In his lunchtime press conference today Felix said that “we have a good schedule for the last few weeks, everybody knows that and is sleeping well with this knowledge”. Well I hope that doesn’t add up to ‘complacency’, cos we’ve seen too much of that already this season.
He said Kostas will need to be assessed by the Club doctors when he gets back from Greece, adding “if he’s not fit, he willl be fit the next week or the week after”. Don’t hold your breath!
Hangeland he said is fit and will “lead the team against Cardiff”. Kvist has a slight hamstring. Alarmingly, Felix repeated his comment about Holtby not being a fighter although it’s not clear if he was harking back to his decision to drop him for the Chelsea game or whether he just doesn’t rate him in any battle.
Like just about everybody I haven’t a clue what the full team selection (or what his strategy) will be for this game.
Kostas played for 60 minutes for Greece yesterday - which may or may not have been pre-agreed with the Club - but didn't exactly do anything and is apparently a ‘little bit stiff‘. Kara played for the last half hour and was his usual effervescent self. Kaca played the full 90 for Sweden and the Tank got 35 minutes in his debut game at the senior level, which is great for him. Mitroglou really has to be doubtful and whether any of the other three did enough to influence Felix…who knows.
Brede got through his game with Norway okay and as Felix said is a definite starter. Ashkhan also came through his game for Iran, getting an assist. Kvist had a decent game for Denmark against England - not outstanding but pretty competent and I particularly liked the way he organised the back group; communicating all the time and issuing instructions. He really should be in our line-up, subject to that possible injury problem.
So, at best can only plot in the probable certainties (a conjointment of a statement in itself) that Felix will opt for -
……………..Stekelenburg………….
..Riether…Heitinga….Hangeland…….(?)....
……….(?)…… …..Sidwell….
…..Dejagah….(?)………(?)
……………(?)………..
Footnote: Originally I had Holtby in as a certainty but after the comments by Felix I just don't know what to think anymore.
He said Kostas will need to be assessed by the Club doctors when he gets back from Greece, adding “if he’s not fit, he willl be fit the next week or the week after”. Don’t hold your breath!
Hangeland he said is fit and will “lead the team against Cardiff”. Kvist has a slight hamstring. Alarmingly, Felix repeated his comment about Holtby not being a fighter although it’s not clear if he was harking back to his decision to drop him for the Chelsea game or whether he just doesn’t rate him in any battle.
Like just about everybody I haven’t a clue what the full team selection (or what his strategy) will be for this game.
Kostas played for 60 minutes for Greece yesterday - which may or may not have been pre-agreed with the Club - but didn't exactly do anything and is apparently a ‘little bit stiff‘. Kara played for the last half hour and was his usual effervescent self. Kaca played the full 90 for Sweden and the Tank got 35 minutes in his debut game at the senior level, which is great for him. Mitroglou really has to be doubtful and whether any of the other three did enough to influence Felix…who knows.
Brede got through his game with Norway okay and as Felix said is a definite starter. Ashkhan also came through his game for Iran, getting an assist. Kvist had a decent game for Denmark against England - not outstanding but pretty competent and I particularly liked the way he organised the back group; communicating all the time and issuing instructions. He really should be in our line-up, subject to that possible injury problem.
So, at best can only plot in the probable certainties (a conjointment of a statement in itself) that Felix will opt for -
……………..Stekelenburg………….
..Riether…Heitinga….Hangeland…….(?)....
……….(?)…… …..Sidwell….
…..Dejagah….(?)………(?)
……………(?)………..
Footnote: Originally I had Holtby in as a certainty but after the comments by Felix I just don't know what to think anymore.