Claudius wrote:
Sometimes I think we get too hung up on formation. The most important thing is the manager’s ethos. Do you like to have the ball or not? Do you like to be in the opponent’s half or not? Do you like slow build or fast build up? Do you want to press or not? Do you build up via the flanks, the centre or across? These are the things that define what the play looks like and whether it is enjoyable, not the formations. And in fact, post Benitez, many managers are constantly transitioning amongst formations in games anyway.
I want someone who will instill a sense of attacking pride more than anything. Truly make us protagonists. The most enjoyable style in Europe is still Atalanta which Gasperini achieves with castoffs and nobodies who are constantly being taken from him. But there are other managers who like to have the ball and attack like Ten Hag, Jardim etc who would recover some Arsenal pride.
Agreed entirely re formations in general - was mainly thinking along the lines of not having any budget to work with other than sell before you can buy.
That said the formation and/or roles could also impact who we'd look to sell or keep. For example if we were playing a back3 I'd keep Chambers rather than Holding, whereas for a back4 I'd possibly favour the other way. Similarly if we were to play a purely defensive or holding role in midfield then Elneny becomes an option more-so than the likes of Xhaka unless we were to revert Partey to a DLP role.
In regards to the parts in bold I don't think we have the players to meet that criteria unless we move ESR to CM.
At the end of the day I want us to be attacking, vibrant and looking to score goals even if the owners aren't fussed on winning titles or silverware.
I haven't watched any of Atalanta but I am aware they are the neutral's favourites in Serie A, much like Sarri's Napoli were and how we used to be in the EPL under AW and now it appears that Bielsa's LUFC are. I like ETH because of the Ajax system and would also like to see the likes of Overmars involved to set up our structures.
If KSE are looking at managerial options who are currently unemployed/available, then I'd consider Jardim as ticking a lot of boxes considering his track record at Monaco using youth.
