2016 - 2017 Football Thread - Page 159

On February 22 2017 06:51 Rebs wrote:


The issue is that when both teams are so aggressive with players pushed so far forward all the time it leads to alot of 1v1's and defenders getting stuck on their heels backtracking against the long ball and counters. Any team at the end stage of the champions league can execute really well and quite often.

Add to that the quality of the attacking players in both teams this is like the idea game for them. I dont think its fair to be to harsh on defenders on some of the goals but at the same time if your going to play that way you had better make sure your defenders are top tier when it comes to 1v1 defending on the counter.

City's defenders are not. Kompany at his peak maybe but Stones is a positional defender who would work better in a more passive system, he is going to get wrecked by even mid level clubs on counters,(which happens frequently) its all well and good that Guardiola likes ball players but if his defenders cant defend the 1v1 its not going to get him a championship team playing this way, atleast not a consistent one.

I think he realizes this and is just hoping Stones will get baptized into being one. Maybe he will maybe he wont, but I dont see the signs as yet.

Otamendi is a lost cause in that area. He is better than Stones but still pretty average. He isnt going to get better thats for sure.

That having been said its a bit harsh for player not equipped.

Kinda the same problem Liverpool have when you play the aggressive press if your defenders cant defend the long ball well enough for cover to make it back your going to drop points.

This one 1v1 get out of jail defending is something both Barcelona and Bayern excelled at immensely against opposition weaker than them and only got punished by top level teams which is when you saw (and see ) them sometimes lose to inflated scorelines where they get into a hole and would rather just keep digging. Other teams like Atleti will choose to play it safer and try to pick their moments to go all out which is a less risky approach but also leaves you limited opportunity for a comeback. Perception wise the former is just way worse if it doesnt work but either is viable and it just comes down to philosophy and how much faith your team has in its ability to execute either game play

Either way its fun to watch for me. But more goals is always more entertaining for everyone.

On February 23 2017 04:40 cSc.Dav1oN wrote:
Call me biased but french defence does not sound solid...historicly