Decided to watch KU football have a shit game instead of watching SKC have a shit game. Going forward will be much more likely to just watch some other game unless/until something major changes with SKC. Don't really care to watch the same shit different day.
Watched the Nebraska v Colorado game and then the SKC highlight. Another 2 points thrown away. Wash, Rinse, repeat.
Went to the US v Canada game, also poorly attended, but due to jet lag from our trip to China we fell asleep.
Thinking about Pulido's goal, which was a class goal and the sort of thing we expect out of him, but that he has not delivered in 2024, what happens when he goes on a mini-roll, scores another 3 to 5 in the last six games? If this gave him some confidence, we know what he can produce. He could well finish with 8 to 10 goals, though not providing that sort of value, the numbers would be almost there. Which would be all the justification Vermes would need to ignore what was a problem this year, claim that Pulido was a bit, not much, off his peak, but etc, etc. Here's the thing: Pulido is quite capable of ripping the last 6 games to shreds, scoring in every one, maybe twice at times. But he will still have been an anchor in 2024. I fully admit, i bought into Pulido in the last half of 2023. he was excellent, and he drove us forward. In 2024, even if she scores 10 in the next six weeks, he's been a big part of our problem. I'm not sure the same false hope exists for Salloi. It might for Russell. My point, whatever is to come in these six games, SKC needs to build a better side in 2025. Cutting loose from all 3 seems like the best move, though it won't and probably can't, happen.
Here's the other thing for that though, is will he be that high? Agada is available this week after his suspension, does PV drop him to midfield (especially with Davis out the next 2 games cause other issues with the midfield)?
I dunno. I think Vermes has a lot invested in Pulido not completely washing out. His guy. His re-sign. I actually don't think he gets more than 7, but we know if he actually works, he can. It would just be kind of a slap in the face to us if he turned it on now, when the season is over. I guess I'd accept a hat trick in the USOC final
Pulido 2024 is summarized by the below from FBREF, which is a comparison to other forwards. He's in the 6th percentile for non penalty xG. 7th percentile for shots. That is terrible. Worse that the 2024 eye test, which says he is terrible. He's apparently good at passing. So if you want your 9 to be a good passer, he's your man. Yet another PV 4D chess move and similar to the 4D chess PV plays with CBs, who are also great passers but are bad at that whole defense and tackling thing. Pulido is a lost cause. Style of play is not what this team needs. We can all hope he pulls his head out of his arse and starts earing a fraction of his salary, but the odds of that happening without a major change in his approach to the game are next to none.
That was my point. He's been a disaster this year, and getting hot now isn't redeeming his season, but probably is giving Vermes reasons to stick with him next year (because buying him out is a fortune)
We do know that the goal he scored this weekend is the kind of top drawer thing he has done in the rest of his career. Just saying, way too little and way too late, if it happens.