25 Aug 2026 21:49:10
Another win this evening and done without too much effort. Good run out for the fringe players. Every time I watch Fer Lopez I just smile, he is going to be some player.
One question for me is Mane a luxury we can afford.
Now I don’t mean money-wise but playing-wise. He was pretty much absent after coming on and didn’t do a great deal on Saturday. I’m not hammering the lad, just asking the question.
25 Aug 2026 23:01:11
Yeah, I increasingly find myself agreeing with others on here regarding Mane, in that I think it would actually do him good to be benched for a few games. The lad has talent, but he needs coaching. Currently, he doesn't look up or create nearly enough for a player of his ability. All too often he wants to take on the entire defence, followed by a shot from outside the box when he has many far better options. I think part of the problem here is that he came into the team at its lowest point and started every game after. I worry that, at such a young age, he's starting to believe his own hype, when the simple fact is he still has a whole lot to learn.
That was another good performance tonight, and after that debut, I think it's fair to say we won't be signing another CB until one of them leaves.
As such, it would be good to now see all efforts focused on bringing in two wingers/attacking players. Currently, we are having to rely on R Gomes and Mane far too much. This was proven tonight by the fact that they both got minutes when they should have been rested. We need options, so they better crack on, as time is ticking. Speaking of options, did anyone see Ballard's first goal for Bristol? Crazy finish for a lad of that age. As I said at the time, I think most teams missed a trick not going for a player of that talent at a measly £4m!
26 Aug 2026 00:27:30
Hey BB, I saw that Ballard goal. My son told me about it because he was a striker and liked to do those heel flicks too. However, that was a lucky goal, not a skill shot. But I give him credit for using whatever part of his body that he had to make contact and send "a prayer"! Sometimes a little luck is needed.
26 Aug 2026 00:38:10
I read an interview with Mane.
His goal was to win the Ballon d'Or!!
Dream on, kid, knuckle down and you might make a half decent footballer.
26 Aug 2026 02:34:16
My take on Mane.... The young man has clearly got talent, there is no doubt about that. The problem is, he came to light amongst a very poor team, at a time they were very much underperforming and underachieving.... thus making him seem a step above those surrounding him. I do believe that he has the potential to become a superstar... but, at the present moment in time, he is far from that. To anyone without a clouded mind on him, he is too young and, frankly, not yet good enough for the hype that has been bestowed upon him.
Yes, he genuinely does have the makings of a superstar.... He is capable of getting the ball and single-handedly being a game changer thanks to his abilities (maybe the potential to be like Cunha for us).... but, like I said, he is young. His moments last season, although at times world class, were - let's be honest - a pretty decent player seizing an opportunity that arose to him to make a difference and shine amongst those dimming the lights around him.
Do I think he has talent? Yes.
Do I think he could make a difference for us? Yes.
Do I think that a few great plays have made the pundits praise him and got to his head? Yes.
Do I think he has a lot to learn? Yes.
The fact there has been no solid approaches for him after all the hype sums it up for me. He has huge potential, but a lot to learn, the biggest of which being when to play in a teammate and when to go for goal. But if he was as good as he was made out last season, let's face it, knowing Fosun, he wouldn't still be here.
Either way, for all you doubters and nay-sayers, it seems like a pretty positive start to the season for me, in league and cup. And long may it continue! In Piexoto we trust! FWAW.
26 Aug 2026 09:23:53
Could not agree more with your sentiment, WolvesNutta, I think many supporters feel the same way. Mane needs to take a step back, assess his many talents and a one-to-one coach take him away from training for a session and review his recent performances on screen. By dissecting his performance and showing potential other options he could have taken, will only improve him.
This constant (could be viewed negative input) will eventually erode the lads confidence. He is a bright lad with a big future, but needs careful management. Is there anyone in the current coaching staff prepared to take on the role of mentor? This season is so important to Mateus and the team and a potentially glittering future - don't waste it!!
26 Aug 2026 10:59:16
Nb - apologies NJ, I put it on the wrong thread, but please see my reply below. ?