I think it’s only fair that I make my position regarding Roberto Di Matteo totally clear.
That way, there’s no ambiguity and while I believe I tend to be pretty straight-forward in my views and they normally conform, so I do sometimes go against the flow.
So what to think?
Well, the truth is, I have serious doubts about him, even more so after reading that he lost the players at Schalke;
Ok, the article goes on to say that the decision wasn’t his.
But my worry is that we have what seems a very similar problem down the Villa, with the likes of Gabby, Lescott and Richards calling the shots. A situation that quite simply can’t be allowed to continue.
Unless.
Is RDM strong enough to walk in and hoof the trouble-makers?
I’m not convinced he is in the slightest, although hopefully, it’s exactly why he wants Clark in; to seize these players by the proverbial throat and find out what they’re really thinking.
But is it really an impossibility to think that the older players just might have it right, in saying that the younger players don’t have the right way of looking at things?
On the face of it, that’s just preposterous, if we look at the seasoned player’s performances over the season.
But maybe we might need to consider that they feel they’ve been banging their heads against a brick wall?
Before you shoot me down, I’ve been in this position, where you feel you’re wasting your time.
And while it’s no excuse whatsoever in not doing your best, I’d suggest it’s easy to get dragged down to a lower level.
I seriously wonder if that is what might have gone on over the last however long?
Whatever, while I suspect that will be a not very popular view, I’m throwing it out for discussion.
All that said, as I’ve said before, I’m very willing to give the new team a fair go.
I can see the possibilities, if things go to plan.
Hence we need to get behind the team, especially if we get the goal scorer, the goalie, a CB and a decent midfielder that we need.
Blimey, that’s the whole spine of a team, isn’t it?
Hmm.
And then there’s talk of Amavi going to Liverpool for £11 mill, although I’ve seen reference that says it’s total rubbish.
Would I sell him?
Would I proverbial!
While I accept that some of our better players will probably leave, so I believe we should retain them if we’re going to show any serious signs of ambition.
We really need to do our best to keep Amavi, Ayew, Grealish and maybe Traore (if the supposed doubling of wages isn’t true).
If we let these players go, it will show us what the new ownership/management is all about.
And no, sell them to re-invest simply doesn’t cut it for me. These are players who could light up the league and give us something to cheer about.
God, how have we missed those times?
We’re either going balls out to get straight back up or we aren’t.
I’m hoping we’re going for it and any “transition” talk is just that.
