I don't personally think any manager would choose to go touring Australia and Thailand in pre season if he had control over such things. Nor would he have new signings poncing around back at Melwood while the rest of the squad play pre season matches if he had much of a say in it, but the manager has to do as he's told in these commercial times.
I think that's why nobody bar Man City has started particularly fluently. In their case things are slightly different, as they have by miles the best squad in the league but last season chose to not bother competing (and still came second). It appears that this has stung them into action somewhat, and as such they are blowing everyone away.
For Brendan though given our fixtures, make no mistake about it his job is on the line here. In fact probably his career as it's doubtful he would get a second chance at a big club. Given all of that and given our preparation, I think he deserves plenty of credit. He's made some hugely brave calls such as playing Lovren, starting Gomez in both matches, signing Benteke for a huge fee, starting Ibe over Firmino etc etc. Had we lost or even drawn either of our first two matches the vultures would have been circling. The way the games panned out that could have happened, but it didn't. The boss has done alright, and fair play to him for it.
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