Ronald Koeman discussion

[Blue Cheese]

We may not realistically be catching 5th or 6th but we have just clawed half the points back over Utd, but it makes the season more exciting if you believe we can catch them and judging by recent results the lot above us are not infallible. Seeing the positivity around the squad these last few games has been a breath of fresh air. I don't care how we got there but we seemed to have found a little form.

 

[bluestevon]

The six sides ahead of us are all used to being in lots of competitions towards the end of the season like, and never really affects them. People are talking like Arsenal or Utd are going to suddenly collapse because they have an FA Cup game or something.

Not gonna happen.

True they are used to it, so used in fact that every season there managers constantly trot out those extra games as a reason when do do have a semi collapse in form.

Rs for example last season obviously prioritised the cups later on over league and there league form collapsed. Arsenal traditionally have a collapse second half of the season which sees them happy to get the 4th place trophy, etc

All those teams are gonna play between 4-5 minimum and more likely close to ten for some extra games each, and some of them massive CL games and cup finals, injuries, having to prioritise in squad rotation and having to get tgecteam up after a massive game win or lose will have a impact.

 

[bluestevon]

We may not realistically be catching 5th or 6th but we have just clawed half the points back over Utd, but it makes the season more exciting if you believe we can catch them and judging by recent results the lot above us are not infallible. Seeing the positivity around the squad these last few games has been a breath of fresh air. I don't care how we got there but we seemed to have found a little form.

Closed 7 points over the last three games with Liverpool. Things can change fast

 

[bluestevon]

We just need to win as many games as we can between now and the end of the season. We may well only finish 7th due to the form of those above us, but we cannot underestimate the effect that just winning games will have on the squad. If we get a good run together now, it helps the squad to believe in their abilities, in fact, the way Koeman has been treating some of the underperforming players, the very fact they see the season out should be a huge boost to them. With a summer break unhindered by Euro's etc, it gives Koeman and the team a chance for a full run-up to the start of next season. I'm encouraged by this season, but excited about next.

All besides Chelsea are capable of imploding.

 

[Jacko93]

All besides Chelsea are capable of imploding.

Of course, but we cant expect it to happen, or even plan for it. Just win as many games as we can, and regardless of other teams, we will still benefit from it mentally for next season.

 

[davek]

He gained 39 points,over the last 18 games with saints last season mate, a repeat of that form would see us fanned close to hitting that total.

Very unlikely ofc as we have some horrid away fixtures to come but ...

Very very unlikely.

As said, it's not just a mathematical thing, it's a matter of pressure. If this lot came within striking distance of a CL berth they'd implode. It's in their DNA. They are good enough to at least pressurise the top 5/6, but they are suspect mentally.

All this talk of finishing higher than best of the rest: where is it coming from? The last few games may have produced wins but the form of this team isn't going to go from erratic to solid all of a sudden I suppose there's an attempt to make the last 16 games feel like they have significance, I understand that. But there really is not much to see here until August next season, imo.

 

[MikeH72]

Very very unlikely.

As said, it's not just a mathematical thing, it's a matter of pressure. If this lot came within striking distance of a CL berth they'd implode. It's in their DNA. They are good enough to at least pressurise the top 5/6, but they are suspect mentally.

All this talk of finishing higher than best of the rest: where is it coming from? The last few games may have produced wins but the form of this team isn't going to go from erratic to solid all of a sudden I suppose there's an attempt to make the last 16 games feel like they have significance, I understand that. But there really is not much to see here until August next season, imo.

There is for us paying customers Mr David.

 

[Goat]

Very very unlikely.

As said, it's not just a mathematical thing, it's a matter of pressure. If this lot came within striking distance of a CL berth they'd implode. It's in their DNA. They are good enough to at least pressurise the top 5/6, but they are suspect mentally.

All this talk of finishing higher than best of the rest: where is it coming from? The last few games may have produced wins but the form of this team isn't going to go from erratic to solid all of a sudden I suppose there's an attempt to make the last 16 games feel like they have significance, I understand that. But there really is not much to see here until August next season, imo.

Ronny has brought in 6 players.

We dont know how "this group of players" handle pressure, as a club we havent had a manager whos won so much, nobody knows how Ronny Ks Everton handles pressure.

 

[bcblue1878]

Dohhhhh, and it had been going so well for the last nineteen and a half hours!

 

[davek]

Ronny has brought in 6 players.

We dont know how "this group of players" handle pressure, as a club we havent had a manager whos won so much, nobody knows how Ronny Ks Everton handles pressure.

He's brought in 6 players:

One a GK who influences nothing
One crocked headless chicken
One 19 year sub

Schneiderlin, Gueye and Williams all plied their trade with mediocre/chronic PL teams and dont have the experience of run ins

 

[timmyistop]

I

Very very unlikely.

As said, it's not just a mathematical thing, it's a matter of pressure. If this lot came within striking distance of a CL berth they'd implode. It's in their DNA. They are good enough to at least pressurise the top 5/6, but they are suspect mentally.

All this talk of finishing higher than best of the rest: where is it coming from? The last few games may have produced wins but the form of this team isn't going to go from erratic to solid all of a sudden I suppose there's an attempt to make the last 16 games feel like they have significance, I understand that. But there really is not much to see here until August next season, imo.

I am not so sure , another two or three wins on the trot and we will be in amongst them. After that anything can happen, we have some difficult away games. But do do the others. I know Chelsea have at least one. Additionaly we don't have to win those difficult games as long as we are winning the others . Let's see how it looks at the end of February.

 

[Goat]

He's brought in 6 players:

One a GK who influences nothing
One crocked headless chicken
One 19 year sub

Schneiderlin, Gueye and Williams all plied their trade with mediocre/chronic PL teams and dont have the experience of run ins

Well Ronny Ks Globetrotters are gonna give 4th a shot this season David, like it or lump it, I bet you will still be declaring the season over when we take 4th.

 

[fandjango]

We may not realistically be catching 5th or 6th but we have just clawed half the points back over Utd, but it makes the season more exciting if you believe we can catch them and judging by recent results the lot above us are not infallible. Seeing the positivity around the squad these last few games has been a breath of fresh air. I don't care how we got there but we seemed to have found a little form.

Careful now a post like this full of good sense and positivity about making the most of the season end will attract the mega wet blanket mr Davek .... to slap you down

 

[Titus Bramble]

Whether you think the season is 'over' or not, it's still important we continue to improve and keep winning games. Winning is a habit and breeds high confidence and a feel good factor for both players and fans.

Likewise, losing will have the complete opposite affect, as we're all too aware of after the last couple of league campaigns.

I want as many ticks in the games wok column as possible, no matter where we are now

 

[davek]

I

I am not so sure , another two or three wins on the trot and we will be in amongst them. After that anything can happen, we have some difficult away games. But do do the others. I know Chelsea have at least one. Additionaly we don't have to win those difficult games as long as we are winning the others . Let's see how it looks at the end of February.

...equally, the likes of West Brom, Stoke, WHU and S'ton are within that points distance coming from the other direction and could catch us.

The game against Stoke will be an indication of how up for the challenge they are of pegging us back. If Stoke win it they'll feel they can reel us in.