The frustration of getting the result against Sevilla compounded with not getting the result against Spartak Moscow and how that impacts the thinking in the squad. The shot conversion rate is a question and an issue.
Rob Gutmann hosts Sean Rogers and Neil Atkinson with the final word on the second European game.
Agree with Neil that the team is struggling to relax. I first noticed it against Burnley but I guess it was there against Sevilla as well. The comparison for me isn’t United last night though, it would be Chelsea’s second goal against Atletico – so calm, so controlled, using every last second of the match. Literally the opposite of our recent frantic play.
About the Mane substitution: just a guess, but there were reports that he was being racially abused during the match, so I wonder if that was affecting him, or if Klopp wanted to protect him? The club only complained about the abuse during the U19 game so not 100% sure if the same thing happened to Mane.
Good show guys. Like Amy and yourselves I see a rushing all the time or a full hold back- neither getting the desired results. Even with 10-man v City it was still the same rushing to level rather than holding the lines, leading to the exposure that caused the next 4 goals. It’s hard to see any change happening though because Klopp believes, probably rightly so, that this squad must play this way. And, if a leading goal or two comes, we roll teams like City do. City, I believe had the same issue last year, thus losing or drawing with so many chances too. This year, they’re more clinical and reaping the rewards. We should too, hopefully starting Sunday.
Insofar as an all out striker like Kane is concerned, I agree we’re not built for selfish (though justifiably so) strikers. Firmino’s job is to support the two boys as well as a Coutinho +/ Lallana when he’s back. Those 5 together or any 3 at any time should produce enough to win most games.
Where an all out striker is needed, play diamond with PC supplying for Sturridge (and Solanke).
Wouldn’t be surprised to see this on Sunday.
I’m not convinced that that’s what Klopp wants (the frantic play), I think he’d want better decision-making and more composure, whether it’s slowing down or speeding up the play. Clyne and Milner helped with that last season, and so I think this team will improve in that sense with more practice and more training and playing together. The weight of expectation (already with the ‘fab four’ narrative) doesn’t help right now though. It sounds like I’m making excuses for them, but like Sash says there are no experienced winners in the team so I think it’s when we adjust our expectations is when they’ll be most successful, if that makes sense.
I still think we were going for a striker in the summer, or Lemar when a striker wasn’t going to happen (or both). So it’s anyone’s guess what Klopp really had in mind for this season and our style of play.
I suppose his continuation of the system through Jan/Feb/Mar without SM/PC (late Jan but unfit till Mar), AL …. betimes showed his insistence on keeping the system until he worked out a flatter one in April/May getting hard Away results in particular. But he needed extra personnel to continue his preferred genenpressing (which is really rush rush rush quick tackle, pass, move, pass shoot etc) to allow for injuries, tiredness and Cards. He has that now, and I can’t really see him change even though we’ve one of those Away games Sunday. He’ll more likely say the system and resources are good to go.
I love using the Fab Four tag and will promote it (with songs too :) on twtr).
It brings a fearful identity to these 4 players- something we hadn’t since SAS (even SSS to a more limited extent). It gets opp players worried. It bogs up our boys. It puts Salah out there as a quality threat, not a Chelsea reject. This type of thing helps the players too as big egos score goals. Feeling of a gang with a gang name. We’ve had double and treble acts that did more when nicknamed than those trying to prove themselves on their own (you know without me saying). United will probably call their front lads Twin Towers (don’t give them that as they’re the most unoriginal thinking fan base I’ve ever seen- always copying or mimicking others) that’ll bring trepidation to their opponents and added confidence to their giant front men (MF, RL, MR even before Zlaten returns).
A Fab Four tag puts 4, not 3, 2, or 1 man to watch out for in playing against us. That’s something fearful for the minds of others – who the hell do you watch??
Then Lallana will come back- and we should promote it to the Fantastic Five!! Feck it! – why not?!? Most football games are won through what goes on between the ears- before, during and after a ball’s been kicked.
Rock on the Fab Four- at least till we get our Fantactic Five!!
Then it’ll be a case of: “??..who’re they gonna watch- him, no him, nah him and him.., feck it ! they’re bloody well everywhere …
HELP! I need somebody!
HELP! Not just anybody!!
HELP! Ya Know I need someooone….HEEELLLLPPP!!!
:-D :-D :-D !!! YNWA Amy and all, Peter :-D
OK you’ve convinced me about the Fab Four! I guess I wanted to see them have a couple of convincing wins first, so that the label doesn’t become like an albatross around their necks. But your faith that they will have absolute success is contagious, so I won’t complain about it anymore. :-)
:-) :-) :-) :-)
That’s a smile from each of the boys!! :-)
YNWA !!
@Amy and @RedsUp you make good points about the patient build up to Chelsea’s second goal and how the Reds were trying to rush it against City.
Main difference here for me is that there are no experienced winners in the team that know how to calm things down when needed. Chelsea had a poor season by their standards just after the same team had just won the EPL.
Conte’s approach to defense and getting the team to learn and adapt match to match also shone through, but having that experience and knowing how to tap into that, showed why they did not crack under pressure, especially when they played us at Anfield to a 1-1 draw.
United may be riding some false dawns here, but can’t help but admit that Maureen went and bought Matic and Lukaku one’s a winner, and the other a finished article that frees up Pogba to create that spine we so badly lack. Add to it they have a world class goal keeper transformed after one season of crappy display.
Klopp might get this team to play pretty football and some exciting games, but I wonder if they what it takes to reach the same heights these other teams are aiming.
I’m holding back judgement on United till we play them as I believe their past reputation and current ridiculous hype have them playing better than they are and the oppositions more resigned to defeat than they should be. I’m honestly not impressed with them yet like I am with Chelsea and City (though have major reservations on City). Might sound strange but along with Chelsea, I see Arsenal as the coming threat while Spurs have to do the biz at Wembly on PL to become what they’re capable of, without falling short (again).
We do too of course, but I believe we’ve more than enough fuel in the tank to start a winning run between now and Christmas. Do that, and a lot of those pundits will have their gooses cooked!!
Cheers, Peter