CapnBob

Cardiff have appointed Bulut who arrives with a reputation, however, they suffered their lowest finish in twenty years last season. Bulut's appointment has echoes of Slutsy at Hull & later of Arveladze at the same club. Bulut has been praised as a manager who can get results by playing effective, pragmatic football. Last season, the club had three managers during the season & Lamouchi probably did enough to earn the job, but perhaps did not get the guarantees he was seeking. Cardiff are still under an embargo due to an outstanding debt (Nantes) which means they can only sign loan players or free signings. Last season, they were the 2nd lowest scorers in the division & 8 of those were scored by loan signing Sory Kaba, their highest scorer. It was also a difficult season for young players like Ruben Colwill. Bulut will be perhaps tasked to get more out of the squad (Etete), but if Lamouchi was prepared to walk away, it does suggest a coach can only be expected to get so much out from this set of players.

Spain were edged out on penalties in the SF of the 2020 European Championships. They went on to win the Nations League beating Italy & Croatia in the final on penalties, ironically both of whom are in the same qualifying stage group in Germany along with Albania. Under new coach de la Fuentes, Spain have modified their style. The squad has undergone an overhaul. If the team can turn its possession into goals, they could go one step further this time round. Of the sixteen editions of the tournament, only 3 hosts have won & not since France in '84. The Spanish have won two of the previous four editions, they went out in the last 16 to Italy. England, France & Portugal also appeal.