Gravenberch >>>>>>>>> Bellendingham
Post Match UCL wk4 Real Madrid (H) 1-0
- Thread starter dee
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So after all the painful experiments of changing the system to 4-2-3-1 to fit Wirtz at #10 the simple solution (and something I wrote about when Wirtz signed) is playing him in the front 3 while keeping our original midfield and overall balance of the team.
Now everything is simple: Gakpo and Wirtz are in a straight competition for the LW spot, which should work well because they interpret it very differently, so the manager can make adjustments based on a specific game plan or game state.
Dude, I said that too and caught flack for it.
I had Wirtz as the floaty Firmino 9 or 10 and wanted the same middle 3. He doesn’t have that physicality about him to be the middle three, especially in the prem.
As soon as we started losing he disappeared. Or total coincidence of course
Good performance. Great work ethic. 1-0 flatters them fascist hanky wavers.
Not really the time or place to get all sour and bring the energy down, and that's not what I'm trying to do. However, I would like to temper expectations. It was never really this game under the lights on a big European night against a huge name that would prove we had turned the corner. It wasn't even Aston Villa at the weekend. Nor is it City on Sunday. Our Achilles heel this season has been when teams have gone direct with quick transitions that we've looked shaky. The games after City will be the true acid test. I actually think we might actually do okay at The Etihad.
We do well when teams try to go toe to toe and play football against us. We bottle it against the low block, counter attackers, as Arne keeps telling everyone. Show a marked improvement against those sides and I'll be back on board. But last two games have been just what the doctor ordered. Keep it up. That level of commitment is the minimum. Though, I don't think they haven't been 'trying' as such during our bad run. I just think the tactics were hopeless and the players were shellshocked.
On a sidenote, maybe it's because I'm getting older, but I'm not really a fan of the treatment Trent is getting. Yeah he's a little snide and all that, but defacing his mural, calling him a rat, booing him nonstop etc is proper melt behaviour. It's Paddy Pimblett "I'm an uber Scouser. Look how Scouse I am" behaviour.
I understand giving him a bit of stick and all that to put him off his game, as Bellingham said in his post match interview actually. But I think it's going too far. Look at Michael Owen. Look at how's he treated now. That's much more damaging and sobering for Trent. Owen should be an everlasting idol. Instead, he's greeted with a smoggy air of ambivalence. A giant meh. "You weren't all that. We replaced you and you missed out." That approach, I feel, would be a more dignified and ultimately impactful way to handle it all.
Not really the time or place to get all sour and bring the energy down, and that's not what I'm trying to do. However, I would like to temper expectations. It was never really this game under the lights on a big European night against a huge name that would prove we had turned the corner. It wasn't even Aston Villa at the weekend. Nor is it City on Sunday. Our Achilles heel this season has been when teams have gone direct with quick transitions that we've looked shaky. The games after City will be the true acid test. I actually think we might actually do okay at The Etihad.
We do well when teams try to go toe to toe and play football against us. We bottle it against the low block, counter attackers, as Arne keeps telling everyone. Show a marked improvement against those sides and I'll be back on board. But last two games have been just what the doctor ordered. Keep it up. That level of commitment is the minimum. Though, I don't think they haven't been 'trying' as such during our bad run. I just think the tactics were hopeless and the players were shellshocked.
On a sidenote, maybe it's because I'm getting older, but I'm not really a fan of the treatment Trent is getting. Yeah he's a little snide and all that, but defacing his mural, calling him a rat, booing him nonstop etc is proper melt behaviour. It's Paddy Pimblett "I'm an uber Scouser. Look how Scouse I am" behaviour.
I understand giving him a bit of stick and all that to put him off his game, as Bellingham said in his post match interview actually. But I think it's going too far. Look at Michael Owen. Look at how's he treated now. That's much more damaging and sobering for Trent. Owen should be an everlasting idol. Instead, he's greeted with a smoggy air of ambivalence. A giant meh. "You weren't all that. We replaced you and you missed out." That approach, I feel, would be a more dignified and ultimately impactful way to handle it all.
The rest must have done wonders for Robbo’s body because he’s looking far fitter than last season. Thought he was finished. Very happy for him!
It's the sort of thing fans do in general when they feel a player's fucked them around by stringing the club along, all the while playing like a cunt. Tonight they showed (again), no player merits any kind of preferential treatment and that no player is bigger than the club.
Good riddance.
I know everyone played well, but sweet Lord, have you ever seen a performance like Bradley's, that was amazing to see - I honestly thought he would not be able to handle Vinnie, but he fucking pocketed him - I will NEVER listen to anyone that calls that kid average so and so or not good enough for Liverpool. I bet Madrid would love to have him right now - coz I tell you what - his star was the most shinning one in that game.
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