Jinxy
Tommy Hutchison
Nice watching Chelsea v Man C tonight, with no emotional involvement, you can just observe . Successfully playing out from the back, up to the final third, requires little talent - just coaching belief, implementation in training, execution and obedient players (that know the coach is 100% committed to that style of play). The talent, skill or pace is then needed in the final third - and yes that usually costs. This is how we had the most success in recent history. Patiently keeping the ball, switching about until either someone spots a gap, or the opposition makes a mistake (God bless you Leon). Seems simple to me - for the most part players that can/will play that system needn't cost an arm and a leg. I know these two teams are riddled with expensive players, but for the most part the majority of the time the things they do are simple, but structured, and well drilled.
Rogers often mentioned bravery, which I always thought not the right word, but it's close. I didn't watch the game today (listened on R Wales), but apart from the previous 2 games we've not played that way for an awful long time - especially as the pressure/expectation increased - maybe coincidentally...?
I've said this on here a few times - I really don't think Cooper really believes (deep down) that is the way football should be played, which is fine, but it may not suit "us". Maybe the players are having mixed messages, e.g. pass it out, but DON'T lose it - resulting in longer balls from the back.
It's good we didn't freefall following relegation (and that's a massive positive), but for me, I'd prefer to return to that identity. I don't think Cooper is ultimately a good fit for us, unfortunately.
Rogers often mentioned bravery, which I always thought not the right word, but it's close. I didn't watch the game today (listened on R Wales), but apart from the previous 2 games we've not played that way for an awful long time - especially as the pressure/expectation increased - maybe coincidentally...?
I've said this on here a few times - I really don't think Cooper really believes (deep down) that is the way football should be played, which is fine, but it may not suit "us". Maybe the players are having mixed messages, e.g. pass it out, but DON'T lose it - resulting in longer balls from the back.
It's good we didn't freefall following relegation (and that's a massive positive), but for me, I'd prefer to return to that identity. I don't think Cooper is ultimately a good fit for us, unfortunately.