So the new players are still learning the philosophy? I can buy that. But playing a whole load of new guys at the same time? Hmm...
I really do hope it is just an integration issue and no more. We do need Sturridge back to create space behind the opposition defence.
"We're reintroducing the principles that brought us the win ratio we've had over the last 18 months," he said. "Our game was based on high intensity but, apart from that Tottenham game, we've moved away from that." So the players are defaulting from the playbook out on the pitch? If they aren't capable of sticking to the philosophy and tactics why identify them as targets in the first place let alone buy them and play several of them together? Why isn't Rodgers cracking the whip with these newbies and getting on top of them to start applying the drills they do in training in the games? Can understand it will take time and there'll be a natural drop off but we've be in the doldrums for a prolonged period now.
I've always been of the opinion that you never start the new season like you finished the last - this season is yet another case in point. There's all sorts of reasons why we haven't come out firing on all cylinders and not just the obvious Suarez is missing because he was missing the start of last season and we did pretty well. I'd take a poor start and great finish over a great start and poor finish, if I was offered it, provided that great finish ended with us in top 4. Rodgers needs to learn from his mistakes at a quicker rate than he's presently doing.
look ok, fine.... but you need to fix the set piece nightmare in the next 2 weeks max. get on with it. if you are going to do x or y fine. work away but get the basics down and then over the next month (see my post this morning on season progress thread) improve... but its unacceptable to be thrwoing goals in from set piece.
We've been rubbish at defending set-pieces for a long time. When you score as many as we did last season you can get away with it, but when the goals-for dry up, the issue becomes more urgent. I've said all along that we brought in too many new players at once. Even if the new players are ostensibly an improvement, a cohesive unit is usually more efficient than a collection of individuals. I had hoped they'd function better from the off, but I'm not entirely surprised that they haven't. We're more or less back where we started when BR took over- in terms of teamwork and understanding. Hopefully he now has a better bunch of players (with the notable exception of the irreplaceable Suarez), and can knock them into shape the way he did with the previous squad. I just hope it doesn't take too long- we won't be attractive to new players in the future if we slip too far down the table. If he gives the players instructions and they don't follow them, then it's his responsibility to sort them out. That can be difficult though, because different players need different treatment to bring out the best in them. This is the real test of BR's credentials as a manager - can he do it a second time?
Lalalalalalalallana's had a shave. That's right. The hipster beard is gone. This could be a watershed moment or it could have been the root cause of our struggles all along
Beards are a batard to maintain. Who's got that kind of time... trimming, shaping, cleaning, braiding, cornrowing
I dont like this "lost the core of the team " business. We lost Suarez. Aspas, Agger, Moses, Assaidi, Cissokho, Coates, Illori, and Luis Alberto were not even subs for the majority of last season. Get a grip Brendan ffs
Lost isn't the right word. Changed is more appropriate. However, I do agree with you Hash. I posted a comparison between last season and this seasons teams, the only difference is for player; Lovren for Sakho/Agger Moreno for Enrique/Flanno Lallana for Allen/Coutinho Balotelli for Suarez The bigger problem as been early injuries to Skrtel, Johnson (), Enrique, Flanno and Studge meaning we couldn't slowly introduce the new players.
I'v decided Lallana is a winger/wide playmaker to Rodgers. Rodgers mentioned wanting two wingers in January. Salah and Konoplyanka. Though he later said that CL qualification changed his transfer targets. We signed Markovic and Lallana. - I think a big part of what Rodgers wanted to add was more flexibility in the squad. He has a lot more tactical possibilities available to him now. For example, wingers on both sides. Had Suarez stayed these additions would have been fantastic. Giving us a much more versatile and deep squad. But when Suarez left our first team gained a hole and the 'alternative systems' and 'plan b' signings suddenly stepping into the first 11. Ofcourse many arrived after Suarez left. But I'm sure they were planned months in advanced. - Syaing this. I'm still confident that things will click once every one is fit.
i do agree with this in terms of i can't see where rodgers has actually put him box to box for example anyone bid on prior to WC = signing based on suarez staying IMO
The Core lost was the Spirit. BR is looking to forge a new Spirit. He is an unsettled firebrand, who goes through "spirits" like he goes through his sets of teeth and wives some would say.
