with all due respect Notso, I might only be 27, but being an adult, I'm actually capable of writing my own thoughts. I will always do so, whether that means agreeing or disagreeing with people. No one has influenced my views on this, and regardless of Mata, I still don't believe that playing the best part of 20 odd games without a break and travelling across europe is good for anyone. Perhaps we're not as fit as we could be, and in light of what spurcat has had to say my view has changed a bit, as he's someone who knows the situation far better than any of us do. But we've not been faced with the injuries to first teamers that we've had, as well as playing twice a week with the same players, for some time. I've got to be honest Notso, I'm really disappointed to see a comment like that from you, of all people. I feel really stupid. Not sure what others might think of your comments, which indicate they "have no idea" either.
Which is why I pointed out the problem with your logic on this one, Notso. Some players will be able to handle playing a ton of games and travelling all over the place. That doesn't mean that they all will or that they should be expected to.
Mmm, could have been worded differently! I didn't mean to be patronising or insulting to anyone, everything I've put was with a wry smile and not intended to offend, just spark 'lively' debate. Apologies to all who've read it different.
What!?!? its there job of choice! And as of yet you've put nothing here contradicting 'my logic', you've overlooked a certain posters interjection here though (can't see the wood for the trees). Remember what I said to you ages ago about reading between lines. Could my 'logic' be a fact!
You've selected a few players and said, "They can do it, therefore everyone can do it." I've pointed out the obvious flaw in that. Messi can score 80+ goals a year, so every player should be expected to do so.
You've pointed nothing out at all, its drivel. I have said nothing of the sort like this "They can do it, therefore everyone can do it." If you can't see a team should be assembled with a level of fitness that all players should reach, that means a baseline, then fine. Some will have fitness over and above that as I have already stated. I've stated one player aswell, not a few, but I could list a number in 'tens'. If you can't/won't agree other teams are fitter than us then fine. The Messi analogy was a waste of typing.
You're merely asserting that you're right and that anyone that disagrees with you is wrong and talking drivel, Notso. You've repeatedly asserted that some players can play a ton of games, therefore our players can't be feeling the strain by playing an equal number of games and playing worse because of it. The reverse argument would be to pick someone like Michael Owen and point out that anyone playing a lot will end up injured and out of the game later in their career. Each player is different and highlighting individuals or small groups doesn't prove a thing. The average player isn't up to playing every few days and performing at a high level consistently, which is why most top managers don't ask them to do so. Where have I said that we shouldn't have a base fitness level that's achievable for every player? Simply hasn't happened.
Nor have I said 'everyone should be the same' simply hasn't happened! but you felt it ok to put that. If in reading the subject matter you can't realise that it is about a 'general' level of fitness...a baseline, it would go some way to explaining some of your answers. Finally, why would you have a problem with me being right about something, even if its only partially? Lots of posters on here are right about something (just as much as being wrong I should add), when that happens, it should be questioned why you in particular seem to have a problem with that, instead of developing a line of discussion which is no longer a debate. Have I got to put Spurcats post in front of you again!
SC, interesting point about the training sessions as if the players are doing high intensity sessions/double sessions and then playing a more demanding system AND as roo points out about certain players playing more often then that is going to cause problems. Overall it could be why were such a jerkly & hyde team and why we struggle to perform for long periods but i guess if Villas Boas beleives in his methods and is thinking long term then as spurf mentions, it will take time before the players master the system.
Agreed... but if the problem was a blown fuse then regardless of how complex it seemed, it was actually a simple problem and could be addressed with a simple answer. My argument is that either (1) the problem isn't 'lack of fitness' alone because that is too simple. If it was simply fitness, then it could be simply addressed or (2) the problem doesn't actually exist and that it is wrong analysis based on a series of unfortunate events that appear to form a pattern of behaviour.
I'm sorry vimhawk but imo fitness is a science in itself and not 'simply addressed', fitness is a result of careful timing and a balance of exercise and recovery, and you can't correct it in a short period of time. It isn't easy to get a group of individuals to peak at the same time because everyone is different agreed, but in the main it is possible for the majority, with good training management. Also, not me in my OP, or anyone since has inferred it is a sole cause to the problem of our lacklustre end to games. No-one is disputing there is a problem/s, its as plain as day, and a lack of fitness is 'part' of it, not a pattern of behaviour. What sort of behaviour??...can't be arsed with the last 10mins!? We mustn't forget physical and mental fitness go hand in hand either, tiredness leads to a loss of concentration in what you're supposed to be doing, leading to individual errors, something else thats evident in the last 10mins.
Not much to disagree with there either Luke, but is only part reason. Yes the personnel changes have contributed to our defence being busier than any other team in the league, we know that, but imo the goals conceded is a combination of lack of fitness and what you mention here.
Another big factor was a back four of Beni, Ledley, Kaboul and Walker. Granted, Gallas often played for Ledley, but other than that the back four was both very steady and excellent in quality. Compare that to the patchwork and ever-changing back fours we've had this season. Beni's particularly good at dribbling and/or passing out, instead of just booting it back to the other team. I also have to mention that playing two games a week should increase the number of injuries. It will will also tend to reduce the number and frequency of fitness drills. (If you only have one day to prepare for a game, you're likelier to let fitness drills wait.) But having said that, the biggest problem with the late collapses looks to me to by psychological. Once you let yourself get on the back foot, you get more and more negative, and the other team gets more and more ambitious. I'm hoping the team will apply what they did against Swansea, where it was clear the best defence...
