No passion - no commitment!

[swans-cartoonhead]

To say I was disappointed with today’s (non) performance would be an understatement of gargantuan proportions; rarely have I seen a Swansea team so bereft of ideas and so lacking in passion or urgency! Not one player came out of that with any credit and, as a team, they were not worthy to wear the Swansea shirt.

But what worries me most of all is that now that we are well and truly in a relegation dogfight I don’t see any evidence that we have the players to get out of it! Character, passion, the ability to work hard for the team and get your hands dirty, are vital for survival and, to be honest, most of our overpaid primadonnas don’t look like they have the balls for a fight. Today they just didn’t look like they cared, and that is something that I find very hard to write.

Ninety minutes with not a single shot on target, and thirty of those against ten man after Chico had performed his usual ‘acid in the face’ histrionics!
It is just not good enough! We are carrying too many passengers, most notably DeGuzman, who don’t seem to give a **** – oh for the passion and ‘body on the line’ commitment of a Monk or Tate! And Laudrup’s diplomatic post match interviews are now really beginning to piss me off; Dai has been lambasted on here for expressing his doubt in the ability of the Dane to inspire the team but I am beginning to come around to his way of thinking. In the post match interview Laudrup said it was a ‘frustrating’ display!!! That is the understatement of the century; I was frustrated after the first goal, speechless after the second and absolutely homicidal after the harsh red card.

We could have played against three committed players today and still got stuffed!
It has been said before that the backroom staff are acting like big time Charlie’s and ignoring us little people; I have experienced that first hand with charitable requests from the fanzine being ignored, promises being broken and the relationship we used to have in lower league days totally breaking down – but it seems that the disease has now spread to the management and players! And the local media doesn’t help with the constant ‘we have too much quality to go down’ crap written by the likes of ‘tubs’ Trundle, with only Leighton’s column giving an ignored reality check.
We are NOT too good to go down; we have very talented players but they are underperforming; they seem to think that they have a God given right to Premier League safety but don’t have the bottle to put a shift in when the going gets tough.

We have been under-performing since the Capital One Cup last year and I fear that it has been going on for so long that it is hard to see where points are going to come from. I look at the teams around us and, as supposedly talented as our lot are, I worry that they haven’t got the bollocks for a relegation scrap!
I really hope I am wrong; the Premier League adventure is one that I don’t want to end, but I am really beginning to wonder if we have the players that are willing to put 100% effort towards that cause; on today’s evidence it doesn’t seem so!

Renewed my season ticket in December – it is now my belief that I will be using it to get into Championship fixtures next season because I really don’t think this bunch have the passion to prevail in a ‘backs against the wall’ scrap.

At least we’ll have more games to watch!

 

[When Swans are flying]

To be honest, I was more disappointed with the total lack of attacking invention in our side. We could still be playing now & I don't think we would have scored. We are totally clueless in attack at times & I really don't see how Laudrup's going to alter it. I hope I'm wrong of course, but seen not much evidence so far...

 

[When Swans are flying]

Another thing, Laudrup's post match interview. When asked, he told the reporters he didn't much about this Emnes guy!!! I mean it's pretty obvious it's a Huw signing rightly or wrongly, anyway. But how far as it broken down at the Liberty when Laudrup hasn't got a clue who we are signing!!!

Quite damning...

 

[swans-cartoonhead]

Think Laudrup has become totally disinterested and is killing time until he leaves! Sad state of affairs!

 

[neathjack]

Think Laudrup has become totally disinterested and is killing time until he leaves! Sad state of affairs!

He didn't look disinterested today but if he doesn't know about Emnes then clearly the window dealings or lack of them is done HJ and board. While other teams are refreshed with top quality youngsters we are getting Championship players.

It is possible that HJ and board have let ML, team and supporters down since the end of last season.

 

[JackPA26]

Something definitely isn't right and I agree with Neathjack that January signings have been done by HJ. When you look at the impact of Zaha today you've got to question the lack of ambition.

ML has managed pretty much the same squad / team to some memorable and quite unbelievable wins (Chelsea, Valencia, Arsenal away, MU). To see some of the players today was very upsetting and the playing standards have dropped drastically....I'm really starting to wonder about issues outside of football, a la DG and LL. Something isn't right and it isn't all ML.

ML has to bear some responsibility, obviously, but the players and board have a lot to answer for as well. They really need to all pull together in the same direction otherwise we will really be is the muck!

 

[swanselona]

I watched the pre match conference, and he looked so deflated, things are not all rosey behind the scene's, and if ML is deflated, that will only wash onto the players.

It was clear to all that our January window shopping was far from ML's choices, but the boards. Are we having an issue, where the board are butting into things they should be leaving well alone, and it is having a negative effect on other things. I mean you only have to look at how they handled the whole issue pre season with Tuts, to see how poorly they deal with things, as they only had to come out and clear the air as we were all under the impression ML and the board had fallen out. Yet we were left hanging without any word from the club. A club that was meant to be run by the fans, so why the secrecy at times? I honestly don't get it.

I mean, how does it look when our chairman goes on about Ki's recall date being end of January, yet it happened to be the end of December, maybe ML was willing to call him back, and felt let down when the board got it all wrong.

Its easy to say its the managers fault for the on field performances, but there is something not right at the Liberty. And I personally don't believe its the manager.

 

[Lauds Gendros Jack]

Going on what you have just said Swans, there is something really wrong and if it don't get sorted out soon we will be going down Cant see us winning next wk or v Stoke after the way we played v West Ham 60 percent of the play and still cant f--cking score . Why did he leave Britton & Rangel on the bench and were was Taylor ,I do not rate Tiedellie don't know if its right , in the old days we would not change a winning team they should have had a second chance .

 

[DragonPhilljack]

I have said many times this season, that this season is damage limitation, and I had hoped that we had enough fuel in the tank to see us safe, but after today it looks like we are in for a very rough ride these last 14 Games. I have had my doubts all season, and didn't want to rock the boat on here and agree with Dai, but if we don't get a result next Saturday, then I think Laudrup has had it, and I can see him resigning, or leaving with mutual agreement, because one more defeat and Laudrup position will become untenable, and I think the board will act, to secure our £70 Million income that is now under serious threat........

 

[Lauds Gendros Jack]

Agree with you all the way Dragon I av seen this happening since we won the LG Cup we seem to have gone down hill and seem to have not a care in the world , And yet when it comes to a cup game we can win are we going to beat Everton in fa cup or give it up and try and forcus on the LG that as to be our main aim, I think as you say Dragon, 70mil is a lot off cash to lose and knowing Jenkings he wont want to lose that sort of money .So M L wants to get things sorted out or we will be on our way out sad to say.

 

[LIBERTARIAN]

Not too long ago,many on here were rather arrogantly, and prematurely,licking their lips at the prospect of all the points that would come our way when we played the "easy" teams.
What nonsense that has turned out to be.
In addition,it was pointed out that most teams around and below us were jealous of our players.
More head in the sand nonsense.
The same posters were racking up more "excuses" for poor performances than I've had hot dinners.
Good to see there are not many excuses on offer after yesterday's defeat.
The team are clearly not as good as many felt,and their lack of fight is apparent.
Compare The Swans' with Sunderland and Palace,both of whom were seemingly already relegated and booking their Championship hotels for next season,a short while ago.
Well done to Messrs Poyet and Pulis for turning them around.
Defeat in the next two "easy" games will see The Swans' in the bottom three,which I suspect is where we belong.

 

[swan_and_only]

Very disappointed but still holding my judgement until March. We always struggle against teams like WHU away. Hopefully this is a wake up call and a kick up the arse for the next game, we really need to take 3 points off Cardiff and palace both at home to stay on track! If we fail then I might be in the laudrup out camp. And the only excuse I can give is that Chelsea failed to break down the WHU bus!

 

[Matthew Bound Still Lurks]

Very disappointed but still holding my judgement until March. We always struggle against teams like WHU away. Hopefully this is a wake up call and a kick up the arse for the next game, we really need to take 3 points off Cardiff and palace both at home to stay on track! If we fail then I might be in the laudrup out camp. And the only excuse I can give is that Chelsea failed to break down the WHU bus!

We lost 1-0 away last season but thats no consolation to what was witnessed yesterday , if we play like that against cardiff with no commitment ,heart ,organisation and a lack of effort then we're truly in the **** .We're starting to have all the players back but why play players out of position baffles me .We had no controlling influence yesterday and I include Ash in that statement , no leadership which is a disappointing considering what the role of captain should mean and the length of time he's spent at the club .

 

[ValleyGraduate12]

We lost 1-0 away last season but thats no consolation to what was witnessed yesterday , if we play like that against cardiff with no commitment ,heart ,organisation and a lack of effort then we're truly in the **** .We're starting to have all the players back but why play players out of position baffles me .We had no controlling influence yesterday and I include Ash in that statement , no leadership which is a disappointing considering what the role of captain should mean and the length of time he's spent at the club .

Which is why he should be stripped of the captaincy and Leon installed as captain immediately. If we are to have a chance of staying up, Leon HAS to be the first name on the team sheet (i also say that when everyone is fit, inculding Michu) as Leon runs himself into the ground game after game for the Swans jersey and never gives up. He is the samllest player on the pitch, but by Goid he has the biggest heart and I cannot understand why Laudrup cannot see this, as it is clear to see, he is favouring the players he has brought into the club.

 

[aswan_dam]

Head in the sand or Hysteria.

Anyone who can read a league table knows that the bottom 11 teams are all in a very precarious position this season, including Swansea City. It’s been the same all season and will continue to be so, unless a side goes on a long winning run. We all know that relegation is a POSSIBILITY and therefore stating that posters are ‘burying their heads in the sand’ is a tad insulting.

There’s plenty of hysteria on here depending on whether we’ve just won or lost. After the win against Fulham everyone was more optimistic. A defeat to West Ham and everyone is depressed. That’s a fairly natural way to be.

I posted yesterday that we have a good record against bottom 11 teams. After the loss to West Ham we still have a good record. One defeat to the Andy Carroll heading machine and then the park-the-bus tactics that Chelsea failed to break down doesn’t change things that much.

I shall continue to be optimistic (it’s better than being pessimistic) in the full knowledge that relegation could be on the cards.

 

[Matthew Bound Still Lurks]

Head in the sand or Hysteria.

Anyone who can read a league table knows that the bottom 11 teams are all in a very precarious position this season, including Swansea City. It’s been the same all season and will continue to be so, unless a side goes on a long winning run. We all know that relegation is a POSSIBILITY and therefore stating that posters are ‘burying their heads in the sand’ is a tad insulting.

There’s plenty of hysteria on here depending on whether we’ve just won or lost. After the win against Fulham everyone was more optimistic. A defeat to West Ham and everyone is depressed. That’s a fairly natural way to be.

I posted yesterday that we have a good record against bottom 11 teams. After the loss to West Ham we still have a good record. One defeat to the Andy Carroll heading machine and then the park-the-bus tactics that Chelsea failed to break down doesn’t change things that much.

I shall continue to be optimistic (it’s better than being pessimistic) in the full knowledge that relegation could be on the cards.

The team had an opportunity to at least try and prove to themselves more than anything that they could at least compete but sorry 2 steps forward and 1 back yesterday .The management/players knew exactly what to expect yesterday but didn't/couldn't counteract against it , Ben for example edge of the box with two hands on the players back , free kick , you don't need to be a tactically magician to see how f**king stupid was that , just get in tight and stand your ground .Sorry it appears the players don't believe anymore .

 

[ValleyGraduate12]

Seabreeze, a very unwarrented post. Keep on topic or don't post on the thread

 

[roofjack_22]

Wow!

 

[aswan_dam]

That plonker Kolo Toure has gifted WBA a point.

 

[plasticfan]

Head in the sand or Hysteria.

I posted yesterday that we have a good record against bottom 11 teams. After the loss to West Ham we still have a good record. One defeat to the Andy Carroll heading machine and then the park-the-bus tactics that Chelsea failed to break down doesn’t change things that much.

If I remember the post correctly, we got 20 points from 11 matches (5 wins, 5 draws), so that's 1.8181 per match. That would indeed to be good enough to keep us up. But what you're missing out is our current form. In last 5 against bottom 11 teams we've taken 6 points. So that's only 1.2 per match.

Additionally you showed that we took at least some points from the top 9. I can't remember your figures though. But for lat 5 matches we've lost them all, so that's 0 per match.

This is the worrying bit. It's our current form that we have to be concerned with not look back on what happened earlier in the season. You have missed this completely from your analysis.