Leighton Baines

[Jebus_lives]

Well that's a massive problem then isn't it? We should be able to keep possession and build or counter. Koeman has us so far back with a lot of players behind the ball that we dont get the breathing space to carry the ball out that far and find players in space to construct moves.

These players were taught to be able to retain the ball and move it around. I suggest he starts using that ability before the dozy gets forget the skills they were learned and we become even more of a team needing to launch it long again.

He's probably thinking he needs to teach them how to defend properly. Build from the back and all that. If we've got incredible talent going forward and moyes snides at the back then the attention should be on the defence and the talent will shine regardless (that's what talent does).

 

[Tel001]

Well that's a massive problem then isn't it? We should be able to keep possession and build or counter. Koeman has us so far back with a lot of players behind the ball that we dont get the breathing space to carry the ball out that far and find players in space to construct moves.

These players were taught to be able to retain the ball and move it around. I suggest he starts using that ability before the dozy gets forget the skills they were learned and we become even more of a team needing to launch it long again.

You play the system that suites your players... if he tried to teach players like jags and Williams to play like bekenbaur then you would have basically the same as what bobby was trying ... and look what happened there

 

[Tel001]

You might want to read back what I wrote and maybe reply to @davek instead.

I was agreeing with you mate ... just pointing out a reason for it because will all know someone that is bound to try and pick whatever is said to pieces

 

[davek]

He's probably thinking he needs to teach them how to defend properly. Build from the back and all that. If we've got incredible talent going forward and moyes snides at the back then the attention should be on the defence and the talent will shine regardless (that's what talent does).

I think that's exactly what's happening. The last few games have seen that slip though and we need another string to our bow. We need to get on the front foot. However, I firmly believe we dont have the pace at the back to allow for anything more than a game where we sit deep and Bolaisie becomes our out ball ad nauseum. It's predictable and the opposition are onto it.

 

[Jebus_lives]

I think that's exactly what's happening. The last few games have seen that slip though and we need another string to our bow. We need to get on the front foot. However, I firmly believe we dont have the pace at the back to allow for anything more than a game where we sit deep and Bolaisie becomes our out ball ad nauseum. It's predictable and the opposition are onto it.

We were one trick under Martinez. Everyone knew how to play us. Koeman obviously wants to set a foundation to build on. Nothing wrong in my eyes setting out a plan to win games rather than style over substance.

 

[davek]

We were one trick under Martinez. Everyone knew how to play us. Koeman obviously wants to set a foundation to build on. Nothing wrong in my eyes setting out a plan to win games rather than style over substance.

That's simply untrue. We could play either possession based and colonise the opposition half for large parts of the game, or we could counter from deep.

 

[Jebus_lives]

That's simply untrue. We could play either possession based and colonise the opposition half for large parts of the game, or we could counter from deep.

Actually you're right. We could keep possession for ages then concede on the counter or counter to nothing then concede on a counter counter.

 

[Mountfield1985]

That's simply untrue. We could play either possession based and colonise the opposition half for large parts of the game, or we could counter from deep.

We could, but very rarely to any great effect.

 

[davek]

We could, but very rarely to any great effect.

21 wins in the first season by adopting each of those gameplans for just the right opponent. Even in the last two seasons we had good spells when we put teams on the rack. The first half of last season we stretched teams and scored a lot from a very efficient counter attacking game.

Of course, it wasn't good enough in the end all told. But let's not throw the baby out with the bath water. And theres a lesson from it all: this team of players CAN get on the ball and and they can give a manager options in terms of tactical approach to different opposition...something I dont think Koeman is recognising atm...or chooses not to in order to be ultra defensive.

 

[Mountfield1985]

21 wins in the first season by adopting each of those gameplans for just the right opponent. Even in the last two seasons we had good spells when we put teams on the rack. The first half of last season we stretched teams and scored a lot from a very efficient counter attacking game.

Of course, it wasn't good enough in the end all told. But let's not throw the baby out with the bath water. And theres a lesson from it all: this team of players CAN get on the ball and and they can give a manager options in terms of tactical approach to different opposition...something I dont think Koeman is recognising atm...or chooses not to in order to be ultra defensive.

I don't think that's fair. Picked Sunderland and West Brom off whilst dominating possession.

We've mixed our formation up several times, and changed things mid game. Yes we have shown a much more pragmatic approach this season, but after last year, I don't think anyone in their right mind wouldn't say that was 100% necessary to at least begin with this season.

Just because he isn't prepared to play gung-ho suicide soccer like Martinez, doesn't mean he's not tactically flexible.

 

[Nil Satis Niasse Optimum]

THE NAWTIEST LEFT BACK IN THE LAND IS BACK!

 

[joger]

Any words on why baines wasn't involved today?

 

[davek]

Any words on why baines wasn't involved today?

Not injured so he must have been dropped.

 

[ToffeeTim]

Is he fit next week?

 

[MACCA75]

Not injured so he must have been dropped.

Nice try.