Yes, I'm hoping that NA will see that 4-4-2 doesn't suit us, especially if he insists on starting with Wes.
It works well away as the opposition feel the need to attack but at home we get outnumbered in the middle and they sit back. Charlton executed their plan perfectly and many more will copy their style at C R. We need to be more fluid and patient in home games the 442 is not going to work every game that is certain. Plan C please Adams.
This thread gives the impression that Hoolahan is being deployed in an unsuited position on the left wing but he isn't. When we have the ball, which is 70% of the time these days, he is playing centrally and there is no intention for it to be a traditional 4-4-2. The problem is not that Wes is playing in a position he is unsuited for, so much as that the formation leaves us lacking in attacking width on the left and in defensive cover ahead of Olsson. Ironically we've seen improvements when Josh Murphy has comes on, when we have reverted to the traditional 4-4-2 that isn't getting a lot of love on here! Personally I would continue to allow Wes to float around behind Jerome or wherever he sees fit, and replace Grabban with Murphy to offer a natural attacking outlet on the left.
Let's not underestimate Rotherham today and play our best side, we made the mistake of dropping Jerome and Grabban and found out very soon that without them we couldn't even register a single shot. I would personally go 4 3 3 and Wes would be rested . One thing is certain we have a huge squad and rotation is key.
The problem isn't Wes playing. It's Wes playing in a 4-4-2 where he can't really play in a central role so has to be moved out wide. If we are going to use him he has to be used in behind the strikers!
So which is it? "play our best side" or "rotation is key"? Or does one rule apply to Grabban, and the other to Wes?!
Fitness and current form play a big part in the concept of The "best side" Idea. If fatigue sets in then change the player, Wessi is a veteran and can`t physically play every game Grabban is still a spring chicken. I would even argue that Murphy is much better on the left wing than Hoolahan thus the "best side" comment. I would only drop our 2 top scorers if they are looking tired or If someone else is equal or better in their position. I will not get involved in any Grabban debate today because If he scores nobody will say anything If he doesn`t there will be a witch hunt again as per script. I have a feeling he may get one without a massive deflection for once today Personally I don`t care who scores as long as it`s us and our midfield should be chipping in a bit more . Notice no statements starting with "me and supers said"? These are my own opinions they may not be correct but they are mine so feel free to try and pick holes in my very easy to understand comments Swiss Tony.
Me and Supers were just saying that it was nice to finally see a post that didn't involve the phrase "me and supers". Like a fresh of breath air it is. It's going to be a good day
I agree that Hoolahan is still coming centrally to do his best work, but because his "defensive position" is on the left, we're losing out when trying to break (because he's starting wide and doesn't have any pace, and isn't central yet to create something), and when we're in possession his options are more limited because there's no width in the space he's vacated. It probably sounds daft, but it's like we're trying to play 4-2-3-2, with Wes covering two of the attacking midfield roles.
Just thought I would update. I did the course and it was well worth the cash to be honest. I am very tired today though after playing in around 18 of the 24 coaching games during the assessment yesterday. I got the "on guard" assessment which starts as 1v1 with the emphasis on defending. It went well and I added in a few progressions to make it a little more interesting. I was on the course with a former city first team player and Northern Ireland international. His name is Adrian Coote. Anyone know of him on here? He was City with from Mike Walker and leaving under Worthington. Nice chap. Anyway, had a great day and I would recommend the course.
He went to Colchester for £50K and then bumbled around non league for a while in East Anglia, Kings Lynn etc... He said that he mostly enjoyed the youth part of being with city, think they won things but not too sure. He is running/coaching an under 14's team now. He used to share a room with Paul Mcveigh when on international duty and I think even when he was playing for city. Had a few fun stories about football back in the day.
