07 Oct 2022 10:25:50
So, we find ourselves looking to appoint a new Manager/Coach, but what makes a good one. For me, the basic style of play is the least important so long as you have the right players to do it well. Back in the day there was only one plan that all teams adhered to 2 fullbacks, 2 centre halves, 2 wing backs, (midfield) 2 wingers, a No 9 (striker) and a No 10 (inside forward). Nuno had relative success with a 3/5 at the back with things only going sour when he tried to change to a 4 at the back, with opinions of why he did that divided. I personally feel he suffered from resistance to that change from certain players who didn't give it their best shot, buts that's for another discussion. Probably 15% of the recipe for success

The next issue is the ability to identify the right players to bring in to build a team that can play in the Managers chosen style without trying to put round pegs in square holes, for whatever reason. I'd give this 30% rising to 50% if a new Manager has inherited a poor side. Of course, this will be considerably reduced if we are talking about a coach working under a Director of Football. Something that will cause Wolves problems whilst trying to recruit a top 'Manager' to be a Coach.

For me, man management and game management are inextricably linked and are by far the largest single contributor to success, up to 55%. One affects the other, you're not going to get the best out of a player by encouraging him through coaching/training only to play him for the last 10 minutes or in a position that he's not comfortable with. But running through it all has to be the ability to instil the discipline, players knowing their roles and what is expected of them on and off the pitch. Something Nuno had perfected, 'talk softly but carry a big stick' if you like. That respect is something Bruno never appeared to achieve imo, yes, the players probably liked him, but did they respect him or his decisions because those have to make sense as well?

A simplistic view maybe, but those are my thoughts for what they're worth, but I'm sure others may have a different take on this.

1.) 07 Oct 2022
07 Oct 2022 11:34:40
Great post,lmw,
Sa
Semedo. Kilman. Collins noutori

Guedes nunes. Neves. Mouts
Adama. Costa.
I would give that formation a go.
When all available.
Plus who do you think new man might bring in.

2.) 07 Oct 2022
07 Oct 2022 11:51:01
You make some very good points Long, I would say it's simple rather than simplistic, when talented people do what their good at they usually keep things simple. The irony is that when wealthy organisations spend lots of money to achieve their desires or objectives they very rarely like to hear simple ideas or solutions, the people who try to deliver for them feel compelled to make things complicated to justify all the expense

3.) 07 Oct 2022
07 Oct 2022 12:16:03
I would have thought Greyleg that if that Manager/Coach turns out to be Lopetegui he will insist that he is truly part of the transfer team and won't stand to be 'told' by Sellars as Lage obviously was.

This could mean a de-empowering of Sellars which for most will be a good thing. However, although he will have a good overview of the Iberian scene in general, we may see a bit of a movement towards more Spanish players coming in, maybe even a certain Pedro António Pereira Gonçalves, for who Lopetegui was a prime mover in his career since he left Wolves.

As for tomorrow that's a fair shout but I just think if common sense prevails the team will pretty much pick itself.

4.) 07 Oct 2022
07 Oct 2022 14:44:10
No Neves tomorrow Greyleg due to suspension.

My team would be, Sa, Semedo, Mosquera, Kilman, Jonny, Adama, Traore, Nunes, Podence, Guedes, Costa.

5.) 07 Oct 2022
07 Oct 2022 17:02:56
Another excellent post Long.
With our recruitment I wonder how much and thought effort is given not just to their technical ability ie are they good footballers but also to their suitability, phyically and mentally, to play the game we are asking them to play as a mid table team in England.
We seem obsessed with recruiting highly technical but small lightweight players which unless you are Man City doesn't really work here!
Trincao being a great example - superb player but physically and mentally soft. Sadly Guedes looks similar - although not quite as shamefullly and overtly a coward as Trincao was.
Jota was lightweight but for the first few years he was here had the heart of a lion! {he finally got fed up with being kicked from pillar to post with no protection - hence great at Liverpool where he has a supportive ref behind him to stop the bullies}.
But players of his ilk are few and far between.
Hopefully whoever the manager is Costa will galvanise the squad and pull them together in to a fighting unit as Lage clearly couldn't
Re Chelsea I'd go Sa, Semedo, Kilman, Toti, Otto, Traore (slow) Moutinho (but prob only for 60 mins) Nunes, Podence Costa and Fast Traore. Bench looks horrifically thin again and we desperaterly need 2 or 3 new bodies in Jan almost regardless of what else is going on!
What a mess!

6.) 07 Oct 2022
07 Oct 2022 19:01:42
Cheers jas,now boubacar I'll,?

7.) 07 Oct 2022
07 Oct 2022 19:23:45
Good call on Boubacar (slow) Traore Jas and Thefutureisoldgold.

Ronan he in first team squad.

If Mouthino is out a 3 man midfield
Traore Nunes ronan.

Up top 2 Adama and Costa.

Semedo jonny

3 in Central defence mosquera kilman Totti Gomes.
Sa in goal.

One possibility.

I'm kind of thinking we may go defencive.

8.) 07 Oct 2022
07 Oct 2022 19:51:12
I just read your post greyleg mate.

9.) 07 Oct 2022
07 Oct 2022 19:53:18
It wasn't on my screen when I posted greyleg mate ha ha we are going to put on a good account of ourselves tomorrow I think.
Come on me babbies.

10.) 07 Oct 2022
07 Oct 2022 20:32:35
Tfiog, I'm sure they do look into things such as personality, attitude and character and this has contributed to building a 'good group' in those respects. I would imagine that the insistence on bringing in 'young and hungry' players from overseas is slightly problematic in respect of their mental and physical strength and confidence until they acclimatize and develop a bit.

For many the Premier League is a big step up but as you say, Jota and definitely Neves being exceptions. They were both wise and mature enough to accept the opportunity to spend time acclimatizing in the Championship before the step up.

Actually, I do wonder if Costa playing up front may actually influence players and encourage an attacking mentality rather than the endless passing the ball around nonsense. Unfortunately, if he does become the next Manager Lopetegui apparently also prefers the steady build up approach.

11.) 07 Oct 2022
07 Oct 2022 23:14:58
How right you are TFOG. The mix of of players is too lightweight and this shows in the prem. Traore (fast) being an exception. See now Boubacar Traore is ill and out for tomorrow. Hope a young wolf gets a game against Chelsea and grabs his chance. COYW

12.) 08 Oct 2022
08 Oct 2022 08:37:23
How many is that out now Sevlow 7-8? At this rate they'll need one of those 'pop up' hospitals at Compton. I know that isn't an injury but it's certainly something that the new manager needs to address as there's something wrong here. It can't all be bad luck, especially the repeat injuries we get.

13.) 08 Oct 2022
08 Oct 2022 08:44:43
Just a further thought on physicality Tfiog/Sevlow, I think the introduction of Costa just broke that mould. lol

14.) 08 Oct 2022
08 Oct 2022 09:24:22
Long myndwolf How could I forget to add COSTA last night. I would like to see Traore on the right wing with a few penetrating crosses for Costa to bury into that Chelsea net. COYW

15.) 08 Oct 2022
08 Oct 2022 10:00:44
Long - Exactly re Costa. But we only bought him as an after thought. The balance just doesn't seem right. Far too many pretty boys and not enough men. Also far from certain that since Seville the "attitude" of the players has been right and the morale in the dressing room so strong under Nuno now seems poor - is that all Lage's fault or have we lost/demoralised our "leaders" and bought a few bad apples -Trincao for one can't have helped!

16.) 08 Oct 2022
08 Oct 2022 10:48:02
Tfiog, I think it's a combination of all of those factors, a possible over reliance on youth, Nuno's attempts to change the playing style didn't sit well with some and Lages intention to complete that job and probably a lack of faith in his methods finished them off.

The end result being a disconnect and that's why after trying to be positive this season it became obvious to me Lage had to go with that sentiment perfectly demonstrated with his performance (not the teams) at West Ham.