this weekend. Always a reaction after thumping like that.
I feel that we will be mid-tabLe thisbyear but have to fight our way up there (a little like Newcastle did last year) then we go for it next year if we cam keep the best players.

6.) 29 Aug 2022
29 Aug 2022 10:55:15
The appearance money is a good point. As are the comments Ruddy and Coady both made upon leaving.

Also agree we'll be fine this year regardless of what happens against Bournemouth.

We've wanted Lage to be backed by the board since this time last year and it appears they are doing so. He now needs to be given time to prove whether or not he's up to the job. Time will tell, but we all know that the board will act ruthlessly if thing aren't going well on the pitch, or even potentially if the fans in the ground turn. Hopefully it works out for Lage, but I'm not wholly convinced he'll be Wolves boss this time next year.

7.) 29 Aug 2022
29 Aug 2022 14:06:30
If he isn't good enough Alex he'll be gone before Xmas, just as others before him.
This is becoming not just his team but his squad, so there will be nowhere to hide. Let's hope we don't hear that phrase 'by mutual consent' anytime soon as that would imply we are winning games again.