What killed the fun of international football? I used to salivate over a coming Holland Germany game or the like but that was a long time ago
The overcomplicated and extensive qualifying. Same for the actual competition, I no longer watch the group stage and join in at knockout.
ah, probs, too many int games. I think a lot of the national pride thing has been stripped from it as well, unless you go to the games and be in the crowd.
This, and the timing. You're just getting into the rhythm of the club programme when it's interrupted yet again by internationals, most of which aren't very attractive games anyway.
Unattractive games can't be helped, it's dependant on the draw. The problem comes with taking two weeks out of the calendar to play one tournament game and one friendly. Why not play two tournament games and save another break a month after. All about the money.
Do we think the players give much less ****s than they used to playing for their country? I personally do, and it also makes me care less I think. I dont mean during season int games, I dont really care even for the actual finals every 2 years the Euros in ENg when England beat Holland, I was so looking forward to that game I'd not be interested much to see the same two play in the WC final these days, nor any other variation of two teams really. Its all meh unless it's your own country in the latter stages It's missing something.
Completely agree that it's all about the money. What isn't, in today's game? Unattractive games are only there because of the choice of format. There could easily be preliminary rounds to weed out weaker teams and prevent them getting hammered all the time. Anyway, it's irrelevant to my point - which is that imo they're tedious, and no amount of necessity can make them attractive.
Haven't watched England for yonks,it's dull **** and to think they are supposed to be the countries best players....Pickford in goal FFS.
Allison, Gomez and Matip were a bit wasteful in possession at times but I felt that the midfield didn't really give them many options either. This is where Thiago would have been so crucial. I hope he's back soon.
Tbh, I don't see Thiago being a better option than those we do have when it comes to receiving from the keeper - it's more down to what he does with it going forward. I'm not giving Alisson stick, because he's so good, but he gives out a loose pass or two most games. I haven't watched the match again, and I'm unlikely to, but I think City pressed us higher than most teams do so the pass out is always more difficult. Gini got caught a couple of times trying to do it all himself when normally he'd play straight back to the CB. We're like all teams, City included, in that if you press you've a better chance of winning the ball quickly - it's just that most teams are afraid of getting picked off so tend to drop back when we have possession. We did well to limit them to almost nothing in the second half, but it was at the expense of our own attacking threat. I'm really not having the tiredness argument - I've never seen us too tired to move throughout a second half, even at the end of a gruelling season. Whether it was a tactic they were instructed in or a sort of collective reticence amongst the players themselves I don't know, but it was purposeful, I'm certain.
Have to take into account only had 2 in midfield compared to normal 3 so was one less option centrally to receive and be an option. I actually thought we passed the ball out well from the back. Lots of times Gini Hendo played little 1-2 passes with full backs to get out.
Just think with amount of games, it might be a tactic in the final 15, especially when drawing, to not go gung ho against rivals in order to 1, not lose the game, and 2 try reserve a bit of energy for remainder of the season. klopp and pep are massive advocates of 5 subs and made big deal so they clearly feel fatigue is gonna be an issue later in the season. Also as pep said, when you get to final 10, it’s important not to lose the game at that point against your rivals.
Not knocking Gini or Hendo, I thought they played well but were ultimately knackered in the second half and I think City did a really good job on us by blocking the passing lanes into them. City did to us what we do to every team. I think Thiago would have been a valuable asset because: a) he can play in a midfield two and understands how to use the space better b) he actively drops deep to get the ball from the CBs - it's why he gets on the ball so much c) he's one of the best if not THE best at receiving the ball when marked and evading the opposition. Point C is the most crucial point because we really struggled to keep the ball in the second half, and Thiago is world class at keeping the bal and getting it up the field.
Gini past his "use by" date? He's lost a yard I think, still good but that little bit extra he had seems to be missing
Been out best midfielder this season. Guys quality at what he does. Apart from losing the ball once v city when he was surrounded by 3, didn’t put a foot wrong. Was my motm along with Matip.
