I don’t get hung about so-called “identity” or varying style with opposition since at the moment most of the teams we played were favourites to win each prem game. Great having an identity on paper but when you play good prem teams you need more.
When I watch afcb, what do I want to see from my head coach:
Did we play good passing football in contrast to a Burnley or Watford type of play?
Yes
Did the team give 100%?
Yes
Did he get the most out of his squad?
Yes
Did try to influence games during the match?
Yes
Did I enjoy spending my hard earned money watching us play?
Yes
Did he keep afcb us in the toughest league in the world?
Yes
Is he an appropriate figurehead for my team, which has been based on good values?
Yes
Was he a sexy media name that would attract international talent?
No
TBH there was enough yes answers for me. I get the strategic rationale for swapping him out, I really do, but only if you get a top proven coach to replace him. Not many of them about and AI always felt like a huge gamble vs what we already had.
Did we play good passing football in contrast to a Burnley or Watford type of play?
In spells. It was certainly better than Parker-ball. Still felt like big parts of games passed us by though.
Did the team give 100%?
Certain players, and in spells- Dom and Christie spring to mind. I've seen other players play better under different managers.
Did he get the most out of his squad?
Absolutely not. He was a work in progress but still far behind the greats like Eddie Howe for getting the most out of a squad.
Did try to influence games during the match?
At times, substitutions sometimes wrong and too late. Tactical changes worked a few times though.
Did I enjoy spending my hard earned money watching us play?
Not every game. Probably as much as the promotion season under Parker but for different reasons. We were promising in spells but made lots of things hard work. The Man City home game was the only one I've ever left early in our history.
Did he keep afcb us in the toughest league in the world?
Yes. This is still the strongest arguement for me. But doesn't really apply to a club with owners who strive for more than staying up.
Is he an appropriate figurehead for my team, which has been based on good values?
Most successful managers are. AI has great values, he's just struggling to translate them to results and performances.
Was he a sexy media name that would attract international talent?
More to do with his experience and philosophy than his name. If he makes a name for himself by continuing to grow as a coach then the international talent will come.