Defence

[Kevin Mcleod]

It's a knee injury.

Thought he recovered from that, cos he was in contention for a start about a month ago and saying he's right up for getting back in the team.

[Ginger Ninja]

Thought he recovered from that, cos he was in contention for a start about a month ago and saying he's right up for getting back in the team.

Can't be fully fit yet. I think he must be close though. Will take some doing to push Konch out though imo. He's done alright.

[Kevin Mcleod]

Agreed, but need him back asap just in case konch pulls up.

[Qprtanpa1]

Now let's talk about coaching -- sorry, had to bring it up. Our defense is certainly new, and new to each other, but we continue to show no tactical concept or flow, forcing players to play as individuals versus part of a unit. Two fixes. One, bring in a defensive specialist; CR clearly doesn't have this part down, and faking that he does is ludicrous. Two, set a line for a few games, and let them know if it doesn't work they're riding the bench. For me, given all are healthy, would start Onouha and Hall in the center with Hill as a spot starter replacement, Yun on the left with Konch and Kepekewa in reserve, then rotate Perch and Harriman on the right. Would also platoon Green and Smithies; competition is fuel for upping performance.

[nasser95]

Now let's talk about coaching -- sorry, had to bring it up. Our defense is certainly new, and new to each other, but we continue to show no tactical concept or flow, forcing players to play as individuals versus part of a unit. Two fixes. One, bring in a defensive specialist; CR clearly doesn't have this part down, and faking that he does is ludicrous. Two, set a line for a few games, and let them know if it doesn't work they're riding the bench. For me, given all are healthy, would start Onouha and Hall in the center with Hill as a spot starter replacement, Yun on the left with Konch and Kepekewa in reserve, then rotate Perch and Harriman on the right. Would also platoon Green and Smithies; competition is fuel for upping performance.

Coaching doesn't gel players as much as experience. You can teach players to not let the ball bounce, or to execute a tackle well with coaching, but you can't make them work better as a unit with coaching (not as much as experience). Angella should IMO be playing matches against the smaller opponents. The real important thing is to ensure that players work together in a way only attainable through consistent experience. If I were Ramsey, It'd be Perch, Onuoha, Hall, Konch (Until Yun is fit, then until Robinson is fit). Personally think bringing hill back would be good for the continuity he brings for Onuoha. Having someone who you have played with regularly and trust will be key in his development as captain.

[Shepherds Mush]

Coaching doesn't gel players as much as experience. You can teach players to not let the ball bounce, or to execute a tackle well with coaching, but you can't make them work better as a unit with coaching (not as much as experience).

That is ABSOLUTE rubbish. I am 100% certain you will get a better understanding between players training together EVERY day against different scenarios than you will for 90 minutes on a Saturday.

The famous Arsenal back 4 is the prime example of an understanding developed through coaching and training then honed via experience.

[nasser95]

That is ABSOLUTE rubbish. I am 100% certain you will get a better understanding between players training together EVERY day against different scenarios than you will for 90 minutes on a Saturday.

The famous Arsenal back 4 is the prime example of an understanding developed through coaching and training then honed via experience.

Coaching together as a back four yes. But actual defensive coaching itself, we know is done as a back 4 at the moment at the club. Merely getting a new defensive coach eliminates the errors I stated, and while big, it is the players working together over that time which is more valid. Its not about who is the defensive coach, more about the fact that the players don't have sufficient experience with one another. We haven't had the same defence for more than 4 matches out of the 10. That lack of consistency means that the players don't work together as a back four enough during the week, during training. Will bringing in a defensive coach improve the quality of the defence? Of course. Will it eradicate the issues of miscommunication as much as consistency in the back 4? Of course not.

[Shepherds Mush]

That lack of consistency means that the players don't work together as a back four enough during the week, during training.

Not at all - you just swap players around during training sessions so that players can understand the system (and their team-mates strengths and weaknesses) so they just slot in when there are injuries/suspensions.

Takes time but it is the training and coaching that is the most important part in players gelling in and as a team.

[nasser95]

Not at all - you just swap players around during training sessions so that players can understand the system (and their team-mates strengths and weaknesses) so they just slot in when there are injuries/suspensions.

Takes time but it is the training and coaching that is the most important part in players gelling in and as a team.

Naturally training has a big effect but I guess it depends on the players. I think something about training is a lack of pressure that you get from a match.

[hal9thou]

Re the OP's preferred strategy...

The problem with Clint at CB is the entire back line has to adjust to the speed of the slowest member. That means we have sit way too deep - it's actually the kind of strategy which would pander to the most negative aspect of Ramsey's coaching, ie painful one speed build up and generally not pushing up.

Our CB issue hasn't been resolved during the entire time I've been on here and for a while prior to that. You can not expect to progress in any meaningful way if the basics aren't in situ.

[nasser95]

Re the OP's preferred strategy...

The problem with Clint at CB is the entire back line has to adjust to the speed of the slowest member. That means we have sit way too deep - it's actually the kind of strategy which would pander to the most negative aspect of Ramsey's coaching, ie painful one speed build up and generally not pushing up.

Our CB issue hasn't been resolved during the entire time I've been on here and for a while prior to that. You can not expect to progress in any meaningful way if the basics aren't in situ.

This is very true as well. You are only as fast as your slowest member. Clint wouldn't help speed up the back line but I also think that it is important to give Onuoha the best support.