Morning all. Still think we should run with BPF. If we're looking at youth to develop the team for the future, why should we exclude the 'keeper position from this admirable intent? I remember posting 'keeper stats here a few weeks ago. I remember when we extrapolated their results out, we'd have got 89 points with BPF, and only 74 with Casilla. That's a huge difference. It's not a nuance. Put in percentage terms, BPF would have got us 20% more points. Just let that sink in. This was the lad we rejected. How would you feel in his position? As OLOF said, BPF's distribution was more than acceptable. His decision-making was questionable at times, but not as clown-like as some of Casilla's decision-making. One wouldn't leave his line, the other wouldn't stay on it. Now who would be the easiest of the two to modify their behaviour, the hungry young 'keeper that is keen to learn, or the old hand that thinks he knows best? As a final note, I'd love to see the question(s) framed at BPF, and his exact answers. Not suggesting that journalists can twist things to get a story. No need to suggest it, as we all already know that they do!
I believe that obsession also extends to Elland's partner of choice, he wont look at anyone unless they are in their 80's or 90's
Doesnt matter who rejected him WJ, the fact Bielsa did was the one that counted. On many occasions its been pointed out Bielsa can do no wrong, so did he get the dropping of BPF wrong do you think
Yes. But tbf, on paper, past performances, video, Orta & scout input, he was prolly right. I can't believe Casilla has ever been this consistently bad, but he is now toxic to our squad. The defence would prolly be more confident with Rachubka behind them.
Never been a big BPF fan as I keep going back to how he was to be dumped if he failed in a loan away from the club. He did fail and the club who originally did a pre contract to buy him refused and sent him back early. He came back at a time when Felix had blown up and lucky boy boy BPF got a chance. You will also remember that Tom Pearce also got a chance at the same time and he may be gone for good soon. Bielsa wanted a more experienced keeper so got Kiko who ultimately failed. Yes offer him a new contract and coach him to be a more consistent keeper but for me he will be a No2 unless Bielsa says he will be better this time. Teams who have won promotion over the last few seasons: show me a keeper worse than BPF or show me a keeper who is exactly the same quality as BPF
Good points. Also, big difference in putting a 22 year old in goals and giving 22 year olds run outs with the seniors. Outfield players can be moved around, substituted or brought on as subs. Mistake or two usually not critical. A kid starting in goals, will usually spend the full game there and any mistake will naturally be highlighted. Probably why coaches dont want kids in goals unless they have no one else, Just like Bielsa last season
Show me one of these keepers who were as exposed as ours are with Bielsaball. Do not compare our keepers with others who have a nice comfortable, stable arrangement in front of them.
But would they have been as good if they waited until they were much older to debut? Chicken & the egg situation. It's like driving - pass your test & then learn to drive. Equally, be good enough to get your chance in the first team, then learn how to do it properly.
Doc. No club has had an option to buy bpf, he went on a few trials and one loan to try and get experience. Some people keep bringing this up and quoting Oldham York etc (without knowing the true facts as to why things didn’t happen). But it has no relevance as it’s history and he was a kid. People at the club who understand goalkeeping have always rated him. Bielsa’s criticism was he didn’t deliver on match days what he did in training. For me the issues with him are experience... some decision making and some likely nerves related mistakes. I’m fine with him asking the club to put up or shut up. I don’t see it as making demands. He has a year left on a kids deal. Offer him a contract show some confidence in him or let him move on. Whether he was wise to go public on the contracts? Probably not but his agents may have some clubs lined up and just want the club to piss or get off the pot.
Spot on WJ. It’s tough playing behind a side who high press. Just ask Kiko the clown. Not that he’d understand a word you say. ... probably even if you said it in Spanish
