Oliver „No Middle Name“ Glasner

Yates in the Fjord said:
In home matches against supposedly weaker opposition, games where we are likely to have more possession and where there is a need for us to control and dominate the game, I would definitely start with Aina as the right-sided centre-back instead of Cunha. Aina is better on the ball, better at driving forward, breaking lines, and contributing to the build-up play.

With three centre-backs and two fairly deep central midfielders, I would also consider using a more attack-minded left wing-back. Could we, for example, try Hudson-Odoi in that role in games like these?

I understand what Glasner is trying to achieve with Ndoye, and in some away games it can certainly work, but in matches like the one on Saturday, we would be much better served by using Jesus. Yes, he drops deep and is not exactly the type of player Glasner ideally wants in that role, but I think this is where Glasner needs to be a bit more flexible in his thinking. With Delap up front, we already have a player who runs in behind and stretches the opposition, someone who creates uncertainty and chaos for defenders.
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Totally agree with that. I understand it was an attempt to draw them out but a part of me died inside on Saturday watching us play on the counter in the first half. Then to add insult to injury when we did actually get hold of it we'd send it up to MGW or Delap who were about 30 yards from the nearest red shirt.
 
Project Zeus said:
That Everton game was the most pathetic set-up and performance I've ever seen in this sport. It's incredible that a professional manager did it.
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Tbf pretty much every performance under Megson was similarly inept and that was at a lower level.

What I find more baffling about it is that Dyche managed Everton and set them up to be as resilient as they are, yet his Forest tactic played straight into the strength he'd set up
 
We've been on top in pretty much every game we've played so far, bar Leeds in the cup when we were well beaten. I don't really like using xG but I've seen a table that we're third in the league when it comes to xG so there are some encouraging signs. We're getting results against the sides that want to play football as well.

It's just getting the consistency. I don't surprise me that Brighton, Brentford and Leeds have started well because they're in consistent places to build. It probably shouldn't surprise that Spurs and Villa have struggled because they've turned over a lot.

We're not just adapting to a new manager, but a new system but the opening signs are good, even if some of the results haven't been.
 
DizzyBala said:
We've been on top in pretty much every game we've played so far, bar Leeds in the cup when we were well beaten. I don't really like using xG but I've seen a table that we're third in the league when it comes to xG so there are some encouraging signs. We're getting results against the sides that want to play football as well.

It's just getting the consistency. I don't surprise me that Brighton, Brentford and Leeds have started well because they're in consistent places to build. It probably shouldn't surprise that Spurs and Villa have struggled because they've turned over a lot.

We're not just adapting to a new manager, but a new system but the opening signs are good, even if some of the results haven't been.
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Maybe this one?
www.fotmob.com

Premier League xG table 2026/2027 - expected goals standings

Premier League 2026/2027 ranked by expected points (xPts). See Premier League xG table, or justice table for 2026/2027 and other seasons on FotMob.
www.fotmob.com www.fotmob.com

I'm sure I won't be alone in finding it surprising, but like you say hopefully it's a good sign.
 
StuartsLeftFoot said:
Maybe this one?
www.fotmob.com

Premier League xG table 2026/2027 - expected goals standings

Premier League 2026/2027 ranked by expected points (xPts). See Premier League xG table, or justice table for 2026/2027 and other seasons on FotMob.
www.fotmob.com www.fotmob.com

I'm sure I won't be alone in finding it surprising, but like you say hopefully it's a good sign.
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Were the Brentford xG virgins right all along?

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3 days later, still annoyed at the complete feck up we've made of this match.

Glasner saying the players felt the pressure. Lads if you are feeling pressure playing the worst team in the league up to that point, at home, who haven't scored a goat and conceded 10, that too after the Villa performance, you need to look for a different career.

Glasner stumbled on probably the perfect set up in the line up which finished the previous match. Quick and technical players like Murillo and Aina covering the wingbacks in case they get caught out and Jesus for Ndoye.

But he went back to Cunha and Ndoye for this one. Sticking with Ndoye isn't a hill you want to die on. Hope he isn't too stubborn or proud to change things when the flaws are obvious to 30k in the ground.
 
Listen 'ere young man said:
3 days later, still annoyed at the complete feck up we've made of this match.

Glasner saying the players felt the pressure. Lads if you are feeling pressure playing the worst team in the league up to that point, at home, who haven't scored a goat and conceded 10, that too after the Villa performance, you need to look for a different career.

Glasner stumbled on probably the perfect set up in the line up which finished the previous match. Quick and technical players like Murillo and Aina covering the wingbacks in case they get caught out and Jesus for Ndoye.

But he went back to Cunha and Ndoye for this one. Sticking with Ndoye isn't a hill you want to die on. Hope he isn't too stubborn or proud to change things when the flaws are obvious to 30k in the ground.
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Agree with this. To be honest as a fan I don't want the manager to come out and say the players felt the pressure, it's not a good enough excuse for the display against the bottom team at home. He made mistakes, he inexcusably is sticking with Ndoye who looks miles off the level and we have a goalscoring number 10 on the bench who gets at defenders. If we'd have been attacking and got the first goal, I think Coventry would've lost belief and we'd have gone on to win 2/3 nil. I'm still angry about it.

One thing I'll say and I'm sure I'll have people disagree but I was watching Glasner on the pitch applauding the fans post Villa and to me he didn't exactly seem enthralled about it. Did anyone else think this? I get that he is maybe a clam and composed type, but I got Aitor Karanka vibes when we'd just won to go second in the league, like great that we won, but I'm not enjoying this, kinda thing...Pereira would've been giving it the first pumps. Glasner also isn't used to the Maranakis regime like Pereira was. Just speculating as Glasner bought up the pressure thing.
 
Cureboy said:
One thing I'll say and I'm sure I'll have people disagree but I was watching Glasner on the pitch applauding the fans post Villa and to me he didn't exactly seem enthralled about it. Did anyone else think this? I get that he is maybe a clam and composed type, but I got Aitor Karanka vibes when we'd just won to go second in the league
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He was probably thinking "yeah you love me now but I'm not buying it, I've read that forum and these same twats will be screaming for me to get sacked if we don't wallop Coventry next week"
 
Cureboy said:
One thing I'll say and I'm sure I'll have people disagree but I was watching Glasner on the pitch applauding the fans post Villa and to me he didn't exactly seem enthralled about it. Did anyone else think this? I get that he is maybe a clam and composed type, but I got Aitor Karanka vibes when we'd just won to go second in the league, like great that we won, but I'm not enjoying this, kinda thing...Pereira would've been giving it the first pumps. Glasner also isn't used to the Maranakis regime like Pereira was. Just speculating as Glasner bought up the pressure thing.
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Some folk just look for problems.
 
Ewan Husami said:
He was probably thinking "yeah you love me now but I'm not buying it, I've read that forum and these same twats will be screaming for me to get sacked if we don't wallop Coventry next week"
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And he'd be right to think so, too. :LOL:

I don't mind more introverted types of coaches (and players), who don't immediately (or ever) take on the cult hero mantle. I'd say I'm more inclined to like those types. Some people are more cagey, even when celebrating. If they are good at their job, it's absolutely fine.
 
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uptight9 said:
And he'd be right to think so, too. :LOL:

I don't mind more introverted types of coaches (and players), who don't immediately (or ever) take on the cult hero mantle. I'd say I'm more inclined to like those types. Some people are more cagey, even when celebrating. If they are good at their job, it's absolutely fine.
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Yep, if he wins us a cup he can parade round wembley after the game making w**ker signs at us for all I care
 
Berkshire Red said:
Some folk just look for problems.
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Just speculating really, probably just Glasners way. It's a forum to discuss things afterall.

I remember under Aitor Karanka we beat a team at home to go second (Ipswich?) and he was proper down in the dumps post match. He was gone a few weeks later. Some managers won't appreciate the demands of Maranakis. I am sure all is rosy between our manager and EM.
 
Cureboy said:
Just speculating really, probably just Glasners way. It's a forum to discuss things afterall.

I remember under Aitor Karanka we beat a team at home to go second (Ipswich?) and he was proper down in the dumps post match. He was gone a few weeks later. Some managers won't appreciate the demands of Maranakis. I am sure all is rosy between our manager and EM.
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You could well be right, but I personally don't remember us being as high as second under Karanka, only being round and about the playoff spots.
 
justnotjase said:
You could well be right, but I personally don't remember us being as high as second under Karanka, only being round and about the playoff spots.
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I may be wrong but I thought we'd gone into the automatic promotion places after a home win. Karanka was interviewed post match and he seemed very down. So down infact the interviewer (might have bene Colin Fray) noticed it an asked him if was ok. Wish I could find it on YouTube. It was very telling that he was sacked shortly after.
 
Cureboy said:
I may be wrong but I thought we'd gone into the automatic promotion places after a home win. Karanka was interviewed post match and he seemed very down. So down infact the interviewer (might have bene Colin Fray) noticed it an asked him if was ok. Wish I could find it on YouTube. It was very telling that he was sacked shortly after.
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Aitor walked.
 
I wish people would just get a reality check. We have played four games and got 5 points. I have no problem in the way we are playing and if one of the earlier chances against Coventry had gone in we wouldn’t be talking like this. We have a very good manager and we just have to get behind him. Let’s not be a basket case and change managers… again.
 
Hawkeye1947 said:
I wish people would just get a reality check. We have played four games and got 5 points. I have no problem in the way we are playing and if one of the earlier chances against Coventry had gone in we wouldn’t be talking like this. We have a very good manager and we just have to get behind him. Let’s not be a basket case and change managers… again.
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We’ve played 5 games but I agree.
 
Berkshire Red said:
Some folk just look for problems.
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With apologies to our female members:

Some folk could fall in to a barrel of tits, and come out sucking their thumbs.

If you cannot see the positives coming from the Oliver Glasner setup already, then there's no hope for you.
 
Strummer said:
If you cannot see the positives coming from the Olive Glasner setup already, then there's no hope for you.
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Tbh I am not seeing many positives at home and personally I can't stand three centre backs, I think it's overkill. Glasner or otherwise. Against Coventry I was thinking to myself we were never gonna score, which is a concern. He should have changed things sooner, that loss was on him.

I like Glasner, comes across a decent bloke and has a good pedigree, but if he doesn't start addressing the home form pronto and stop picking Dan Ndoye then I'll start to question things. We can't rely on the occasional away win and I don't think Maranakis is going to be happy watching those performances at the City Ground.
 
Cureboy said:
Tbh I am not seeing many positives at home and personally I can't stand three centre backs, I think it's overkill. Glasner or otherwise. Against Coventry I was thinking to myself we were never gonna score, which is a concern. He should have changed things sooner, that loss was on him.

I like Glasner, comes across a decent bloke and has a good pedigree, but if he doesn't start addressing the home form pronto and stop picking Dan Ndoye then I'll start to question things. We can't rely on the occasional away win and I don't think Maranakis is going to be happy watching those performances at the City Ground.
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Ultimately the home form will make or break our season. It's been wretched for so long it's becoming a self fulfilling prophecy.

Confident Glasner will be a success but it may need further tweaks to the 11 and changes in Jan.
 
The home form is an issue going back too far and across too many managers. Crazy how we couldn't do anything away from home when we first came up, but the CG was an absolute fortress.

3 CBs doesn't have to be a defensive formation. With wingbacks pushing on and a centre back willing to step out into midfield (which we know Murillo is happy enough doing) then we can have plenty of attacking threat.

There just seems to be a lack of ideas and patterns of play, we're so slow moving the ball. The number of times McAtee was just stood on the ball, literally stood still, asking someone to give him an option on Saturday was really frustrating.

As good as Neco is I don't think he's going to work as a left sided wingback when he is so dominantly right footed. Cutting back to cross on his right means he's never panicking the defenders - the ball is just delivered onto their heads with the goal behind them. If he could hit the touchline and whip in with his left, then the ball is coming across defenders who are chasing back and facing their own goal. Much harder for them to deal with.

I'm sure OG will find solutions, and I don't think Marinakis will be anywhere near having an itchy trigger finger. He's learned at least some of that lesson last season, and the whole idea of OG is to stabilise the club under a quality manager.
 
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