If You Were Manager

Simple thread to focus away from the infighting. . . I hope. If you were manager - What formation and philosophy would you set out. Who would you play and why. What targets would you set for January and why. Just to get a feel for what principles and focus people have. Personally I would play a 4-1-2-3 system. High up the pitch pressing with pass and move footbal returning. Long balls to be integrated when breaking down teams that park the bus and not before then. Team when fully fit. Pepe - Johnson, Dagger, Soto, Aurelio - Lucas - Raul, Stevie - Dani, Torres, Maxi. Transfer targets. Llorrente - Target man to support Torres. Young - Quality wide player. Hazard and Suarez - Cause I'm greedy

Looks like you said it all. 

Seems very experimental, but I feel we need change and attack minded football, it does fall into a similar bracket as the 4-5-1 formula. I feel that generally we are missing supply to the front men, as we all know Stevie can put a great pass through and create from the back, if need be swamp Raul in with Stevie for a better partnership with Nando.

As for expectations in the new year, top 5/6 would be a 'reachable' target and push through the rest of the season for at least a CL spot, that would stop the blushes and hopefully retain some top talent.

                Reina
Kelly   Dagger Sotos  Aurelio

              Gerrard
Johnson                  Cole             
          Dani      Raul     
           
              Torres

If the likes of Hazard and Suarez were brought it would shuffle around a bit

The way we are set out at present with this 4-4-2 is so rigid it is untrue.

The 2 wide midfielders are not wingers.  They play about 15 yards in front of the defence and are brought in to the middle of the park to protect the midfielders.  So when, eventually, we do get the ball we're like a big pack of schoolkids all following the ball.

I don't know many succesful clubs in Europe who still play this tired rigid, predictable, 4-4-2.

Go back to the 4-2-3-1.  It is ultimately what the players know.  It allows us to dominate midfield, it ensures our wide players actually play like attackers.

Torres has played every single league game this year. He's almost played more league games than he did last season.  But if the 1 isn't working or playing well.  Change him.  It's not rocket science.

And I'd probably put Paul Konchesky on the transfer list.  I'd own up to a shockingly bad choice there.

I'd have 4 attacking players on the bench for every game, if I had to make the numbers up from our talented youngsters I would.

And I'd stop the long punts upfield to Torres and encourage a group of international footballers to start playing football on the deck again rather than treating them like some kind of pub side.

Finally, I'd ensure the fans knew I was well aware of the history of the club, it's importance, my determination to succeed for the fans over my personal success.  My humility at having the greatest honour of my career.  I probably wouldn't make out every team we were about to play were 1970's Brazil - and I'd aim to install belief and confidence in the players.

I'd probably make some tactical substitutions as well if we were losing or drawing games, and provide some instructions to the players if needed whilst they were playing.

Speaking as if I was manager now and without the power to spend, this is what I would change in way of who takes to the field.

GK - Reina
RB - Johnson. Gets into attacking positions, links well and scores goals. But would needs cover from Carragher.
LB - Aurelio. Not the risk taker that Koncheskey is and a more intelligent footballer, Great left foot.
CB - Carragher. OK, losing his pace but his organisation in defence is vital.
CB - Kyriagkos. Much improved and an extra option at set pieces. Also less of a liability and not as clumsy as Skrtl.
HM - Lucas. Much improved and distributes the ball well but must pick up his sense of urgency.
LM - Cole. Still has a lot to prove in the red shirt but a class act on his day, just needs to be consistent.
CM - Gerrard. No explanation needed but has to allow other players to do their bit.
CM - Mereiles. Hard worker. Can pick out the defining pass. safe on the ball.
RM - Babel. To get forward and feed Torres. Needs his chance and his pace is going to waste.
ST - Torres. But Hodgson needs to allow him to play the way he knows best.

For me, once Gerrard and Carra are fit, is the best attacking side we can put out.

N'gog is too similar to Torres and Babel hasn't had enough of an opportunity with Torres.

Our subs bench would look a little more impressive with -

Jones, Skrtl, Koncheskey, Maxi, Kuyt, N'gog.

Come on Roy, listen to me lad!

JD you sound just like Roy......have you read his book thats out this Christmas "35 years of Management & Tactics".....sounds so familiar with what we are currently seeing.

Simple answer for me is Id have them enjoying having the ball, wanting the ball and not afraid to try things out of the ordinary. Id also have them adapted to several formations so that I could change tactics easily in a game without it taking 15 minutes to get across to them what I want

Oh and Id defo play from the back. Nothing on keep it or bring it out (Agger be defo in my back 4) NO HOOFING ALLOWED!

I would pack my bags and bail.

4-3-3

Push higher up and command midfield.

Drop sh*t players.

Reina

Kelly   Sotis   Agger   Insua

Lucas

Meireles   Gerrard

Maxi                            Pacheco

Torres

And then rotate the starting XI with some of the bench as so:

Gulacsi, Carragher, new left back/Insua, Shelvey, new winger/Pacheco/Maxi, another central/defensive midfielder, new striker.

Integrate the young with the experienced. That would mean selling Skrtel, Konchesky, Poulsen, Kuyt, Babel and Milan and promoting Eccleston, Pacheco, Shelvey, recalling Ayala and Insua then going on the hunt for a striker, defensive midfielder, left back and winger.

Then you have a pool of quality from the reserves and u18s to pick from if need be. Suso, Ince, Ngoo and Silva but to name a few.

And let them train at the same spot as the senior team FFS!

Very good Crouchy. Get the CV in

Very good Crouchy. Get the CV in

And be harassed on forums by you lot day in/day out? No thank you

If I were Manager....

Today?



































I'd resign.

I'd hold a press conference in which I would tell "that group of people" that "these are hawd times and even though they might think they awe all top class managews on some computew management game, that does not measuwe up to 35 yeaws of management expewience in the toughest of scandanavian leagues, holding official Uefa wan coaching couwses and neawly winning a major Euwopean twophy.

"And quite fwankly I think that gwoup of people have faw too high expectations, just because in the past they have fed at the vewy highest table of success, I think they might have to get used to a few leanew years undew my stewawdship, but I hope they come to like my pwagmatic appwoach as we aim to finish in the top half of the table."
 
And with that I would swoop down from my perch, catch a dead mouse and fly off home for tea!

If I was manager... There would be a lot of changes made to our current squad!
This is me starting as manager in the summer:

OUT:
Degen          £1m                   Loans Out:
Skrtel           £5m                   Spearing
Konchesky    £2m                    Pacheco
El Zhar        Release                Eccleston
Poulsen         £2m                    Ayala
Aqualani        £12m
Jovanovic      £3m
Babel            £7m
TOTAL          £30MILLION

IN
A.Young       £12m                                                                        Reina
Suarez         £15m                                                 Johnson    Verthongen   Agger    Taiwo             
Turan          £10m                                                     
Taiwo          £8m                                                                 Mereiles   Gerrard
Defour         £10m                                                     Turan           Suarez         Young
Verthongen  £8m
TOTAL        £63MILLION
                                                                                                 Torres

I'm not sure about the centre back Verthongen but I have heard very good things about him and hes only 23. He is alos very good in FM 11

Turan and Young are both proven quality I think, even if Turan has not played in a top league and they would offer us width that we have seriously been missing.

Suarez can play up top or drop pffthe front man if an extra man nearer the midfield is needed. He is young and would chip in with 15-20 goals.

Steven Defour is a top quality midfielder who I have seen before and who I think will be top quality and again is very young so may need time to develop.

We would make a loss of around £30million in transfers but that is grand. The new owners know we need to strengthen and if we can bring in money for players like i have guesstimated above, then it is not too unrealistic.

And with that I would swoop down from my perch, catch a dead mouse and fly off home for tea!

 

1) I'd rid the squad of deadwood.
2) I'd realize I was deadwood.
3) I'd get turkey-neck removal surgery.
4) I'd sell: Kuyt, and Konchesky.
5) I'd pay any team to take Poulsen.
6) I'd use the fund from the two sales plus whatever NESV is giving to buy a proper left back and Ashley Young.
7) If there was money left, I'd buy a young striker with bags of potential (i.e. Lukaku).
I'd move Kelly in as our starting Right Back, and push Glen up to Right Wing.
9) I'd play this (assuming all players are healthy):

                                                  Reina

Kelly                      Skrtel                         Agger                                Left Back

Johnson                    Meireles                     Lucas             Aurelio/Maxi (if no Young)

                                                Gerrard

                                                Torres

Push higher up the field, buy a decent left back and striker... maybe play a 4231 formation and tell the lads to rememebr who they play for and attack and go for it.

 With this current bunch of players, assuming we can get Gerrard fit, I'd drop Kuyt and play Stevie wide right. I'd play Babel up top with Torres and pretty much go for it. If come January we were only allowed to spend small and buy perhaps one player, I'd have a look at Piccione from West Ham for the best part of feck all. The striker situation (assuming Babel doesn't suddenly come good) is marginally more pressing than the left back/centre half one.   

With this current bunch of players, assuming we can get Gerrard fit, I'd drop Kuyt and play Stevie wide right. I'd play Babel up top with Torres and pretty much go for it. If come January we were only allowed to spend small and buy perhaps one player, I'd have a look at Piccione from West Ham for the best part of feck all. The striker situation (assuming Babel doesn't suddenly come good) is marginally more pressing than the left back/centre half one.   

Nope, we still need a half decent left-back in case Aurelio breaks and Konchesky still isn't and will never be any good.

By the way why no mention of N'Gog who is our top goalscorer at the moment?

With this current bunch of players, assuming we can get Gerrard fit, I'd drop Kuyt and play Stevie wide right. I'd play Babel up top with Torres and pretty much go for it. If come January we were only allowed to spend small and buy perhaps one player, I'd have a look at Piccione from West Ham for the best part of feck all. The striker situation (assuming Babel doesn't suddenly come good) is marginally more pressing than the left back/centre half one.   

Piccione is not good enough. Jesus we should sign Carlton Cole so.

This is not about disagreements about posters views on players. Dont turn it into that. Glynn

If I was manager, first sort out the back-room staff, have to build for the future yet, I'd bring back Thommo as assistant manager and have Kenny with a more hands on role within the club, possibly assistant manager with Thommo. Handfirst team coaching and training over to Sammy Lee. The players have said that he is a great coach, I reckon he would be better suited in that role.

In terms of players, Konchesky and Poulsen just have to go don't they. I'd remind players such as Cole, Babel and Torres just who they play for, what the club is about and the fans and tell them to pull their socks up fairly lively. Give them the kick up the ass they deserve.

The young players that are performing well showed be rewarded, not ignored as they currently are, let them train with the first team occasionly. Make them work and reward accordingly.

Signings, I would go for a left back and a winger/striker. Hazard or Suarez would be very nice.

Get playing proper football, on the floor, pass and move. none of this long ball sh*t. its awful to watch and is ineffectual. Its outdated by 20 years, 4-4-2 was last seen winning titles back in the early 00's, its dead, the many variations of 4-5-1 are they weay forward and have been for the last 5 years.

I would break the bank to sign a genuine top quality creative second striker (Tevez would be ideal if he wasn't such a grabbing kunt). Someone who can play with his back to goal and play the subtle pass through for Torres. Our clubs success has been built on such players (Stjohn/Keegan/Dalglish/Beardsley) if we have any money left over I would buy a fast tricky winger that can actually run with the ball and beat a player.

I'd fall on my sword.

Sadly, I'd probably miss because I put it too far back...

I'd play 4-3-3

                Reina

Johnson Agger Carra Aurelio

               Lucas

         Raul        Stevie

Kuyt         Torres      Maxi

I'd fall on my sword.

Sadly, I'd probably miss because I put it too far back...

Despite myself it made me chuckle that.

I'd Play:

              Reina                      Subs: Jones
Johnson Carra Agger Aurelio               Skrtel
            Raul Lucas                          Kelly
      Kuyt Gerrard Maxi                      Spearing
             Nando                              Shelvey
                                                   Pacheco
                                                   Ngog

I'd play that formation for the fact I liked the way we played with that under Rafa, obviously with either Xabi or Masch instead of Raul. It's the team I would play with the current players. Would be much different if I had my transfer wishlist Transfers, If I had a good budget I would bring in - Ashley Young, Gareth Bale, Luis Suarez, Arda Turan, and Jan Vertonghen. Out the door - Babel, Aquilani, Konchesky, Poulsen, Jova, Degen. Job done la.

I would sign Luis Suarez for 15-20 millions (worth every penny).

I would play
                                                    Reina

                                            Skrtel Carra Agger

                                Johnson                           Konchescy

                                           Raul   Gerrard   Maxi

                                                Nando    cole

What do you reckon?

I wouldn't even have Konchesky on my bench.

As for Joe Cole.  Obvious to see the reason Chelsea let him go.

I'd swap him back for Benayoun in a heartbeat.

yes i agree cole hasnt proved what he is about this year but i think if we give him time he can prove us wrong, after all he is one of the most natural footballer i have ever seen and i would definitely buy a new left back as Konchesky plainy isnt good enough for us, but for now he will have to do.

Konchesky plainy isnt good enough for us, but for now he will have to do.

He doesn't 'have to do'. 

Better players in the reserves, better players on the bench, better players on loan.

I'd have Aurelio, Wilson, Agger, Kelly or Insua there before Konchesky. 

good shout, would you buy a new left back in jan or just make do with what we have?

If I was manager i.e Roy, I'd have he balls to admit the job is too big for me and walk away with my head held high knowing I'd gave it my best shot and failed before dragging a world reknowned sporting institution to its knee's and doing damage that will take years to put right.

But thats just me.

Roy on the other hand, won't resign, he's in it for the pay off now, which from my understanding will be most likely sooner rather than later, John Henry is not a happy man with our manager over many different things, but its teh results between now & January that will ultimately force John Henry's hand to stick or twist.

Well then Daz. How would you rectify it. What would you see us do and sign.

Well then Daz. How would you rectify it. What would you see us do and sign.

Me personally I'd F**k Roy out along with Poulsen and Konchesky,bring in King Kenny, I'd recall Aquilani and Insua, then I'd go on a little shopping spree and come back with Banega, Hazard, Turan and Mata during the January window and then adress the manager issue in the summer by bringing Rafa back and giving him the funds to make us competative, but I'm just a romantic.

Thought Banega has drifted in and out of games sometimes lately. Would take Young over Turan, but would be happy with any really. Especially at the expense of Roy's poor signings.

Me personally I'd F**k Roy out along with Poulsen and Konchesky,bring in King Kenny, I'd recall Aquilani and Insua, then I'd go on a little shopping spree and come back with Banega, Hazard, Turan and Mata during the January window and then adress the manager issue in the summer by bringing Rafa back and giving him the funds to make us competative, but I'm just a romantic.

You're a dreamer, man, but you're not the only one!!

I'll revert back to the old 4-2-3-1 which really made us looked very dangerous 2 season before. Then I will sell some of the moaners and deadwoods (Babel, Poultry, Konchesky). I'll find some pacey wingers to adapt to a more faster, flexible tactic i'll be using.

                                         Reina
   
 Johnson/Kelly      Carra/Agger       Sotis/Skrtel          Honda/Lahm/Taiwo (both Honda and Lahm are adventurous and like pushing forward)

                    Lucas/Aquilani    Gerrard/Meireles (any combination of both-or bring back Alonso)

Kuyt/Turan                Cole/some support striker that is good in aerial and passing        Honda/Young

                                    Torres

Support striker:
1.Llorente
2.Suarez
3.Higuain

Regarding Cole, I'd like to see us not play him on the left and see how he does.

Even the right side where he can have Johnson help him going forward will be better than the left. Don't think he'll get a run in the centre unless Roy has the balls to leave Gerrard out or drop an in form Lucas/Meireles.

Taking on board that Hodgson is convinced no-one could get better out of what he has - With what I have at my disposal right now (fitness permitting). ...

* I'd drop Konchesky, bring back Insua and eventually rotate him with Aurelio.

* I'd bring back Ayala and eventually play him (in rotation) with Kelly, Wilson, Sotis, Skrtel or Carragher alongside Agger as first choice.

* I'd play a flexible, attack-minded 4 3 3 with Raul, Stevie and Lucas as my first choice 'three' in midfield with Shelvey and Spearing as support.

* My first choice 'front' three would be Torres, Cole and Pacheco - with Kuyt, Jovanovic, Maxi, Ngog and Eccleston all used in rotation and support.

My starting XI would therefore read:
 
Reina

Johnson
Agger
Sotis
Aurelio

Lucas
Gerrard
Meireles

Pacheco
Torres
Cole

My bench: Jones, Kelly, Wilson, Shelvey, Maxi, Kuyt and Ngog.

Come January is a whole new post. ...

God if i were manager?

I would do the exact opposite to what Roy is doing!

* I'd play a flexible, attack-minded 4 4 3

Now that's just cheating....

Personally I'd be playing a 3-5-2, perm any three centre backs, depending on who is fit, from Carragher, Agger, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos, Kelly and in emergencies Wilson.

Employ Johnson & Aurelio as wing-backs. Gerrard, Miereles & Lucas would be my midfield three.  Torres would lead the attack, his partner would be dependent on who we were playing, put take your pick from Kuyt, Ngog & Babel.

Now that's just cheating....

Oops   

Shorterm, come January I would try and get shot of Poulsen & Konchesky and try and get a decentg striker in, someone like Darren Bent.

For the majority of games (due to lack of quality wide players) I would change to a more 4-3-3 and encourage two attacking full backs Johnson and Aurellio to get forward more regardless if we are home or away. Lucas and Meireles are more than capable of filling in allowing this to happen. Hopefully Agger would be fit and would replace Skrtel and same with Carra when he's fit again.

                Pepe

Johnson  Carra Agger Aurellio

     Lucas       Meireles
           Gerrard

Pacheco  Torres   Maxi

In the summer, would look to buy a top left back and two top quality wide men.

If i were Roy....i'd go take a sh*t in the middle of Goodison so as i was'nt available for the next game, and when the copper came to arrest me i'd do my famous face rub with a handful of sh*t, then say hows that for a surprize shitface        Ken Dodd style.

  HODGESON out NOW!!!

Attack Attack Attack

Go for it Woy go out in a blaze of glory

otherwise your fu**ed

I'd have Sammy Lee apply the duct tape to my mouth before and  after matches.

Have him also tighten the cords on my straightjacket before standing in the technical area.

Out:  Kuyt - 7 mil, Babel - 7 mil, Jova - 3 mil, Konch - 3 mil, Poulsen - 2 mil, Skrtel - 5mil,
  * In the summer:  Aqualani (not by choice) - 12 mil, Degen - 1 mil, Darby - 1mil
Total:  41 Mil

In:  Santon - 8 mil, Marcel Jansen - 7 mil, A Young - 15 mil, Eden Hazard - 20 mil, Lisandro Lopez - 20 mil, Javi Martinez - 15 mil  * Recall Ayala
Total:  85 Mil

Total Investment:  44 mil

I'd try to do as much of this in the January window as possible for a few reasons:

1.  It would instill confidence in our senior stars (Torres, Gerrard, Reina, etc) that NESV will invest the money required to take us back to the top
2.  It would give the new lads a chance to gel with the team this season
3.  It would give some of the younger lads like Shelvey, Pacheco, and Kelly an opportunity to stake a claim for a 1st team spot

Doing this would basically be conceding that we will not make the top 4 this year.  However, it would make a statement that we are building a team to challenge for everything next year!

Most importantly, I'd get rid of Roy, and bring in someone like Hiddink.  I realize he is probably not available, but we need a manager who will set us up to try to win every game we play!

I'd play with a 4-3-3 formation and have us apply pressure high up the pitch as opposed to having us sit deep and play defensive.  I'd have Lucas hold his position right in front of the back line, while Gerrard and Raul play as box-to-box midfielders.  However, I would tell them that only one of them should get forward and join the attack at any given time, so they would need to be aware of where the other one is on the field.  The width would come from the wingers, but would be aided by attacking fullbacks.  In essence, we would be set up very similarly to the way Barca are set up with two ball playing center backs, two attacking fullbacks, a holding midfielder, two creative passing midfielders, two flying wingers, and a finishing center forward. 

               Reina
Johno   Kelly  Agger  Santon
              Lucas
      Gerrard     Meireles
Hazard     Torres     Young

The rest of the squad:  Carra, Sotis, Wilson, Ayala, Jansen, Aurelio, Martinez, Shelvey, Cole, Maxi, Lisandro, Pacheco

Depth Chart:
GK:  Reina, Jones, Hansen
RB:  Johno, Santon, Kelly
CB:  Carra, Agger, Sotis, Kelly, Wilson, Ayala
LB:  Aurelio, Santon, Jansen
CM:  Javi Martinez, Gerrard, Meireles, Lucas, Shelvey, Spearo
RM:  Gerrard, Maxi, Hazard, Meireles
LM:  Young, Hazard, Maxi, Aurelio
CAM:  Cole, Gerrard, Hazard, Pacheco
RW:  Young, Hazard, Lisandro, Pacheco
LW:  Young, Hazard, Lisandro, Pacheco
ST:  Torres, Ngog, Lisandro

Roy on the other hand, won't resign, he's in it for the pay off now, which from my understanding will be most likely sooner rather than later, John Henry is not a happy man with our manager over many different things, but its teh results between now & January that will ultimately force John Henry's hand to stick or twist.

You've given me some hope with that Red.  I'm guessing it's something to do with his reluctance to change basically.  Tactics, advice about the opposition and maybe some of his methods.  Am I getting warm?  

Still favour the 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-4-1.  Try Gerrard as the attacking right forward and Cole in the middle.