Things do seem to be fucked. The system is not working, and hasn’t done for most of 2025. The players bought don’t suit “The System”. Either our signings were complete and utter fuck ups, or they were bought with a mind for a future change in approach. I really hope it is the latter. If that is the case, it will be the post-Mo era of the club.
Unless we do change things to whatever the future plan is, then we risk it all. If we are to be a half way house this season it will have detrimental impacts on everyone we bought over the summer. A season being overly scrutinised, the additional pressure and also the atmosphere around the place.
The world and their dog can see we have no patterns of play, no discernible style and no structure. A chunk of that is because we have two forwards who do the same thing from opposite flanks, one of which has lost the battle to Father Time. Both like to get the ball, ignore the central focus and shoot.
I think we need to look at what is next season’s plan and start to embed it now. Whether that is a 4-4-2, fluid 4-4-1-1 or even a diamond then give it a go.
I would be tempted to go for the 4-4-1-1 option. We seem to have Kerkez underlapping, which Bradley does too. To me that means we could try Frimpong RW and be the chalk on his boots kind of player. Not sure on the left right now, but that’s how I’d use Ngumoha when he’s ready. Centrally have Szoboszlai and Gravenberch with Wirtz as the 10. Isak and Ekitike for the 9. Bradley and Frimpong could interchange, same for LW and CF and CMs brining Wirtz back with Szoboszlai going beyond him.
If we need to mix it up and change, we’d have options on the bench with Gakpo, Mac, Jones, Salah, etc.
Something needs to change and soon.
