I think it's just as much a case of self confidence. Last season I was at games where I saw the likes of Di Maria and even RVP trying to make runs and becoming totally frustrated when the pass didn't come. The self-confidence comment is bcos when you watch them, there first thought as soon as they get the ball is to turn and look for the safe pass, especially when an opposition player closes in. Something else, when was the last time you saw a pass played in front of a player? They're always invariably to feet or just behind, stifling a run. You'll often see a player running/jogging and then having to pause bcos of that. It's a big reason why our general play is so slow. It's not all about the side or back passes. Secondly, it may be a case that you cannot play his brand of "keeping control of the ball" together with attacking football depending on what he's coaching the players. If they aren;t able to manage both then something is clearly missing on the training ground. And that's equally his fault. Although tbh I dont believe that's the reason at all. His approach is hold on to possession and wait for the opportunity to present itself. Which is something completely different.
The whole team isn't out of form. A large number are and we cannot change it because the ones who would come in are injured. Do you honestly think our players are all in great form but being restricted by one man? I think the lack of confidence is a major issue. Leicester and Vardy are an example of what confidence can do for a team so it shouldn't be underestimated. Right now we have to remain competitive, which we are. It was a similar story last season after our dreadful start and we picked up in the second half. It did fall away again of course but I am hoping for something of the same. We need to stay in the mix now though.
Lol. We nullified your counter for the most part. The goal aside really. Vardy and Ulloa did have two other chances true. BFS, Darmian, Memphis and Mata also had great chances in the game.
Yep. He wasn't happy with a point. Content yes but he was clearly unhappy with the performance and result. He also dropped Mata for Lingard to add pace to the attack. He bought Martial as he's an exceptional talent and full of pace. Memphis has pace.... I think he quite clearly knows what he needs and wants in attack. Thr ability to get in behind and open up defences. The fact its not working out is a concern of course but he's hardly playing us without an attack is he. The players have a job to do. They get paid huge money to play football. They make the decisions on the pitch. They hesitate. Not van Gaal. Blame sub's on him, line ups and tactics but the players own performance is down to them, first and foremost.
We have 3 midfielders who's first instinct is to pass the ball forward (Herrera, Carrick and Bastian), I have seen so many times this season when all 3 have had the ball in space, look for a pass, turn both ways (sometimes in a circle) then have to make a sideways/backwards pass or push it out wide because there is nothing on for them.
There's more to that though. Firstly, if you're right why is this not being addressed on the training ground? Secondly, this depends on the space between midfield and our attack. By the time the likes of Herrera or Carrick are on the ball, our midfield is camped on their defence and the attackers have no space behind. Also, we don't play through the middle. Ever. The role of the AM is becoming redundant in this side. That's a tactical decision.
BFS does this all the time. Checks both flanks and the middle for a runner and often has to check back. Why is he looking for then if van Gaal is telling them to stand around like statues? I'm sure someone will have an answer.
As Diego say in the post immediately above yours, they seem at a loss as to who to pass to, where to pass to and when to pass. So I think some clearly are.
Well van Gaal probably heard the complaint's we didn't play with enough width not so long back and changed it so we now do. So naturally everyone's complaining that we now don't go through the middle enough.
You haven't a fcking clue the depth of what I'm talking about fella, so I suggest you let the grown ups talk
Well in that sense yeh. BFS certainly looks confused as to why nobody is making rubs when he picks up the ball. Has anyone told them that he's one of the best play makers in the game? They should bust a gut and he will find them. So BFS looks confused. Not with the tactics but with the lack of movement ahead of him. As does van gaal.
Should be 'them' not then. Sorry. If van Gaals instructing them not to move or attack as some are basically suggesting, then why would BFS be looking for the pass?
Yeah, ok. van Gaal has no idea why. If this is so it might occasionally be an idea he gets off his arse and tells them then.
This. The one reason which suggests they are doing as he's asked. If not then how can he just sit there playing minecraft on his iPad?