8 | Mateo Kovačić - 2024/25

[B\connellblue]

He can't be blamed for that shit show. Only bit of energy in the team today.

 

[ninjamonkey]

I don't doubt that it's not his fault but it's not working and I don't know what we can do.

I agree it's not working, that's clear for us all to see but it's not his fault it's not working. His individual performance tonight was high, to the point where he was our best player.

you can recognise the problems the team has whilst separating the individual effort, deserves no criticism tonight.

 

[Lavinda Past]

Probably our most consistent player over the past few weeks. One of few who has earned his wages.

 

[stan bowles]

MOTM today - not a very high bar but he was.

 

[madloaf]

Good today. At least looks like he's interested in a forward pass

 

[Keeper!]

I thought he was superb, a captain's performance and attitude and superb skill to go with it.

I already think this guy is class but last night showed he really cares about this club.

 

[Akira]

One of our brighter points the past few weeks.

 

[.db.]

At least Kovačić understands that if the goal is >>> that way, we need to run, dribble and pass >>> that way. There are a number of others who fucking don’t.

 

[waspish]

Mint on the ball if it wank

 

[Blue_Lightsaber]

We need an actual 6.

I know you guys don't wanna hear this but even Perrone over in Serie A is an upgrade on Kovacic defensively and that's where Kovacic is terrible although good at control/ bringing ball upfield/ setting the tempo.

If we don't think Perrone is good enough yet, we need to spend in Jan for an actual 6 - zubamendi or whoever.. it seems we want a DM who's 6 foot 3 like Rodri but they are kinda rare!

 

[Scaring Europe to Death]

Kovacic has recently been our most consistent player, but equally he's worryingly one footed for a slowish central midfielder and you can see opponents waiting to pounce when he tries to control the ball with the outside of his right foot when it's actually easier to use his left.
That's what cost him his Yellow Card in Lisbon and also meant he couldn't take one for the team in the build up for their 2nd goal.

 

[johnny crossan]

Injured when subbed at HT last night according to the BBC match report.

 

[merz]

Injured when subbed at HT last night according to the BBC match report.

someone postet on twitter that the croatia coach said it was a tactical sub and not injury related after the game.

 

[johnny crossan]

someone postet on twitter that the croatia coach said it was a tactical sub and not injury related after the game.

Great news if true, he'd be a big miss for Saturday.

 

[Mike S]

Pep has just confirmed he's injured and out for 3-4 weeks [emoji22]

 

[Blue warrior]

Pep has just confirmed he's injured and out for 3-4 weeks [emoji22]

Ffs we can’t get a break at the minute!

 

[Chak19]

Just brilliant, the International "break" strikes again, until the players and clubs grow some balls and confront UEFA about this bullshit it's going to continue, fucking joke.

 

[Blue_Lightsaber]

Have a feeling that this is a boon in disguise..

Don't like ragging on our players but I never felt he was the solution at 6 and we need an actual 6. This may force Pep's hand to tinker the system around a real 6.

Maybe Nico O'Reilly, maybe Akanji or Stones, maybe Perrone who is excelling in Serie A!

 

[blueparrot]

Have a feeling that this is a boon in disguise..

Don't like ragging on our players but I never felt he was the solution at 6 and we need an actual 6. This may force Pep's hand to tinker the system around a real 6.

Maybe Nico O'Reilly, maybe Akanji or Stones, maybe Perrone who is excelling in Serie A!

None of them are actual 6s, except Perrone maybe and he's not there.

 

[super_city_si]

Christ we're doomed this season. Think hes our second highest goalscorer (3 lol) Just start getting the defence back and the midfield takes a hit