Hard to tell from here. I suspect CL can't motivate, with the added possibility the players think he's a dick.
Yet the players have shown in spells that they can perform.
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First and foremost, the players really have to take a look at themselves as that is where the biggest issue lies. MM hinted at it when he took over and i think he has allowed Shabba a bye because of them. Shabba does have to carry some of the blame but my thoughts on the players cloud my judgement.
Recruitment has to be in there as well. Im not sure if i said it at the time, but i certainly thought at the start of the season that a squad of 18 was never gonna be enough. Remove your best 2/3 midfielders and it all fell apart while the defence has never been settled all season.
The biggest one for me though is the apparent terms of the deal that brought us a keeper that we could not afford to drop!
I dont know enough about the unrest being caused in the squad, but surely that is a factor!
I feel that the players as a group are split into two or more camps.
I also believe that as a group they are even more prone to go into their shells and play as individuals if they come up against a challenge on the pitch.
Add to it the fact that a lot of them are out of contract at the end of the season, I believe they aren't really committed in any real way to the club, the squad etc. They will likely all have an eye on where they will next be able to get a contract. Little to no commitment to United or the squad as a group.
When were playing decent we've shown we can grind out these 1-0 wins and look comfortable with it. Problem is when were bad we're 3, 4 sometimes 6 goals down bad.
Never say never but these playoffs look near impossible for this bunch of players.
To get through the playoffs we'll probably need 6 consistent performances on the spin. There's almost no chance of that with this set of players.
If Flood, Mohsni, Ralston and McMullan can hit a run of form for the play offs we have a chance.
Also, Gillespie has looked good in the last few games.
McDonald has an important role to play - but I think he works well being a super sub.
Mehmet has also looked decent in goals.
So, if the above players can find their mojo and produce their best performances of the season during the play offs we have a good chance - but only if they are all firing on full cylinders.
Agree there is a split - poss more than two. But its the team committment thats very much lacking. Moshni, Gillespie, ralston, Mcmullan, Durnan, King, Fraser playing well poss even Flood as a last cameo and some goals from MCD we could win some games in play offs. Ana fit Briels would be nice.
Briels will certainly make a difference, thought he looked good early season, we have had ridiculously bad luck went injuries this season