Rousseau

I really don’t see what the issue is, here.

The latter.

I don't think we did run automatisms under Gerrard. Perhaps in the pressing triggers, but we were mainly well organised, had a very good rest defence (the much maligned three sitting DMs!!), used the FBs exceptionally well to create chances alongside the two #10s. It was still based on individuals, but we had a good underlying structure to support them. Beale knew this. I still cannot fathom how he couldn't replicate a little of those ideas.

Exactly that, yes.

"[A] data-driven directory of managers... " I need to have a quick rub down with the Radio Times...

It probably does, if it's repeatable. You do see that quite often - not just from Ange.

An automatism is 'a combination, usually a passing move, which is repeatable and requires little-to-no thought to execute'. For example, Conte's wall pass: When his teams are under pressure, the wingback will offer an easy pass, encouraging the press - because its easy to press a lone wingback - but the wingback plays a blind, round the corner pass over the top, which the forwards are attuned to, which can beat the offside trap if timed correctly. I recall Italy catching teams out with this, and that's when they had shite like Giacherrini and Pelle up front! De Zerbi is more proactive, creating passing sequences to create faux-counter attacking situations. I only really know of automatisms as passing sequences or pressing triggers / traps.

Absolutely. It almost suits 'lesser' players, so to speak, so you take the thinking out of it. We've just not had that type of manager, unfortunately. Most elite sides use automatisms now.

Just watch Brighton play out from the back. They wait for the opponent to press, then A-B-C-D. It's pre-conceived passing routines. Conte has a few automatisms, too, but in a different way.

First defeat and it'll be 'he mumbles, he cannae speak english'.

I actually have no idea. I find it strange that he's rejected those clubs. Possibly PSG, yes. He is starting to sound unreasonably picky now, though.

Who's Clemente?

He turned down Leeds, Marseille, Ajax, Barcelona and, reportedly, Man Utd. Even if all those links are nonsense, he's still not going from winning everything at River Plate to managing in Scotland.

No wonder - He was not a realistic option.

I was wondering how long it would take to get the first 'speaks well' post. Every time.

Right Phil - defeat the forces of darkness and win the league. Allons-y!

Appointment thread:

Sam Jewell? But he's not an ex-Rangers player with no appropriate skills for the position... A recruitment 'specialist' is exactly what we need in the role now, I'd say. We've had the builder (Allen) and we've had the operations specialist (Wilson). We now need someone to get the most out of the structure. I just hope he - or whoever gets the job - will be allowed the powers to do the job with complete freedom.

It doesn't matter: it was offside.

I thought it was offside.

Clement is 6'3''. I'm not messing with him...

I thought I was happy with either, but after seeing the last couple of posts suggesting Muscat is the favourite I'm feeling a little deflated, like this is the lazy choice again. Why am I like this?!

Clement rejects us for the Saudis. Muscat doesn't want to be second choice. Step on down Super Frankie Lampard!