Liverpool are now 2 games into the Asia tour. In those 2 games they have scred an impressive 10 games. The attacking play is looking very good, and the goals are flowing, and this is with Suarez and Downing yet to come into the team. But these teams are not really the standard of quality Liverpool usually play against, so we cant really get to a away. BUT, maybe we should be concerned by the fact that they have conceded 6 goals in those 2 games!! With Reina and Lucas away, Liverpool do not have their whole defensive unit installed. But should we be concerned by this leaky defence?
I'm still not overly concerned. Most of the goals conceded in both games were due to errors from largely inexperienced players. However, if we start to leak goals like this in the premiership, I might start to get a bit twitchy.
But you dont want any dips in confidence ahead of the new season. They should be aiming to build a good, positive momentum in these games.
The defences that have played so far are in no way close to the defence come Sunderland at Anfield. Don't read to much into it. I doubt we will ever see a PL game with Hansen,Kelly,Kyrgiakos,Wilson, and Insua as our back 5.
I'm not that concerned. In the end, it's pre-season and it is primarily to gain match fitness. I think we will start using the 'bigger names' in the last couple of pre-season games and then we shall see what the defence is like. Also, this defence hasn't played together much before so I wouldn't read too much into it.
True. But I don't think the coaches (or Kenny!) will allow the youngsters to worry about their mistakes. They're playing to get better and become psychologically tougher. Take Ngog (no jokes!), for example. Not my favourite player, and he missed some sitters, but he kept positive, as all players should, and in the end got a couple of goals. As I say, not my favourite player, but his attitude today demanded my respect. Would like Kenny to play our first team in the last couple of pre-season games so they have a chance to gel and get used to playing together. The young-uns can be used as subs in the last 15-20 mins.
Don't think we should be overly concerned.In each game it has been a different defencive unit in each half.First half today we looked solid with carra and agger and the 2 young lads at full back.Second half Insua looked good as did kelly.The 2 centre backs kryi and wilson are unlikely toget much game time next season.We still have johnson,reina,lucas,skrtel to come back and poss a new left back so dont be too worried yet. What is pleasing is our attacking.Last season if i remember correctly we struggled to score in all our pre season games and that filtered into our early season fixtures too. KK is obviously looking to play a more attacking style and we should be glad for that.I would rather take a few risks defensively if it means playing more attractive football. Also with Steve Clarke having a full pre season with the players we will be fine.
Theres nothing to be concerned about.If you look at these games,there was one thing missing and that was challenges...both sides allowed each other time on the ball.It was Gung Ho...end to end.They will step it up and become tighter.Its all progression.
I wouldn't be concerned just yet, but I'd like to see an established left back come in. Robinson has looked decent but think he'd do better with a loan to a League 1 / Championship team to get some experience. Johnson can cover but wouldn't want him to be our main LB for the season.
Another thing people tend to forget is Each player is trying to show why they should be played by getting into the attack. They also don't need to win, so they aren't going to play more defensive once we go up, it isn't necessary. By the time the Chinese team had scored, we would have already set up shop. With Malaysia XI, we would have set up shop by the time they scored their second.
I'm not worried. 1. brad jones was in goals... Hansen absolutely flogged a couple too. thats something pepe reina will fix. 2. they changed the whole team in both games at half time. so i'm afraid minds go off the task when you know your day is done in 2 mins. 3. its all just fitness right now. 4. a lot of it comes down to more than just two cbs, 2 full backs and a keeper. theres a lot of trotting about etc going on so midfield will tighten up as well. so all in all there's a lot of preparatory work to be done on conrenrs, frees and such i nthe enxt few weeks but thats only natural.
