Another miserable night in Europe, and the worrying thing is it no longer feels like a shock. In the Europa League we are not being put out by genuine heavyweights every week, Roma aside, yet we still look miles off it.
That is not disrespect to the sides we are facing, more a harsh reflection on how far we have fallen at this level. You can see the gap in quality and belief every time we step onto a European pitch now. The squad simply does not look built for this standard.
A Team That Looks Short All Over The Park
The only real bright moment was the goal, and even that just highlighted the problem. When we actually attacked with a bit of purpose and tempo, we looked dangerous. The rest of the time it was the usual slow, ponderous stuff, giving defenders all the time in the world to get set.
At this level you cannot get away with basic flaws all over the park. The goalkeeper's distribution was terrible, constantly putting us under pressure or wasting promising situations. The centre-halves looked all over the place at times, never fully convincing in their shape or decision-making.
Then there is the captain. No matter where he plays, his positional sense is a real issue. Too often he is caught between roles, leaving gaps and forcing others to scramble around him. You cannot build a solid unit on that sort of uncertainty.
Midfield Without Creativity, Attack Without Confidence
In midfield there is plenty of bite and tenacity, but not much else. They work hard, they put the foot in, but they offer next to nothing going forward. There is no real craft between the lines, nobody taking control of the game or demanding the ball in tight areas. It is all very functional, very safe.
Up top, it is just as frustrating. Danilo looks like a player still searching for himself, Brazilian in name only the way things are going. The movement is there in flashes, but the sharpness and decision-making are nowhere near what we need.
Then you have an £8 million striker being thrown on to rescue a point, yet he looks like he has forgotten how to score. Confidence is clearly gone, and you can feel it in the stadium every time a chance falls his way. That kind of pressure helps nobody.
Danny Rohl Facing A Huge Rebuild
Danny Rohl has his work cut out. Keeping us in contention for the league with this squad is a big enough task on its own, never mind actually going on to win it. Europe just shines an even brighter light on every weakness.
The truth is, these Europa League nights are now exposing where we really are as a club. Not good enough technically, not brave enough on the ball, and far too fragile when tested. It is going to take time, smart recruitment and some big calls to turn this around. The question is whether we can stay in the fight domestically while that rebuild is happening.
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