Spot on all that.
The word "philosophy" was denigrated by Evertonians when they wanted Martinez out. Not that they didn't have a right to want him out toward the end as it had obviously (for one reason or another) gone west. But what happened was a total reaction against anyone having a method or particular style of playing: many/most just wanted "effort" and talked up the view that "we just want our players to get stuck in". Koeman filled that vacuum gladly by emphasising fitness over style and technique. Then in the summer he dispensed with an orthodox attack and we suddenly had nothing to make all the running round work. Allardyce has compounded it all with his very basic approach to the game. And now we are lacking identity and any sense of what we are as a club.
Pragmatism has failed us. It's time to bring philosophy back.
This, this, THIS.
Yes, under Martinez we lacked invention when the opposition sat deep. The slower, more methodical brand of football is open to critique when you don't have an abundance of attacking flair. We can all see now why we chased Yarmolenko so long, can't we? Someone, more seasoned than Deulofeu et al, who could beat a man and deliver quality into the box.
Whilst I disagree from a personal perspective of preference, I could understand why there were groans when we were passing CB to CB against sides at home. But with a midfield in front of Barry, McCarthy, Cleverley etc banked in front of Barkley and Lukaku (the latter of which struggles to stamp authority even at his new home in Stretford)... is it any wonder? Had he had the riches afforded to his successors, do we think he would have gone for the likes of Cleverley etc?
Anyway, I promise I am not trying to turn this into another pro-Martinez ramble.
The point is, and one that Davek makes astutely, is we should have looked to tweak and improve a solid foundation that Roberto put in place. So your Tuchels, heck- even your Eddie Howes (not an recommendation on my part, just an example of someone who plays a more expansive brand).
Instead Moshiri ripped it all up and went for a 'Hollywood' manager. One who demanded hard work over any real offering of technique. Sam Allardyce is the next step. There is only one step further to go and that's Pulis with his CBs at FB.
Now we are faced with a choice:
Do we look to try and piece together the
theory of Roberto's 'dream' or do we sweep it all away, back the pragmatism to the hilt and build a new squad accordingly?
I know which way i'd rather go...