Bruno Lage

[Bacon Sandwich]

Lage getting slated for Wolves poor form over the last 17 league games
That's exactly the same number of games since Adama last played for us.
As I posted in the WhoScored Rating thread last night, we only have two players in the top quartile of Premier League players (according to the WhoScored ratings). Those players are RAN and Traore - and we gave one of them away in January.
You can argue the toss about the manager all day but the simple fact - as many posters have pointed out - is that the players who play for Wolves are nowhere near good enough

 

[lets all have a disco]

Dalrymple went of his own accord but I was told (and several others on here have backed his up) that there wasn’t any great effort to keep him as he wasn’t particularly rated or liked within the club.

You’re right on Thelwell to an extent. My agent pal has been heavily involved in youth players at wolves going back to the Batth, Price, Ebanks Landell period and is good mates now with my contact. He felt his role had been diluted at wolves from as soon as Fosun/Mendes came in (though of course that’s pretty obvious). Whether that makes his replacement a yes man or someone who understands the very unique relationship we have with Mendes and is happy to work in that environment I suppose only one person can answer really. Personal opinion but I think Sellars falls into the same position as Thelwell was in towards the end whereby whatever happens he’ll be slated. If a player comes in and does well there will be “another Mendes player, what does Sellars do” or if a player fails (like that happens at every club) it’ll be either “Sellars is useless” or “Sellars is just Mendes puppet”.

I think what people don’t always realise is how many deals Mendes is involved in where he doesn’t represent either party. I’d love to find the link but read something about five years ago where Mendes was involved in the last 47 out of 49 players United signed under Ferguson right back to Ronaldo signing as a kid. Now I think we can all agree that Ferguson was no clown and wouldn’t have had his tummy rubbed by anyone.

It’s a common perception that Lage looks a weak character but I think that’s because he isn’t charismatic especially compared to Nuno. Though again purely from what I’ve been told expect Lage to go in the summer because the reality is (again only going from what I’ve been told and came via my agent pal and a certain squad member) is that he’s very abrasive to those above and below. I’m on the fence totally with that. We all want better football and if that comes from hiring a more attack minded manager or it’s different players I don’t know. One thing I’m sure of though, if it’s Lopetugi the way we play absolutely won’t change.

Spot on....got a family member who works for wolves and darylrmple wasn't liked at all......and was considered to do nowt ...

Total opposite of Thelwell though.....

 

[Bognor_Wolf]

The big question is - does this form carry over into next season? There will be changes made to the squad - will Fosun trust Lage to do that, or are we better off going for somebody else? Big decision.

Was just about to post this on here... Our form going into next season is a real worry and to br honest it makes me doubt if Lage is the man for us next season especially as it looks like a big rebuild job.... Maybe someone who knows more about it than me can comment but seems to have the same sort of pattern as when he was in charge of Benfica that when the results started to turn a little he couldn't turn it back around....

 

[Fifty Niner]

The big question is - does this form carry over into next season? There will be changes made to the squad - will Fosun trust Lage to do that, or are we better off going for somebody else? Big decision.

Since he took over at Wolves the performances since those opening games have been very similar to last season particularly since the new year. Many have commented that they don't see a style or shape that Bruno is trying to play albeit with a squad that is not his own. Then again, the Benfica team wasn't really his but he put a few wonder 'kids' in when he was promoted half way through the season, played attacking football and won the league at a canter, and in some style.

I think if folk could see what he was trying to do , I'm thinking Leeds and Bielsa as to how they changed to a more expansive style, then we could see where additions/improvements were needed. But we don't. Not really.

The positives are that we are better off positionally, have more points than last season, have conceded less goals (12 so far) and have also scored more goals. Well, one more goal to be precise with one game to go. But it's still a positive!. And, perhaps, they are Bruno's biggest bargaining chips.

 

[Fifty Niner]

Lage getting slated for Wolves poor form over the last 17 league games
That's exactly the same number of games since Adama last played for us.
As I posted in the WhoScored Rating thread last night, we only have two players in the top quartile of Premier League players (according to the WhoScored ratings). Those players are RAN and Traore - and we gave one of them away in January.
You can argue the toss about the manager all day but the simple fact - as many posters have pointed out - is that the players who play for Wolves are nowhere near good enough

To be fair, the first 3 games showed they could play at a higher tempo although we don't have goal scorers in the team. I think the constant negative style of play we employ drains it out of them. They are not used to playing consistent, front foot football and the defence Nuno built wasn't one that could cope with it. Bruno hasn't been able to find a 'solution' nor solve the problem of scoring goals although he tells us that 80% of training consists of attacking play and 'scoring' goals.

 

[Zico]

Managers get sacked for "losing the dressing room" all the time!

Maybe, but that's not the same as the chairman sitting down with the players after the end of the season for a consultation. Just can't seen that.

 

[Superted]

Based on his time at Benfica, he certainly doesn't seem to be able to turn things round.

While relevant, I'm not sure performance prior to sacking at a previous club is actually that accurate a barometer. By that token, no manager who has ever been sacked after a poor run of results would ever be worthy of another job.

We'll never know if he could have turned it around because he was sacked and you'll never find out if he can turn it around if you sack him at the first opportunity. I'm not saying keep him on forever but at least give him a chance to assemble his own team.

 

[Superted]

Maybe, but that's not the same as the chairman sitting down with the players after the end of the season for a consultation. Just can't seen that.

To be honest, having a discussion with the squad members, even just senior players, to review the season as a whole and get some feedback would be a very sensible thing to do. It could help to identify and resolve any potential issues before they get out of hand and avoid the need for sackings or give you the knowledge you need to make crucial decisions earlier.

It's common practice within any professional organisation. Certainly ones I've been involved with.

 

[Deleted member sbk12944]

Just wondering if we sign a few good players for next season that make the team better and Bruno is in charge, will it be because of the new players if we play well, or If we sign a few good players with a new manager will it be because of the new manager?

 

[1972 i began]

I believe that is/was the case. A new broom and all that. From what I’ve been told Lage is much more demanding of the players and more stand off ish, with no desire to be mates like Nuno was. Only trivial but I know the players and staff under Nuno had a WhatsApp group and Lage came in and had no interest being involved in it. He’s also much more involved in coaching and that’s where the abrasive bit comes in, in that he’s old school and treats them like kids and some of the more senior players haven’t liked that (which might back up the whole Johnny supposed fall out recently).

He did come out and say something about the players.Saying he finds it difficult to manage them if he becomes friends.(Friends in the sense that he doesn't wish the socialise with them.

 

[old wittonian]

Since he took over at Wolves the performances since those opening games have been very similar to last season particularly since the new year. Many have commented that they don't see a style or shape that Bruno is trying to play albeit with a squad that is not his own. Then again, the Benfica team wasn't really his but he put a few wonder 'kids' in when he was promoted half way through the season, played attacking football and won the league at a canter, and in some style.

I think if folk could see what he was trying to do , I'm thinking Leeds and Bielsa as to how they changed to a more expansive style, then we could see where additions/improvements were needed. But we don't. Not really.

The positives are that we are better off positionally, have more points than last season, have conceded less goals (12 so far) and have also scored more goals. Well, one more goal to be precise with one game to go. But it's still a positive!. And, perhaps, they are Bruno's biggest bargaining chips.

It's not all negative then.

 

[Stoichkov]

Boring.Get a life.

okay......

 

[1972 i began]

I did put a smiley come tongue in cheek emicon whatever ya call em Stoichkov.

 

[WalsallWolf]

Certainly talking at his presser like a guy who wants to be here next season.

 

[Summer_Wolf]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1527635658457722885

This looks pretty definitive to me. Ain't no way he says this stuff if he's getting the boot.

 

[geowolf]

A bit delusional imo

I reckon

Monday ..... Lage goes
Tuesday ..... Lopertegui announced
Wednesday ..... Lopertegui withdraws
Thursday ..... Nuno announced
this time next yr Champions league - happy days

 

[WalsallWolf]

I actually hope he stays because I think different manager puts us right back where we were 12 months ago. Lage like Nuno has had long enough with this squad to know changes must happen, I respect the fact he is outspoken with this too.

Judge him once he has been backed.

But, because I don't trust Fosun one bit, I would not be at all surprised to see him sacked and replaced by someone like Sérgio Conceição, Gennaro Gattuso or Rui Faria.

 

[Corporate Wolf]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1527635658457722885

This looks pretty definitive to me. Ain't no way he says this stuff if he's getting the boot.

I wouldn't necessarily agree. It's the pre-match "presser" and he will try to answer the questions he's asked and tow the party line.

I'd be very surprised if he knew that he was going.... even Nuno still towed the party line despite reportedly knowing he was going after the Everton game. Just my opinion.....

 

[Summer_Wolf]

I wouldn't necessarily agree. It's the pre-match "presser" and he will try to answer the questions he's asked and tow the party line.

I'd be very surprised if he knew that he was going.... even Nuno still towed the party line despite reportedly knowing he was going after the Everton game. Just my opinion.....

He wouldn't say stuff about 'I'm excited' etc if he was going, no way. There's towing the party line, and there's that.

 

[Bawtry Wolf]

He wouldn't say stuff about 'I'm excited' etc if he was going, no way. There's towing the party line, and there's that.

This link is the interview Lambert had with Spiers at the end of the 16/17 season. Day after he made it rumours emerged about us looking for someone else and he was gone by 30th May. There are a lot of similarities.

Paul Lambert – his final interview as Wolves boss?

Paul Lambert stated how much he loves being Wolves boss – in what looks like being his last interview as head coach.

www.expressandstar.com

 

[LosgallardosWolf]

He might not know he's for the chop, so he may be excited but ultimately disappointed

 

[Rhoswolf]

He might not know he's for the chop, so he may be excited but ultimately disappointed

Here's hoping!

 

[Golden_Wolf]

While relevant, I'm not sure performance prior to sacking at a previous club is actually that accurate a barometer. By that token, no manager who has ever been sacked after a poor run of results would ever be worthy of another job.

We'll never know if he could have turned it around because he was sacked and you'll never find out if he can turn it around if you sack him at the first opportunity. I'm not saying keep him on forever but at least give him a chance to assemble his own team.

That is quite a good point to be fair.

 

[wwbug]

Lage getting slated for Wolves poor form over the last 17 league games
That's exactly the same number of games since Adama last played for us.
As I posted in the WhoScored Rating thread last night, we only have two players in the top quartile of Premier League players (according to the WhoScored ratings). Those players are RAN and Traore - and we gave one of them away in January.
You can argue the toss about the manager all day but the simple fact - as many posters have pointed out - is that the players who play for Wolves are nowhere near good enough

Agreed . And we lost Semedo not long after.

 

[Deleted member drgr12429]

Full Bruno press release for the Liverpool game.
. Lage | On embracing the challenge at Anfield and the season overall

 

[MelbourneWolf]

What scares me is risking a shed ton of money backing a manager who has looked wide eyed and clueless on the sidelines when things go pear-shaped. Making late and dubious substitutions and then flapping his arms about in the 88th minute telling the team to push forward. Expensive exercise and not one I would risk.

 

[Deleted member drgr12429]

What scares me is risking a shed ton of money backing a manager who has looked wide eyed and clueless on the sidelines when things go pear-shaped. Making late and dubious substitutions and then flapping his arms about in the 88th minute telling the team to push forward. Expensive exercise and not one I would risk.

If you get a new manager in it's the same gamble, with more cost to change the whole backroom staff.

 

[JR’s Boots]

What worries me about Lage and his backroom staff is how unfit and clueless our players look. They seem poorly coached and unable to play with any intensity

 

[SteveBullsKnee]

Personally I think he will get the chop in the summer but I’d like him to stay. There’s just something about him I like. I know it’s a polarising opinion to others but I like his personality he has that quiet edge to him (that admittedly can come over as a tad dour). I like his interviews where he isn’t a media darling and probably says more than he should. That was one thing that in the end I couldn’t stand about Nuno (and I adored him) in that he’s a bloke full of charisma and personality but in a 5 minute interview he actually said very little, just lots of cliches and repeat bits that he always said. Always felt at some point Nuno had received some proper media training.

 

[Monketron]

He wouldn't say stuff about 'I'm excited' etc if he was going, no way. There's towing the party line, and there's that.

Plus he has a history of doing the opposite, actually calling out Shi on occasions (not by name but pretty much as good as) when it came to both of the previous transfer windows.

 

[Mugwump]

Plus he has a history of doing the opposite, actually calling out Shi on occasions (not by name but pretty much as good as) when it came to both of the previous transfer windows.

If he is going to call him out and he doesnt get backed still, where does that leave him. He has to have the balls to stand up for himself. At the moment, he says he needs players, but then does nothing about it.

 

[Wolves Heathen]

Im unsure what to do about Bruno, I have no doubt he is a decent coach but has he transfered that to being a decent manager ? and thats what Im unsure about, so far im not convinced that he has, yes he has had injuries to contend with but then most managers have those, no he hasnt really been backed with signings of the calibre that we need, and I dont really see any great change of style just a worse copy of nunoball 2020/21, and our last third of the seasons results have been really poor, I am worried that Bruno is not able to change things around so for that alone I think im slightly in the camp of we should make a change if there is someone out there thats available to take over. I dont think Bruno has been dealt a great hand and those above him should be looking in the mirror to see what there contribution is to where we are at the moment, overall our recruitment of goalscorers is pretty poor and I have no confidence that this will change anytime soon. To summarise we have a big few months ahead get it right and we will be fine, get it wrong and we will be struggling to stay in the PL and our recent results bear this out.

 

[Stoichkov]

One thing which can’t be impressing Fosun is how much our profile has dropped off under Bruno. He is literally invisible to national media. Not his fault of course and many might say who cares but Nuno gave us an identity and recognition. It’s almost like neutrals can’t remember who our manager is now - even Brighton with Graham Potter or Soton / Hassenhutl are better known! No reason to change manager in itself but Lopetegui would certainly change that.

 

[Deleted member sbk12944]

If he is going to call him out and he doesnt get backed still, where does that leave him. He has to have the balls to stand up for himself. At the moment, he says he needs players, but then does nothing about it.

What do you want him to do, buy the players himself? Why resign when you could get paid off though a managers hands are basically tied.

 

[SuperGran]

One thing which can’t be impressing Fosun is how much our profile has dropped off under Bruno. He is literally invisible to national media. Not his fault of course and many might say who cares but Nuno gave us an identity and recognition. It’s almost like neutrals can’t remember who our manager is now - even Brighton with Graham Potter or Soton / Hassenhutl are better known! No reason to change manager in itself but Lopetegui would certainly change that.

So would warnock or bruce but I wouldn’t want either

 

[JadeWolf]

One thing which can’t be impressing Fosun is how much our profile has dropped off under Bruno. He is literally invisible to national media. Not his fault of course and many might say who cares but Nuno gave us an identity and recognition. It’s almost like neutrals can’t remember who our manager is now - even Brighton with Graham Potter or Soton / Hassenhutl are better known! No reason to change manager in itself but Lopetegui would certainly change that.

I don’t mind that. Earlier this season we were going along fine getting absolutely zero credit in the media, once they started saying “don’t forget Wolves!” when talking european places, our form has skydived. Not saying that’s the direct and only reason but I do wonder if that little bit extra pressure and intensity on the squad has made it tougher.

 

[Don Corleone]

One thing which can’t be impressing Fosun is how much our profile has dropped off under Bruno. He is literally invisible to national media. Not his fault of course and many might say who cares but Nuno gave us an identity and recognition. It’s almost like neutrals can’t remember who our manager is now - even Brighton with Graham Potter or Soton / Hassenhutl are better known! No reason to change manager in itself but Lopetegui would certainly change that.

Great point, well made. If Shi and Wolves want to grow the brand then Bruno isn’t the man. Results are in decline, he is unable to motivate the players and if you were there for the players lap it couldn’t have looked more forced…
Time to change for me…It was a long time ago.

 

[Mugwump]

What do you want him to do, buy the players himself? Why resign when you could get paid off though a managers hands are basic tied.

I'd absolutely resign if I felt I couldn't do my job properly. How dumb would you have to be to stay in a job you are being set up to fail in. As I've said before, I've done that in the past. It's about having enough respect for yourself and the backbone stand up for your self and say this just isn't right if you are in that position.

I can see how person who may not be financially well off might put up with it, but I doubt Lage is struggling financially. He was unemployed for a long time before we appointed him. He wouldn't be doing that if he was strapped for cash.

 

[Deleted member sbk12944]

I'd absolutely resign if I felt I couldn't do my job properly. How dumb would you have to be to stay in a job you are being set up to fail in. As I've said before, I've done that in the past. It's about having enough respect for yourself and the backbone stand up for your self and say this just isn't right if you are in that position.

I can see how person who mY not be financially well off might put up with it, but I doubt Lage is struggling financially. He was unemployed for a long time before we appointed him. He wouldn't be doing that if he was strapped for cash.

Perhaps Nuno should have walked as well then. We would be changing managers every transfer window since 2019 if that were the case.

 

[Nige100]

Personally I think he will get the chop in the summer but I’d like him to stay. There’s just something about him I like. I know it’s a polarising opinion to others but I like his personality he has that quiet edge to him (that admittedly can come over as a tad dour). I like his interviews where he isn’t a media darling and probably says more than he should. That was one thing that in the end I couldn’t stand about Nuno (and I adored him) in that he’s a bloke full of charisma and personality but in a 5 minute interview he actually said very little, just lots of cliches and repeat bits that he always said. Always felt at some point Nuno had received some proper media training.

I agree I’d like him to stay and be able to build his own side. Like you I think he is already toast. No smoke without fire and there is to much smoke about.