Wanderers' Windy Wellington Woes

He should have got an assist for his cross to Gibbs that Gibbs smashed right into a defender at point-blank. Probably one of the best in attack. But that's not that hard in this performance.

what did people think of tahj minniecon today? i thought he was a positive not great but good imo

 

I thought he played with great enthusiasm which is what I really wanted to see. His finishing and a few crosses weren't as good as his dribbling skills. Gotta get those type of wingers playing more often. Kubi, Minniecon and Hersi are great exciting players.

i am glad i am not the only one who thought he was pretty good today

 

i really hope we can see Kubi soon while our team had a very disappointing performance i think we have the players to do much better just no one was in form today 

I only got to see the second half.  From the sound of things the first is not worth watching.

 

For those that haven't played in the wind, it is a fricken nightmare as far as passing is concerned.  It nearly always results in crappy play.  I am not surprised by our performance today and similarly I am not overly disappointed as we will have these type of games from time to time.  If that is our worst and we still could have come away with something, not everything is bad.

 

I thought Dino was fantastic today and looks a lot sharper on and off the ball.  He has found a yard of pace and really looked the goods today.  Just unlucky I reckon.  

 

As to foxtel allowing those f_ckers to commentate on A League matches;  I am considering commencing proceedings in the Supreme Court to obtain an injunction against it being broadcast in Australia.  Surely it must be some sort of crime!

I only got to see the second half.  From the sound of things the first is not worth watching.

 

For those that haven't played in the wind, it is a fricken nightmare as far as passing is concerned.  It nearly always results in crappy play.  I am not surprised by our performance today and similarly I am not overly disappointed as we will have these type of games from time to time.  If that is our worst and we still could have come away with something, not everything is bad.

 

I thought Dino was fantastic today and looks a lot sharper on and off the ball.  He has found a yard of pace and really looked the goods today.  Just unlucky I reckon.  

 

As to foxtel allowing those f_ckers to commentate on A League matches;  I am considering commencing proceedings in the Supreme Court to obtain an injunction against it being broadcast in Australia.  Surely it must be some sort of crime!

lol as bad as we were today along with the referee’s nothing compares to how horrible and biased they are 

as its been said it was just a horrible game altogether and one to forget, BUT learn from. It is an interesting fact that had we got a slice of luck and some decent refereeing we could have seen 2 penalties and a goal from Gibbs at the death, not too mention the absolute fluke/ridiculous foal we conceded, but we certainly didn't deserve it!

 

 

What we need to take from this match... well we need more variety in the team! the return of Mooy and Hersi will help but we still need more! 

 

- Cole to left back. D'Apuzzo has been good BUT he can be very lost going forward and Cole is as good defensively and can put doubt in the opposition minds with his attacking qualities from the back.

 

- Striker, im not gona go on about Dino, we all know. Just play Gibbs from the start, you just get so much more overall quality and movement from the young lad, his finishing will improve. And that way we also don't waste a sub spot as for the inevitable sub of Dino from a predictable poor performance. Please learn from this popa!

 

- Seriously consider moving Polenz to either Midfield or the Wing. He's got great ability and i can't help but think that a little of it is going to waste at RB. Its a tough decision as he does so well for us at RB. Simply put Elrich to Rb should this ever happen.

 

- Have a plan B in games for Bridge. As its been said he can be so frustrating and hot or cold. And it seems popa has given him free reign regardless of his performance. Having Him and Kresinger in attack hasn't helped as there a severe lack of pace but give someone else a chance and keep Bridge on his toes for a starting spot. Kubi, Minnicoin and Haliti should be in the mix more and offer pace.

 

- Ono, he tends to cop some slack here, but he gives it his all. It would certainly benefit him and the team with a more mobile Gibbs up front and some pace and quality in Hersi and someone else, the more movement the better for he and the team. But It also needs to be considered when Mooy returns wether we should put Ono in the centre of midfield and Mooy behind the striker, it seems Mooy offers a better threat to goal as he has a good shot, where as Ono can be inclined to neat passes that people don't read or are off the mark.

 

- Oh and La Rocca and Poljak midfield partnership should never happen again!

Edited December 2, 2012 by DeeDee

May I just add, the entire team came at the end and clapped the 5 of us. It meant a great deal! Couldn't be more proud as a fan!!!

 

Right there! That is why I **** love this team. ADP couldn't take time to acknowledge his own home fans against Adelaide and our lads take time out to acknowledge 5.

Great effort on your support mate. Total respect.

 

Onto the next game is as much as we can say. Played a bit slow today but meh still competitive. 

 

Polenz for mine needs to be offered a contract extension asap. Every week he is playing well and getting better.

 

May I just add, the entire team came at the end and clapped the 5 of us. It meant a great deal! Couldn't be more proud as a fan!!!

 

Right there! That is why I **** love this team. ADP couldn't take time to acknowledge his own home fans against Adelaide and our lads take time out to acknowledge 5.

Great effort on your support mate. Total respect.

 

Onto the next game is as much as we can say. Played a bit slow today but meh still competitive. 

 

Polenz for mine needs to be offered a contract extension asap. Every week he is playing well and getting better.

 

Polenz manages to sneak under the radar quite a bit but he is doing a good job imo

Polenz needs to be one of the first players re-signed. He has been consistent in all 9 games and the best of our imports so far. He's also had more shots on target than Popa's first choice striker.

Polenz is a gun and is great at RB. Is very solid defensively and is great in attack too. Re-sign him asap.

 

btw, Mooy won't be back for the Brisbane match iirc. Pretty sure it was advertised that the Socceroos would miss 2 HAL games. That means he is back for the derby.

We lost big deal , Wellington weren't that great anyway , an seriously Dino come on man , that's all I'm gonna say about that.......... Gibbs starting 11 popa you should know by now

F-uck it. We lost. Heads up to the next game. COME ON YOU WANDERERS!

We are still in a really good position with this team. Everytime we go out the boys are friggin competitive EVERY GAME. Well every game except maybe the Victory game. That's something to be proud of. This team is still a work in progress and you have to give Popa 2-3 years at the very minimum to help him build this team. I am not expecting miracles, but I love what I am seeing anyway. With a bit of luck we could have at least 2-3 more wins if the ball bounced our way, this game included.

 

The best thing I can see is that we are still fighting, still building and no one is giving up on this team. We have great crowd support of 9-10k a week. I am expecting this to build over the course of the year. The base of supporters is SOLID. We aren't going anywhere.

Just stay the course, because this is when REAL support starts to kick in. Supporting this club is important especially when we are losing games. I know I will keep supporting. HOW ABOUT YOU.

 

COME ON YOU WANDERERS.

Edited December 2, 2012 by Jukes01

Forget this game, on to the next and hope gibbs can start, with kubi and/or minnecon on the bench for a bit of options, leave dino back at the training ground and hand him a "football strikers for dummies" book so he can learn a thing or two..

 

Kresingers gotta gooooo

His slow as **** and cant score a goall

Kresingers gotta goooo

 

(tune : agnostic front - gotta go)

Edited December 2, 2012 by Trojan

I really think people are making Dino a bigger scapegoat than he deserves to be. Whilst he is not an amazing player, you can't put forward a legitimate argument that Bridge and Tahj/cole have been effective in those advanced positions lately either.

 

If anything, it may be time for Popa to play two up front, Dino and Gibbs.

 

By the way, the non called handball was right infront of us, 100% clear handball. This was just another homie ref ffs.

Yellow Fever were nice blokes, liked how accommodating they were pre and post game at the pub/ buying drinks, but they are partially better than the Marinators in terms of support.

 

 

Maybe the conditions and lack of occasion mellowed them out yesterday.

 

It would be good if they ever travelled if we could respond with equal hospitality though.

I really think people are making Dino a bigger scapegoat than he deserves to be. Whilst he is not an amazing player, you can't put forward a legitimate argument that Bridge and Tahj/cole have been effective in those advanced positions lately either.

 

If anything, it may be time for Popa to play two up front, Dino and Gibbs.

 

By the way, the non called handball was right infront of us, 100% clear handball. This was just another homie ref ffs.

 

They won't play 2 up front as part of their regular tactics. It's just not in their philosophy. Tahj would have had an assist if Gibbs didn't smash it at the defender in the last few minutes.

 

Bridge can go as well though. Need better from the front 3.

what is the role of Dino? because i fail to see what popa is trying to do with Dino up front i heard it was his role to hold up the ball in the attacking third for our other players and then pass it to them to shoot but he seems to be somewhat of a target player i just dont get what popa is trying to do

 

i know i am not very good at tactics but that is probably why i am not the coach

Edited December 2, 2012 by TheGoatOfDoom

His role is a target man for the midfield and defenders to hit with long and medium passes.

 

What this entails would include:

1) Flick ons for the wingers or midfielders running past the last line of defense.

1a) Heading the ball down to the wingers or attacking midfielders.

2) Hold the ball up with his back to goal. If he can do this, it can enable the rest of the team to position themselves further up field to enable them to make more co-ordinated attacks. He would hold the ball then lay the ball off to the midfielders or wingers then push forward.

3) Be the target of crosses. Popovic's tactics have from day one been about deploying the fullbacks to overlap the wingers and central midfield, with emphasis put on getting behind on the flanks to enable dangerous crosses. Dino is meant to be the main attacker when this happens.

4) Lead the defensive line, by pressuring opposition central defenders and goalkeeper. If done well, with the 2 wingers and attacking midfielder working in concert, it can force long balls to be launched simply to clear the ball from danger. Like what happened when we played Brisbane.

5) Score goals.

 

Right now his performance in the following areas is:

1) Flick on's haven't been that bad, but they haven't been that good either. Mostly they go straight to the opposition keeper. He should have gained an assist by Ono (iirc in the Newcastle match) but Ono's finish was poor.

1a) Again, not doing much of anything.

2) He hasn't really done this much.

3) When he has got on the end of them, he's done nothing. Witness the final chance in the previous week's match, free header, keeper right in the middle of the pitch, he hits the header wide.

4) He's too slow. He's not putting enough pressure so the other team just pass around him. Indirectly, his slow speed hinders our own defensive efforts because the opposition know he's never going to hurt them on a through ball (he only won the red card by tripping the Victory defender over), so they push way up the pitch, which compresses the midfield and defensive lines. Our team end up hemmed deep into their own territory.

5) I think we all know this one.

I really think people are making Dino a bigger scapegoat than he deserves to be. Whilst he is not an amazing player, you can't put forward a legitimate argument that Bridge and Tahj/cole have been effective in those advanced positions lately either.

 

If anything, it may be time for Popa to play two up front, Dino and Gibbs.

 

By the way, the non called handball was right infront of us, 100% clear handball. This was just another homie ref ffs.

When you have a proven young lad in Gibbs who not only has played well in all his games, BUT more importantly the team has also played well and gelled as one unit. Then theres good cause to question his selection, how has he deserved it?

 

Hes not a scapegoat for not winning games, but he IS a big reason as to why the team struggles to create flowing attacks in the front third and keep the ball. He kills any momentum when he does keep control of the ball because it takes him a few touches unless its a flick on, and he offers no movement.

He doesnt peel off his defenders for the ball to feet, yet when Gibbs comes on he does just that to great effect.

When crosses are put in he is always in the wrong spot, whilst Gibbs is there making the right run.

Gibbs hassles his defenders alot better as well.

Its simple, Gibbs suits the style, the formation and the team, Dino doesnt.

 

Its not so much blaming Kresinger himself, hes just not good enough for this role. But how popa can keep starting him is ridiculous.

 

 

Bridge also is a momentum killer at the best of times. Hes far from being our worst player. But hes not a natural left sided attacker. With more pace elsewhere it could work, perhaps Cole at LB. But in a line up of Dino, Bridge, Ono, La Rocca etc.. Theres absolutely no pace and thats the kind of blunt performance were gona get.

Edited December 2, 2012 by DeeDee

I only got to see the second half.  From the sound of things the first is not worth watching.

 

For those that haven't played in the wind, it is a fricken nightmare as far as passing is concerned.  It nearly always results in crappy play.  I am not surprised by our performance today and similarly I am not overly disappointed as we will have these type of games from time to time.  If that is our worst and we still could have come away with something, not everything is bad.

 

I thought Dino was fantastic today and looks a lot sharper on and off the ball.  He has found a yard of pace and really looked the goods today.  Just unlucky I reckon.  

 

As to foxtel allowing those f_ckers to commentate on A League matches;  I am considering commencing proceedings in the Supreme Court to obtain an injunction against it being broadcast in Australia.  Surely it must be some sort of crime!

 

Boban, i hope you were being sarcastic in your comments about Dino!

I can't help but trust popa's judgement. I don't think Dino has been that bad, albeit slower than your average striker. For Popa to keep using him, I can only imagine that he's seen something in him that we're yet to see. Maybe once he breaks his duck, the floodgates will open. 

 

That being said, Topor Stanley has become increasingly poor over the course of the last few games, which confirms my thoughts on him prior to him joining the wanderers. Like Dino, he does part of his job well but the important parts badly. I.e. he's good at getting the ball off the opposition, but then when he's got the ball himself, he just boots it, or kicks it straight to an opponent. I don't know if he panics or just hasn't learnt what colour his team mates are wearing. 

 

Overall it wasn't much fun watching the game yesterday. Constant aimless crosses into the box which weren't being attacked by anyone, and being easily headed away or otherwise cleared by the Nux. We were extraordinarily unlucky for both penalties to be turned down, but you can't just expect goals to be handed to you on a plate every week. Had we been given those two penalties and converted them, we'd have been undeserving winners. As it turned out, Wellington were undeserving winners, because their goal was a freak, and the game should've ended 0-0 based on the way we both played.

 

George I heard that Dale Cavese for 20 minutes or so - did you just forget about the 'nananananana' bit? haha. Good work mate, you guys were louder than the yellow fever for the most part. 

Didn't forget that part, more of a case of others joining in for the easier bit I'd say, may have made it more audible. I had to teach 3 of them most words, the guy from Bay 57 had a reasonable grasp. For a ramshackle team of 5, I thought we were decent!

 

I must say, I was shocked you could hear us at all.

 

 

His role is a target man for the midfield and defenders to hit with long and medium passes.

 

What this entails would include:

1) Flick ons for the wingers or midfielders running past the last line of defense.

1a) Heading the ball down to the wingers or attacking midfielders.

2) Hold the ball up with his back to goal. If he can do this, it can enable the rest of the team to position themselves further up field to enable them to make more co-ordinated attacks. He would hold the ball then lay the ball off to the midfielders or wingers then push forward.

3) Be the target of crosses. Popovic's tactics have from day one been about deploying the fullbacks to overlap the wingers and central midfield, with emphasis put on getting behind on the flanks to enable dangerous crosses. Dino is meant to be the main attacker when this happens.

4) Lead the defensive line, by pressuring opposition central defenders and goalkeeper. If done well, with the 2 wingers and attacking midfielder working in concert, it can force long balls to be launched simply to clear the ball from danger. Like what happened when we played Brisbane.

5) Score goals.

 

Right now his performance in the following areas is:

1) Flick on's haven't been that bad, but they haven't been that good either. Mostly they go straight to the opposition keeper. He should have gained an assist by Ono (iirc in the Newcastle match) but Ono's finish was poor.

1a) Again, not doing much of anything.

2) He hasn't really done this much.

3) When he has got on the end of them, he's done nothing. Witness the final chance in the previous week's match, free header, keeper right in the middle of the pitch, he hits the header wide.

4) He's too slow. He's not putting enough pressure so the other team just pass around him. Indirectly, his slow speed hinders our own defensive efforts because the opposition know he's never going to hurt them on a through ball (he only won the red card by tripping the Victory defender over), so they push way up the pitch, which compresses the midfield and defensive lines. Our team end up hemmed deep into their own territory.

5) I think we all know this one.

thanks for the insight he is big so you think he could hold up the ball well

 

 

His role is a target man for the midfield and defenders to hit with long and medium passes.

 

What this entails would include:

1) Flick ons for the wingers or midfielders running past the last line of defense.

1a) Heading the ball down to the wingers or attacking midfielders.

2) Hold the ball up with his back to goal. If he can do this, it can enable the rest of the team to position themselves further up field to enable them to make more co-ordinated attacks. He would hold the ball then lay the ball off to the midfielders or wingers then push forward.

3) Be the target of crosses. Popovic's tactics have from day one been about deploying the fullbacks to overlap the wingers and central midfield, with emphasis put on getting behind on the flanks to enable dangerous crosses. Dino is meant to be the main attacker when this happens.

4) Lead the defensive line, by pressuring opposition central defenders and goalkeeper. If done well, with the 2 wingers and attacking midfielder working in concert, it can force long balls to be launched simply to clear the ball from danger. Like what happened when we played Brisbane.

5) Score goals.

 

Right now his performance in the following areas is:

1) Flick on's haven't been that bad, but they haven't been that good either. Mostly they go straight to the opposition keeper. He should have gained an assist by Ono (iirc in the Newcastle match) but Ono's finish was poor.

1a) Again, not doing much of anything.

2) He hasn't really done this much.

3) When he has got on the end of them, he's done nothing. Witness the final chance in the previous week's match, free header, keeper right in the middle of the pitch, he hits the header wide.

4) He's too slow. He's not putting enough pressure so the other team just pass around him. Indirectly, his slow speed hinders our own defensive efforts because the opposition know he's never going to hurt them on a through ball (he only won the red card by tripping the Victory defender over), so they push way up the pitch, which compresses the midfield and defensive lines. Our team end up hemmed deep into their own territory.

5) I think we all know this one.

thanks for the insight he is big so you think he could hold up the ball well

 

 

The whole big guy thing is overstated. More like soft and lazy. That's beside the point anyway. We need someone quick, agile and alert in there. Even Gibbs isn't the best, but at the moment he's the best we've got.

 

It reminds me of when Barca bought Ibrahimovic, and he became absolutley useless in their team. The thing is I rate Ibrahimovic highly, as do many others. But he just didn't fit the puzzle.

 

I see how it is Mack, changing the thread headline to avoid my penalty shootout challenge!!!

 

You scared bro? 

 

 

His role is a target man for the midfield and defenders to hit with long and medium passes.

 

What this entails would include:

1) Flick ons for the wingers or midfielders running past the last line of defense.

1a) Heading the ball down to the wingers or attacking midfielders.

2) Hold the ball up with his back to goal. If he can do this, it can enable the rest of the team to position themselves further up field to enable them to make more co-ordinated attacks. He would hold the ball then lay the ball off to the midfielders or wingers then push forward.

3) Be the target of crosses. Popovic's tactics have from day one been about deploying the fullbacks to overlap the wingers and central midfield, with emphasis put on getting behind on the flanks to enable dangerous crosses. Dino is meant to be the main attacker when this happens.

4) Lead the defensive line, by pressuring opposition central defenders and goalkeeper. If done well, with the 2 wingers and attacking midfielder working in concert, it can force long balls to be launched simply to clear the ball from danger. Like what happened when we played Brisbane.

5) Score goals.

 

Right now his performance in the following areas is:

1) Flick on's haven't been that bad, but they haven't been that good either. Mostly they go straight to the opposition keeper. He should have gained an assist by Ono (iirc in the Newcastle match) but Ono's finish was poor.

1a) Again, not doing much of anything.

2) He hasn't really done this much.

3) When he has got on the end of them, he's done nothing. Witness the final chance in the previous week's match, free header, keeper right in the middle of the pitch, he hits the header wide.

4) He's too slow. He's not putting enough pressure so the other team just pass around him. Indirectly, his slow speed hinders our own defensive efforts because the opposition know he's never going to hurt them on a through ball (he only won the red card by tripping the Victory defender over), so they push way up the pitch, which compresses the midfield and defensive lines. Our team end up hemmed deep into their own territory.

5) I think we all know this one.

thanks for the insight he is big so you think he could hold up the ball well

 

 

The whole big guy thing is overstated. More like soft and lazy. That's beside the point anyway. We need someone quick, agile and alert in there. Even Gibbs isn't the best, but at the moment he's the best we've got.

 

It reminds me of when Barca bought Ibrahimovic, and he became absolutley useless in their team. The thing is I rate Ibrahimovic highly, as do many others. But he just didn't fit the puzzle.

 

 

 

That's a good point. Another player who's very similar in stature and physical presence to Ibra is Fellaini for Everton and he's the key to their success at the moment. Without him or if he's not on form they struggle and he pretty much perfectly fits the description that Mack wrote for what Dino would ideally be doing.

 

 

 

His role is a target man for the midfield and defenders to hit with long and medium passes.

 

What this entails would include:

1) Flick ons for the wingers or midfielders running past the last line of defense.

1a) Heading the ball down to the wingers or attacking midfielders.

2) Hold the ball up with his back to goal. If he can do this, it can enable the rest of the team to position themselves further up field to enable them to make more co-ordinated attacks. He would hold the ball then lay the ball off to the midfielders or wingers then push forward.

3) Be the target of crosses. Popovic's tactics have from day one been about deploying the fullbacks to overlap the wingers and central midfield, with emphasis put on getting behind on the flanks to enable dangerous crosses. Dino is meant to be the main attacker when this happens.

4) Lead the defensive line, by pressuring opposition central defenders and goalkeeper. If done well, with the 2 wingers and attacking midfielder working in concert, it can force long balls to be launched simply to clear the ball from danger. Like what happened when we played Brisbane.

5) Score goals.

 

Right now his performance in the following areas is:

1) Flick on's haven't been that bad, but they haven't been that good either. Mostly they go straight to the opposition keeper. He should have gained an assist by Ono (iirc in the Newcastle match) but Ono's finish was poor.

1a) Again, not doing much of anything.

2) He hasn't really done this much.

3) When he has got on the end of them, he's done nothing. Witness the final chance in the previous week's match, free header, keeper right in the middle of the pitch, he hits the header wide.

4) He's too slow. He's not putting enough pressure so the other team just pass around him. Indirectly, his slow speed hinders our own defensive efforts because the opposition know he's never going to hurt them on a through ball (he only won the red card by tripping the Victory defender over), so they push way up the pitch, which compresses the midfield and defensive lines. Our team end up hemmed deep into their own territory.

5) I think we all know this one.

thanks for the insight he is big so you think he could hold up the ball well

 

 

The whole big guy thing is overstated. More like soft and lazy. That's beside the point anyway. We need someone quick, agile and alert in there. Even Gibbs isn't the best, but at the moment he's the best we've got.

 

It reminds me of when Barca bought Ibrahimovic, and he became absolutley useless in their team. The thing is I rate Ibrahimovic highly, as do many others. But he just didn't fit the puzzle.

 

 

 

That's a good point. Another player who's very similar in stature and physical presence to Ibra is Fellaini for Everton and he's the key to their success at the moment. Without him or if he's not on form they struggle and he pretty much perfectly fits the description that Mack wrote for what Dino would ideally be doing.

 

Fellaini to western sydney wanderers?

 

i always thought he wasnt lazy very soft though(dino)

I can't help but trust popa's judgement. I don't think Dino has been that bad, albeit slower than your average striker. For Popa to keep using him, I can only imagine that he's seen something in him that we're yet to see. Maybe once he breaks his duck, the floodgates will open.

 

That being said, Topor Stanley has become increasingly poor over the course of the last few games, which confirms my thoughts on him prior to him joining the wanderers. Like Dino, he does part of his job well but the important parts badly. I.e. he's good at getting the ball off the opposition, but then when he's got the ball himself, he just boots it, or kicks it straight to an opponent. I don't know if he panics or just hasn't learnt what colour his team mates are wearing.

Sorry JAR, but you need to watch Dino next home game , if you're at the stadium. To watch his work rate off the ball, or even in 50/50 opportunities is absolutely infuriating to me. He's not only slow, he just doesn't move. His positioning is awful, and when a cross comes in, it would have to be pinpoint perfect for him to pick it up. He doesn't attack the ball, he doesn't press, he doesn't pull the centre backs around in a counter attack and he doesn't back himself. There's more wrong with his game than just his speed.

 

As for Topor Stanley. He takes along time on the ball when in possession which can be annoying but the worst part is, when he finally distributes it quite often goes to the other team, or behind the player. He should be looking for Mooy to drop back towards him when in possession and play that easy pass instead of the complicated ones that he's trying. Or just play to Beachamp, Polenz, D'Apuzzo instead.

 

Overall it was so frustrating to watch us play this game, the weather wasn't good, but there's no excuse for the way we played.

 

One of the massive problems I see with the team at the moment is the speed of the passing and how long it takes them to move the ball around. Too often players are taking 4,5,6 touches on the ball, when it should be one or two. The problem is holding the ball like this is that it gives so much time for the opposition to organise themselves and get behind the ball. So every time we attack, we're attacking against a set defence. This was even worse without Mooy there yesterday, and is something that has to be changed ASAP. It's a massive part of the reason that we were so ineffective against a ten man Victory last week, because we didn't stretch them out and make the extra man count. We were content to sit back in possession and pass it around, until the were back and organised. So it means that Topor Stanley, looks up after his four or five touches and sees his teammates all marked and tight, so he has to try and play a harder pass than what he's capable of.

 

Just my thoughts, but I believe if we can speed up our ball movement, it will create so many more chances. Oh and get Kresinger off, it's not worth trying to prove a point or whatever Popa is trying to do. He doesn't look remotely like a player that will assist us in winning games.

Edited December 3, 2012 by Sub

 

 

I can't help but trust popa's judgement. I don't think Dino has been that bad, albeit slower than your average striker. For Popa to keep using him, I can only imagine that he's seen something in him that we're yet to see. Maybe once he breaks his duck, the floodgates will open.

 

That being said, Topor Stanley has become increasingly poor over the course of the last few games, which confirms my thoughts on him prior to him joining the wanderers. Like Dino, he does part of his job well but the important parts badly. I.e. he's good at getting the ball off the opposition, but then when he's got the ball himself, he just boots it, or kicks it straight to an opponent. I don't know if he panics or just hasn't learnt what colour his team mates are wearing.

Sorry JAR, but you need to watch Dino next home game , if you're at the stadium. To watch his work rate off the ball, or even in 50/50 opportunities is absolutely infuriating to me. He's not only slow, he just doesn't move. His positioning is awful, and when a cross comes in, it would have to be pinpoint perfect for him to pick it up. He doesn't attack the ball, he doesn't press, he doesn't pull the centre backs around in a counter attack and he doesn't back himself. There's more wrong with his game than just his speed.

 

As for Topor Stanley. He takes along time on the ball when in possession which can be annoying but the worst part is, when he finally distributes it quite often goes to the other team, or behind the player. He should be looking for Mooy to drop back towards him when in possession and play that easy pass instead of the complicated ones that he's trying. Or just play to Beachamp, Polenz, D'Apuzzo instead.

 

Overall it was so frustrating to watch us play this game, the weather wasn't good, but there's no excuse for the way we played.

 

One of the massive problems I see with the team at the moment is the speed of the passing and how long it takes them to move the ball around. Too often players are taking 4,5,6 touches on the ball, when it should be one or two. The problem is holding the ball like this is that it gives so much time for the opposition to organise themselves and get behind the ball. So every time we attack, we're attacking against a set defence. This was even worse without Mooy there yesterday, and is something that has to be changed ASAP. It's a massive part of the reason that we were so ineffective against a ten man Victory last week, because we didn't stretch them out and make the extra man count. We were content to sit back in possession and pass it around, until the were back and organised. So it means that Topor Stanley, looks up after his four or five touches and sees his teammates all marked and tight, so he has to try and play a harder pass than what he's capable of.

 

Just my thoughts, but I believe if we can speed up our ball movement, it will create so many more chances. Oh and get Kresinger off, it's not worth trying to prove a point or whatever Popa is trying to do. He doesn't look remotely like a player that will assist us in winning games.

 

 

What you said about Kresinger is 100% true. Couldn't have said it better myself.

 

As for Topor Stanley, the reason for the long passes is because Mooy was missing in the game. When Mooy is there it is a different story. Mooy is the only player that tracks back and looks for the ball. This gives Topor Stanley an option. La Rocca is just not good at this role, and when Trifiro came on he also struggled in that role. Trifiro should be playing further up the park.

 

I believe the team dynamics get affected when some players are not there (or are there). When Mooy is not there, Topor Stanley struggles with his passes. When Kresinger is there, Shinji and Bridge struggle. I also believe Hersi makes a big difference to the whole team with his running.