Shakhtar Donetsk (H) CL Post-Match Thread

[remember arthur mann]

Suppose this is the tricky part for a successful manager, keeping the team motivated !

 

[waspish]

We cant have many more games like that! Another park bus early Saturday so another tough game with a team well up for it.

 

[Pingu the Penguin]

There is no legs in the midfield and that is the major problem. Rodri only adds to the problem and he is no Dinho at covering ground

Been thinking back to the early start of Fern and I think it’s fair to say he grew into his role. I like what I’ve seen from Rodri and think he will get better tbh

 

[FogBlueInSanFran]

good call and agree. We are missing our full backs over lapping

I said this in the match day thread. To be fair Pellegrini didn't do it much either. The constant cycling side to side and cutting the ball back in where whomever has it faces a packed box and is forced to play the ball through or over it puzzles me. What happened to going around?

 

[grim up north]

How many would have taken being unbeaten top of the group and qualified with a game to go whilst strolling thru the penultimate game

 

[Ban-jani]

Absolutely terrible.

We’re not the same side as we have been in the last two seasons.

Even our best players are playing poorly.

What’s going on with Bernardo? KDB trying too hard. Sterling’s form from early season has gone. Full backs are woeful. Otamendi shouldn’t ever play again. Rodri not the player people think he is, I must be the only one who thinks he’s average.

Other than that things are great and we’re through as group winners woohoo.

 

[simon23]

There is no legs in the midfield and that is the major problem. Rodri only adds to the problem and he is no Dinho at covering ground.

Gundogan can’t really run, De Brunye has lost half a yard since his injury and actually looks overweight and Silva is 34.

Yet those 4 always make up the midfield trio.

completely agree about Gundogan and Silva is on the decline but thats understandable.

Rodri breaks up play so well and i think his passing forward is as good as Ferna's was....


KDB does look a bit off the pace as well.

For me our midfield suffers when Gundogan plays in the more attacking role (and I dont rate him at the pivot though that is his better position) -it isnt just those however...sterling has dropped off the last few games...bernardo - its just not working for him at present....Sane injured and probably on the way out and Mahrez inconsistent still - its a bi issue coupled witha makeshift defence where Id only rate walker, cancello and Stones and Laporte as good enough (neither left back is performaing anywhere near the level required)

 

[super_city_si]

Piss poor. Can’t even blame poor finishing. We created practically nothing. One of the worst performances this season.

 

[daztrueblue91]

Been thinking back to the early start of Fern and I think it’s fair to say he grew into his role. I like what I’ve seen from Rodri and think he will get better tbh

Rodri is a top class defensive midfielder but he needs legs in front of him.

He’s a totally different type of DM to Fernandinho and asking him to do his job is a recipe for disaster.

 

[St.Pauli support]

A draw when needed - we have arrived at the top!

Seriously, group win with a spare match and no further injuries is ok.

But our game is so transparent, no change in tempo, no surprise.
We are outnumbered in every offensive situation and fail to create much.
When we create we have a low conversion ratio. Gundogan did well to be where Raz should turn up, and scored. Great assist by Jesus.

We are missing David's former creativity, Leroy too, and our general sharpness. Raz looks overplayed to me.

We have to be patient, expect many tight matches and just keep going.
Dippers will have a tough a December and we have to be there when they slip.

The lads need more support. Much more.