ADegenerate
Well-Known Member
Man, we haven't "got rid of 433". Guardiola often used 352/343 vs opposition pressing in 433 at Bayern to make passing easier for defenders, so nothing new.
And Liverpool was one-off, unique opponent, like Barcelona last year, don't think we'll play in such counterattacking style anytime soon. Maybe Tottenham and Napoli away? But that's it. So, it's impossible to draw any conclusions from this game.
"KDB jumped up a level". Come on, everyone knows he thrives in a chaotic counterattacking game with quick transitions. His weak spot is controlling the ball in possession under pressure, that's where he needs to get better. Dinho was as good in this game, does it make him a worldclass pivot? No, he'll be gone next summer, if we can afford someone like Julian Weigl.
And no, we didn't look outstanding before the red, the game was absolutely even. It's a freak result, don't fool yourself.
Not being negative, just trying to be realistic.
I welcome any opposing post and appreciate your response. I'll elaborate a little futher. Anytime you're looking at something it depends on your perspective and what you're comparing it too. For me, I'm going off of last seasons team compared to what we have now and how much better we will be. How many assists did our fullbacks have last season in total? 3 lol? We had one from each flank. We had Sane bang home two when he totaled 5 last season. Can you remember the last time we scored out of the box? Another bonus. Kun dumped it off to GJ and he easily shoots there over 50% last season. Fernandinho didn't particular impress me last campaign and last nights match he performed better than I expected. In many respects I'd consider it fantastic. The start wasn't great and it was vs 10 men so I'm not ignoring that fact.
As far as KDB jumping up a level...I was referring to Zins post about grit and fitness levels improving. That's a jump up, no?
As far as getting rid of the 4-3-3...I know flexibility is Peps forte but last year and in previous seasons that was the deafault and going off of what Chelsea did last year and with how effective we've been with the 3-5-2 I'd easily say that it's the default formation moving forward and a sign that Pep is adjusting which is obviously more good news. Definitely appears to be more pragmatic so far.
I'm not particularly so excited because of last night but because of the additions that fit what we're doing, Peps willingness to be pragmatic, the surprise of Danilo, and the increasing comfort levels with Kun + GJ. The grit we showed to grind out and win the Bournemouth game late and the battle vs Everton is title winning stuff. Was it a fluke event or something different? Who knows for sure but the result positively improves your comfort levels in the future similar situations.
It's ok to be optimistic :-p
It's not common for me so take that as good news.