2024/25 Michael Keane

[ElGato]

The much simpler explanation is probably just man management.

Keane has a confidence issue, Dyche is paid to manage that.

On top of that - although we see players like stickers to trade - they are human beings that know and work with each other every day - maybe even look out for each other, heaven forbid.

Dyche also needs to get Jake starting though.

100

The fact that Keane played so well when there wasn't anyone in the grounds is not a coincidence. Dyche making positive noises about him at every turn is imho a man management strategy; try and keep him performing at a level that bears even the slightest resemblance to acceptable. I think even starting him over JOB is probably a ruse to keep whatever fragile confidence Keane has in tact (and perhaps to prove a wider point to the squad - you'll have to work to keep your place or take anyone else's: there are no free lunches)

But as I've said before, we are not in a position to have the luxury of playing squad games. If JOB is better than MOK then he has to start over him, no compromises on that. It cost us points at the start of last year and it's costing us points at the start of this year too