Fernando

[BillyShears]

Totally agree. Would give us pace, work rate and balance. Would be a good set up against the real top teams in Europe where we aren't necessarily going to have tons of possession. Not sure it will happen though, I suspect he will always pick at least two of Yaya, Silva and KDB when they're all available.

Yeah maybe. But then I was 100% convinced that Yaya would be accommodated and KDB moved out of his best position last night and Pellegrini surprised me. I think there's a different mentality and focus on the CL and as such I expect that whoever we draw, Pellegrini will come up with a tactical set up and plan to try and win the ties.

Silva and Toure are both yesterday's men though. Of that there's no doubt for me. For everything they've achieved and done at the club, both of them should be sold this summer and younger, hungrier, players brought in in their positions.

 

[kunaguero10]

Managed to watch the game back last night after I got home from the match, the tv doesn't really do justice to how shockingly bad he was .. Clichy had a worldy because, fortunately, he was able to stem the tide of being doubled up on constantly. You suggested silvas defensive duties were neglected, glad we agree on that, however, his decision making with the ball has become really concerning...

People moan about yayas attitude toward other players, silva 4/5 times last night was berating those around him for his mistakes....

Well it seems you have a bit of a personal vendetta against Silva, which I'll respect and agree to disagree on.

However back to Fernando, this is very much like Javi Garcia's resurgence in his last 6 months. I don't think anyone was under any illusions that he was suddenly at the required level, but that doesn't mean we didnt appreciate his improvement and him doing a good job in his last few months here.

Same with Fernando, well done for finally becoming of use to us, but for me it's too little and far too late.

I just hope the replacement isn't another downgrade though!

 

[Chi-town blues]

Fantastic game again but the haters are watching him closely . One bad pass and the knives are out.

 

[crystal_mais]

Fernando has been class -

 

[Zin 'messiah' Zimmer]

You'll have to forgive me for not taking serious posters who use phrases like "shockingly bad" and "painful to watch"

And yet it seems to be reinforced somewhat by those who were there.... Listen, maybe it's the fact the guy has set himself such high standards that it comes across as 'picky', however, his ball retention is seriously on the decline, his positional sense off kilt (only really noticed if you were analysing the game in the stands)...

You're doing the same thing yaya fans have been guilty of, holding on to former high level performances and making excuses... He was shockingly bad, in my opinion, doesn't make me right, granted, however I've watched enough football over the years to see he's currently a liability...

 

[Lancet Fluke]

Yeah maybe. But then I was 100% convinced that Yaya would be accommodated and KDB moved out of his best position last night and Pellegrini surprised me. I think there's a different mentality and focus on the CL and as such I expect that whoever we draw, Pellegrini will come up with a tactical set up and plan to try and win the ties.

Silva and Toure are both yesterday's men though. Of that there's no doubt for me. For everything they've achieved and done at the club, both of them should be sold this summer and younger, hungrier, players brought in in their positions.

I think it's been pretty obvious that we need to move on from Yaya for quite a while but Silva's decline has been rapid and alarming. I don't know what to make of it tbh. I find it difficult to totally write him off already but it depends on whether there is any prospect of him getting some significant improvement with his ankle. The way he is playing he looks a shadow of what he was maybe only 6 months ago or so, I don't know whether there would still be room to accommodate him if we can be less reliant on him, pick and choose his matches a bit more and allow him to perhaps play in a little less pain? A summer off for him would be a start but that's not going to happen.

 

[Phil1]

And yet it seems to be reinforced somewhat by those who were there.... Listen, maybe it's the fact the guy has set himself such high standards that it comes across as 'picky', however, his ball retention is seriously on the decline, his positional sense off kilt (only really noticed if you were analysing the game in the stands)...

You're doing the same thing yaya fans have been guilty of, holding on to former high level performances and making excuses... He was shockingly bad, in my opinion, doesn't make me right, granted, however I've watched enough football over the years to see he's currently a liability...

There have been too many games this season where he could be described as shockingly bad or painful to watch.
Last night wasn't one of them. If he was a liability how many chances did they create from his side?
I was there as well so not sure where the reinforcement of being there makes a difference.

 

[schfc6]

Think you're asking the wrong person, it wasn't me who said it.

Do you not see my point though?

Inside left on one side,
Right winger on the other,
Second striker/no 10 in the middle.

Two holding midfielders in Fernando and Fernandinho.

One week Pellegrini is a clown. The next lauded for getting everything right. One week he's a clueless moron for playing Fernando and Fernandinho, the next he's brilliant.

 

[Lancet Fluke]

Do you not see my point though?

Inside left on one side,
Right winger on the other,
Second striker/no 10 in the middle.

Two holding midfielders in Fernando and Fernandinho.

One week Pellegrini is a clown. The next lauded for getting everything right. One week he's a clueless moron for playing Fernando and Fernandinho, the next he's brilliant.

You're still addressing the wrong person. FWIW I have never given Pellegrini stick for picking the two Ferns in a team (as far as I am aware). I know it hasn't always worked out when he has but it isn't something I have personally given him stick for. I am almost always happier when he is a bit more pragmatic and picks a more solid midfield. It's being too open that gets on my tits.

 

[purplenose]

The one thing that worries me about the two Ferns is they both give to many free kicks away and that could cost us....but thats nit picking. They have both improved at a steady pace and look increasingly integral to the team.