Raheem Sterling - 2016/17 performances

[I'm With Stupid]

Presumably that interview was sanctioned by the club. If so, that's a good move. We're giving an exclusive interview to the one newspaper that isn't horrifically biased against us.

 

[Peggy's a blue]

It more or less said exactly the things I posted last year that under a better coach he would be fine :-)

 

[supercity88]

Good interview in the Fail tomorrow with Raheem, by Ollie Holt. Seems that most of last seasons training involved 'two-touch' only and may go some way to explaining his shocking loss of form. Not encouraged to run at people but to play the two-touch way. Says Pep has explained that closing down by running forward 5 yards must be better than running back 50. Sometimes the game sounds absurdly simple.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...ester-City-s-leading-light-turned-around.html

It's a good article and you're right with your last comment. I think Pep's attention to detail and passion for both sport and coaching/management in general lead to his ability to make the game seem simple. He's met with chess masters previously to discuss tactics and it's evident in some games. Bayern often swarmed certain areas of the pitch to create overlaps and to find space much like a chess player would not only identify weaknesses in their opposition, but also dangle the carrot in order to provoke the opposition into doing something that would ultimately lead to their downfall. On a football field it's much more simple and effective.

By defending on the front foot you save so much energy and there are few teams that can keep the ball well under pressure. Those that can will still be such a distance from your goal that it's still very difficult for them to create chances. In addition, the goalkeeper is used as a sweeper should the ball be played over the top. By using the goalkeeper as an additional outfield option you turn it into 11 v 10. Again, simple but not something many have tried over footballing history, or even in today's game.

 

[Blue Smarties]

Appears to have gone on a mini break away with his missus. I like that he's been rewarded with refuel time as opposed to having to play for Gareth fucking Southgate with that fella who shags grannies whilst his wife is pregnant.

 

[BlueTG]

Quality young player who has been back to his best.

It's a breath of fresh air to see him doing so well and it's no less than he deserves, especially after the abuse.

Great to read that he's taking his profession even more serious too, with ice baths, etc, and it can only help him and us.

Long may it continue and I can actually see an award for him this year - probably PFA Young Player.

You are Harry's Redknapp and I claim my prize.

 

[Otamendi's Beard]

You are Harry's Redknapp and I claim my prize.

What can I say, he's t'riffic.

 

[Bluster]

Good interview in the Fail tomorrow with Raheem, by Ollie Holt. Seems that most of last seasons training involved 'two-touch' only and may go some way to explaining his shocking loss of form. Not encouraged to run at people but to play the two-touch way. Says Pep has explained that closing down by running forward 5 yards must be better than running back 50. Sometimes the game sounds absurdly simple.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...ester-City-s-leading-light-turned-around.html

I'm assuming his second touch was a tackle most of last season.

 

[Cityfan]

In amongst a lot of mistakes tonight it is good to look back on some of the good things that happened. I though Sterling was excellent , helped out in defense and looked a real threat whenever he had a bit of room and one of his passes to KDB was exquisite.
MOTM for City.

 

[Thaksinssoldier]

He was great. Big night for him.

 

[RandomJ]

He never gives up. He makes mistakes, his final ball might be dodgy at times but he is always there ready to run at teams and he caused them some real problems and got one of them sent off and set up a lot of good attacks.