How's the revisionism going guys?
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Martinez new Belgium head coach
- Thread starter Azza
- Start date
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Fair to middling, but expecting a massive upwards curve following a win on Tuesday
I don't think Mirallas was a serious contender regardless of his attitude. The Naingollan one was a big call and it looks like he got that right so fair play to him.
Interesting to see the tactical switches he's made with the Belgium line-up and if it's down to him clocking somethings not working and changing it then well done. But is there still that alleged stubbornness to accept somethings not working and even ignore what's clearly happening if it doesn't conform to his idea of what's correct?
His plan of keeping De Bruyne quite shackled was strange and Carrasco was identified by many as defensively problematic out wide even pre-tournament but Martinez persisted until 2-0 down against Japan.
Was the selection and shape against Brazil a genuine long held plan or the result of a last gasp throw of the dice against Japan playing out unexpectedly well forcing his hand?
Pretty sure the plotters have blamed Roberto for AIDS at this point.
roydo
in memoriam - 1965-2024
It worked against Arsenal, once.
Yarrgh
Player Valuation: £70m
I bear no malice to Martinez and genuinely believe he did his best with us, and if it had came off it would have been beautiful. Unfortunately, there were some who were not up to the task both in terms of skill and attitude when he was here, and it all went wrong and players like Baines who I am sure did what he did with the best of intentions, comes out tainted by the whole thing. If only Martinez had a touch of the bast**d about him, he might have hoofed some of those deadbeats out or frightened them into toeing the line. Ach well... we will never know.
It's an interesting point that @davek makes about Naingollan. He just got rid. Fairly high profile, but a big message to the others in the squad about getting with the programme.
As for the Belgian side, he has the players with the requisite skills in Hazard and De Bruyne. A tough ready made set of defensive players which he doesn't have to interfere with. And a prize within grasping distance that should maintain the squad's focus. I'm intrigued to see what he does against the French. Hope he meets England in the final and then blows it mind you.
It's an interesting point that @davek makes about Naingollan. He just got rid. Fairly high profile, but a big message to the others in the squad about getting with the programme.
As for the Belgian side, he has the players with the requisite skills in Hazard and De Bruyne. A tough ready made set of defensive players which he doesn't have to interfere with. And a prize within grasping distance that should maintain the squad's focus. I'm intrigued to see what he does against the French. Hope he meets England in the final and then blows it mind you.
Once 3 years or so ago, then last week, can't see him using it again so soon, he'll save it for the final and have Lukaku scare Young to death while keeping him out of Maquires tender clutches
davek
Player Valuation: £150m
Roberto's World Cup dream will end tomorrow at the hands of the champions-elect. Nevertheless, it's been great seeing the little genius rubbing his detractors noses in it and underlining how much they got it wrong.
An absolutley stunning World Cup campaign from RM whatever happens now.
An absolutley stunning World Cup campaign from RM whatever happens now.
davek
Player Valuation: £150m
There`s always the Barcelona job, next season
I thought he'd get the Spanish job, but I suppose he'll take a top Euro club on now. No way he'll stick around Belgium after tomorrow night. That team has run its course and a SF of the WC was their limit.
deipnosophist
Player Valuation: £80m
definitely on the cards...and to think, Everton let him slip through our fingers. @davek 's made me really dislike Baines for how he orchestrated Bobby's downfall at Finch FarmThere`s always the Barcelona job, next season
roydo
in memoriam - 1965-2024
Top clubs would probably take a closer look at him rather than his "achievement" in getting one of the most talented groups of players on the planet deep into the WC. Lets face it, Southgate has done that with kids. And has an arguably similar, if not slightly better, record as a club manager.
It's coming home...to Brussels.
deipnosophist
Player Valuation: £80m
He's exceeded expectations imo; taken a team of which not a lot was expected, and got them to the semis of the World Cup. I appreciate Southgate has done similar with England, but Turnip had better players at his disposal and most people expected 'football to be coming home'.
Is Barcelona a realistic ambition for Bobby. There has always been a lot of talk about him ending up there
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