Was the hot new shit in Germany/Bundesliga for a little while (also played for the DFB youth). Apparently used in a different position at Eindhoven than in the BL. Afaik Bayern have a buyback clause.
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We still played a modified version of gegenpressing for 6-7 first months of the season. Yes, Slot adjusted the system but left the fundamentals in tact until March, and coincidentally we began to play worse since then. On top of that, Slot rarely rotated the squad, leading to fatigue.
As for the personnel we lost, the 2025 summer transfer came into play. We ended up buying a bunch of players who never really fit into our previous system and having to bend the system to integrate them, instead of bringing real replacements. At the same time, we sold basically all of our depth players, resulting in a depleted squad. Worst, Slotâs lax training regime led to a general physical decline of the entire squad.
A hypothetical 2025 summer transfer consisting of Anderson/Wharton (replacing TAAâs passing range but in the midfield instead), Guehi, Barcola/Gordon (replacing Diaz), Ekitike, Antoinee Robinson and a real back-four RB, and even Madueke (Salahâs backup, replacing Chiesa), would have set us up for another title run. None of the names I mentioned above bar Gordon would have costed us over 100m in summer 2025. Plus, Elliott should have been kept around after his U21 Euro performance - with hindsights he clearly had better passing vision than Dom & Grav when he was on, plus good pressing and offball skills as well.
My ideal midfield was either Thiago - Fab - Hendo or Kroos - Casemiro - Modric, over any forms of 4-2-3-1.
At the moment no.
Its pretty much the same players creating the same issues.
Kerkez, Frimpong, Sozbo, Grav, Isak, Wirtz all still inconsistent and looking like they not sure what they should be doing.
The likes of Gomez and Chiesa still here not doing much as always injured.
Theres not much change. The highlights are Gakpo, Jacquet and Munez - but not seen any improvement or change of style in the rest. Defence exposed, the midfield disappear and the forwards dont see much of the ball.
Two names for you: Slot and Hughes
Both are gone and we have to start from this point.
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Agree to disagree, I guess. I see clear improvement in our setup/pressing. We are creating more chances and leaking far fewer goals. Also, our mentality in much improved. Weâve come back from behind twice now to secure draws. That would not have happened last season. Our heads would have dropped and the outcome solidified. None of it is where it needs to be, but I believe Iraola will get us thereâŚjust need a little patience and a transfer window or 2. I think after next summer weâll be in a much stronger position to challenge for trophies.
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Yup, currently we bend but we donât break. Credit to Iraola but also big credit to JJ, Ron Araujo, and Munoz for injecting this fighting attitude into the team. It was much needed.
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Itâs a lot easier to see the weaknesses than ever before. Players who had a free ride are being picked up for there dumbness despite them making those dumb errors for years.
That has to be a help however the more we see the more we realise that the time required to iron it out will be much longer than hoped.
Against Fulham we went 2 steps backwards after having made a few small steps forward over the previous games.
The manager will imo have to lay down the law very aggressively if this continues like this. These are pro players after all!
How can you come on and moan after that game? Imperfect but loads of energy and intensity, youngsters doing well, and 3 wonder goals.
What were you hoping for?
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I thought it was as coherent a performance as weâve seen from this sort of much changed side in a long while. I think that bodes well both for the message Iraola is trying to get across and the ability of any of those kids to contribute in a ârealâ game.
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Totally agree.
Thatâs a surprising take to be honest. For me, the style is totally different under Iraola. The high press is back, which wasnât the case under Slot, and progressively, the energy comes back in everything the boys do. Inevitably, we will be open in midfield for the foreseeable times, as the team learns how to position themselves, and find back an acceptable level to their fitness. But, while it has been ups and downs, and will continue to be for some time, one can clearly see the differences, one doesnât need to be a tactical expert to see it.
You only need to listen to the Anfield crowd when the boys get it right, the reaction is immediate: a big roar to push them on. 
So, while the Fulham game was disappointing and somewhat of a low point, there have been signs recently that Iraolaâs ways are getting to the lads. The individual and collective inconsistency is something we could expect beforehand, you shouldnât be surprised at that.
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Weâve been scouting Finn Jeltsch according to reports in Germany. 20 year old Stuttgart CB. Played 56 games last season. World and European Champion at U17 level. 1,88m, strong and good on the ball and has some Matipâesque dribblings in him.
He will be called up by JĂźrgen Klopp tomorrow.
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ErrrâŚhow many young centre backs do we need!
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@GermanRed or this
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If they settle like Jacquet has weâll take them all
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Is that you Arseteta?
Tuesday night was a lot better.
I think the Carabo Cup produces good games as its the more relaxed Cup comp and if you go out then at least it frees up some weeks down the line.
Also the crowd are different - they seem more relaxed and vocal.
Finally, no VAR to ruin the game
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We are buying them all up so noone will be able to defend against us! 
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