24 | Joško Gvardiol - 2024/25

Status
Not open for further replies.
Honestly, some of what's been posted on here is called ‘presentism’. Josko has been terrific this season, not just good in attack, but one of our most reliable defenders. Not infrequently, he's had to hurtle right the way over from his side to put out fires on the right side. It happened last night, in the first half, when he intercepted a Feyenoord attacker who was clean through. Watch the match back, you'll see it.
He made a lousy mistake last night, and something of a mare for the last quarter of the game. I completely accept that, and call him out for it (he wasn't the only one, by the way — Ed was very poor on the second goal, I could mention others). Furthermore, he knew it. Just look at his face at the end. He's devastated.
But let's be fair in our assessment.
 
Last edited:
His confidence is shot to pieces and last night showed how desperately we need a leader back in defence - you bring on Ruben instead of the young lad and we win that game.

For me there was not a single player organising our defensive structure in that pressure period so those goals were a collective mistake of the entire defence and keeper. Eddie & Manu for instance has always been very quiet and last night showed that when things are going south you need someone to organise & be vocal - we were once again too nice and as soon as any team uses pace we are vulnerable.

Josko has to be better and he will.
 
Bez said:
His mistake in the FA Cup final put me on notice that he is prone to major gaffs. His confidence will be shot following recent performances. Sad stuff.
Click to expand...

Might be the next Cancelo


Mix of brilliant and disastrous moments
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bez
Laporte found himself out of favour with Pep after one poor game against Spurs, Josko has quickly moved this season to Mangala territory when it comes to pure defending. I am not sure where the things go from, he look extremely fragile mentally - I am talking about his football.
 
Mr HJ said:
His confidence is shot to pieces and last night showed how desperately we need a leader back in defence - you bring on Ruben instead of the young lad and we win that game.

For me there was not a single player organising our defensive structure in that pressure period so those goals were a collective mistake of the entire defence and keeper. Eddie & Manu for instance has always been very quiet and last night showed that when things are going south you need someone to organise & be vocal - we were once again too nice and as soon as any team uses pace we are vulnerable.

Josko has to be better and he will.
Click to expand...

They're all good defenders in that back line (I'm not talking about right back, which has now become a significant problem). We've got four of the best centre-halves in the world. I mean it. Most other clubs would kill to have any one of Johnny, Nathan, Manu Akanji.
But there's only one natural leader, and that's been the case for several seasons — Rúben. Watch him on the bench in the Pitcam version of the Villa game. It's fascinating. He's going mad to get behind the boys. He's standing up from the bench, screaming at them, chivvying them. By God but I miss him at the moment.
 
mancityscot said:
needs a spell on the sidelines. Not been the same player since Ben Doak ripped him apart in the international break.
Click to expand...
expert on croatian national team eh?

joško was the one who scored the goal that took croatia to the nations league qf, and that was after the scotland game. your facts aren’t facting.
 
What do you want a defender to do 1st ? Defend
Everyone raving about his attacking credentials and goals scored are wrong as its obviously affects his defensive duties which is far more important.
Think of the 1st goal at Wembley against the rags in the final..
We've tried Clichy / Kolarov / Mendy in this position and each one has attacking options but let down by the important part which as a defender is to defend first and foremost.
 
DTKOAG said:
What do you want a defender to do 1st ? Defend
Everyone raving about his attacking credentials and goals scored are wrong as its obviously affects his defensive duties which is far more important.
Think of the 1st goal at Wembley against the rags in the final..
We've tried Clichy / Kolarov / Mendy in this position and each one has attacking options but let down by the important part which as a defender is to defend first and foremost.
Click to expand...
Clichy was a very good defender. Kolarov actually were decent st defending when he moved into the centre under Pep.

Gvardiol will be fine
 
It's the system. I think he would be fine in a flat back 4 or if he is allowed to be the only one high on the pitch with 3 CB's behind him.

But when it's him and Rico up high with no Rodri and teams counter...it's over.
 
mcfcbill91 said:
Just needs to be benched for a few weeks - regardless of his previous performances. There's no room for a player who has made 5 individual errors leading to goals in recent games. It's just damaging his confidence and those around him.
Click to expand...

Yeah, publicly humiliating and dropping him should give his confidence a turbo boost.

And, as a bonus, we’ve got a big queue of PL-ready, super-fit defenders jostling to take his place.
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.
Unread Posts

Don't have an account? Register now and see fewer ads!

SIGN UP
Back
Top