weasel wrote: ↑Mon Oct 15, 2018 3:24 pm
We should have gone in for Messi and Ronaldo too but like I pointed out already several of the players listed were never going to come to us. The only reason Gayle is at WBA is because Newcastle wanted Rondon and wisely WBA wanted Gayle who they know is proven at this level but whom Newcastle see as not premiership class (not sure Rondon is personally but there you go). It suited all parties as WBA didn't have to sell Rondon and presumably he will play for them again if they get promoted. Barnes we tried to sign but short of relocating the club there doesn't seem much else we could have done. Mount, a midfielder, wanting to go to a club managed by a midfielder he has probably admired at close quarters for several years - I just can't see finances playing any part in that. Maybe a closer decision for him if he had the choice again given how Bielsa has improved players so far.
I do think that a lot of potential loan players would have not had a clue who Bielsa was or really though he could improve them. I do think that such has been Bielsa's impact so far that we would now be a much more desirable destination for loan players than we were in the summer.
We have what we have. If for example Harrison had gone to another club and all we had to judge him by was the highlights of games we would probably be saying what an amazing player and why didn't we get him. Let's judge the players at the end of the season as several players, be they for us or other teams, start well then fade whereas others start slowly and then get better as they acclimatise to playing regularly.
I think we shall have to disagree, in life money talks, same in football. Mount, Gayle, Barnes etc were not wanted at there parent clubs clearly, they were there to be loaned.
Barnes went on loan to Barnsley last season so he cant be that fussed, Mount perhaps right tbf, the Lampard factor probably his idol, Gayle wasnt wanted at Newcastle, they wanted rid ( had this told to me by Newcastle fans i know), either on loan but preferably permanently. But either way it would cost, either a substantial loan fee and a good portion of his wages or a huge price tag.
So certainly for two of them i do think money would have made a difference.
We know Harrison spoke to Pep about Bielsa, it is unfortunate that the average English 20 year old footballer isnt going to be as clued up on Bielsa as say South America or Spain.
Understand your point on Harrison, but i dont think we would lol, ive been quite kind to him for ratings but he has done ok at best.
I can just see what will happen (hopefully not) but come Xmas if we dip in form again and have the same sort of injury problems people wont be so patient and will be blaming the recruitment average loans etc.
Happy to judge at the end of the season but we may not have Bielsa for long, he isnt known for staying long, we should have provided him with better resources imo.