The VUSA Podcast Returns: Episode 81

After a rather long hiatus, we are back! Allen is joined by Julian (in Norway) and Robin (in the UK) and we are trying to be optimistic. We really, really are. If we’re not sounding optimistic, it’s because our expectations were built up with all the signings during the summer and winning the Europa League.

But, here we are, in 13th place in the league with only two wins, and 12 points from 10 matches—while in Europe, we are in a very competitive Champions League group and have four points from three matches. What’s gone wrong?

We assess Unai Emery’s strengths and weaknesses so far—he loves to tinker, but has he tinkered too much? Has he played some players too much and others not at all? Or some combination of the above?

In fairness, some of the problems we have in breaking down teams that want to counterattack us date well before Emery’s time. But should we try to let the other team have the ball more and counterattack ourselves? How do we maximize our strengths (quick players along the wings and up front) and minimize our weaknesses (slowness in midfield and some of the back line positions)?

With matches coming up against Valencia on Saturday and Young Boys on Tuesday, and players like Gerard and Juan Foyth out, there’s a lot to unpack here.

We give our score predictions at the end....some of us are more optimistic than others....Enjoy and ENDAVANT VILLARREAL.