In the early season, i was torn between whether Maresca was doing a good job, or if Poch's influence was still in action. It's plain to see now that it was the latter. Now we're playing pure Maresca ball. All of the life and spirit of a young team has been drained out of them. He cannot organise a defense, and doesn't seem to care. A defence should never change, personel or system unless it is forced, by injury or suspension. When Cucerella inverted into midfield, it worked very well. but further forward means when we inevitably lose the ball, he's too far away from his own position. Maresca is an arrogant stupid manager, incapable of seeing the problems his "system" causes. And it's so obvious the players no longer buy into his plans. they are simply robots carrying out their instructions, scared to deviate from the plan. He cannot accept that the players he has, and will be given to him, are more suited to a different system. Gusto should be giving the width on the right, creating space for Palmer, not inverting, he's a shadow of the exiting young player he was. Maresca like Pep, stifles talent for system, Arteta eventually learnt that you have to let the talent express itself, all be it in a controlled way. I hate lego hair, but concede he's far superior to Maresca.
I do wonder if the biggest problem, was the fall out between Boehly and Clearlake. From Boehly's interests in America, it's plain to see he REALLY wants a winning team. Yes he made early blunders, through lack of knowledge of the game, but things did improve. Then the fall out, with clearlakes taking over the reins. Now a winning team is no longer necessary, as to them the bottom line is all that matters.
When the club was let's face it, illegally forced into the sale, i thought Boehly was the better choice out of all the contenders, not knowing who clearlake were. It's a shame Boehly didn't buy the majority share, as i feel things would be a lot rosier if he had. Their intention is to turn us into a trader of young talent, not realising that the talent will not come here without a winning team to aspire to. They think they can turbo charge Brightons system of recruitment and player turnover, but they are woefully short of Bloom's accuteness.