surprisedbygrass
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- 21 Sep 2024
- Messages
- 132
- Team supported
- Manchester City
I'm calling this tactic Park the Bus in the opposition third .Really did enjoy the match, although I have to say that after the first 25 minutes our players wer somehow in another gear, Rico the main culprit slowing the game when chances were there if he'd just passed it forward.
But, then again, a couple of times we tried it, we lost possession, that's why -i'm wondering- Pep's instructions were to keep the ball; obedient lad is our Rico. Later on absolutely brilliant for Erlin's second, a piece of quality art the team goal.
Second half was way better, and with the Hempoesque goal of Haaland, we finally clicked. Chuffed to bits for all the lads, especially the 4 academy players.
get in!
Pep can't afford any more injuries and we have a slower lightweight midfield without Rodri so we need to save energy and reduce risk of chaos . Otherwise this squad will self destruct by Christmas ..Keep the ball, slow the pace , keep the ball, slow the pace keep the ball.
Parking the bus in their camp is less risky for injuries than facing an aggressive press closer to our own goal as the opposition has to play a perfect pass or have a stroke of luck to beat us ( in theory ) .Notice when we have a counter attack opportunity we often see the most forward player hold the ball so that we can get back into shape before advancing . It's all about the shape and the pressure and makes me think of a squeezing a gas into a smaller volume .when you release the pressure it's a chaotic explosion that dissipates .
If teams want to put ten men behind the ball let them . We're going to score anyway . No other team in the world is as versatile as ours . But favourite CL game so far was InterMilan , who gave us a real game of football. Or Fulham in the PL.