Sporting CP (A) | CL | Post Match Thread

[urban genie]

We fucked ourselves first half with poor finishing

their second are the type of things that can happen and then straight after the break we then had a mini headloss where a debatable pen happened.

we could have walked that game, we didn't, in fact of all the last month that was probably one of our better performances possesion and passing wise first half.

only criticism is, if we have the solidity problem with no rodri, the fullbacks need to stay back when we lose the ball and the cb stop stepping up into the midfield, works great with Roddders in their but not with kovacic , lewis being on the 18 yard line for every breakaway and our CBs in their half has led to nearly every goal we have conceded, we haven't the pace to play so high up atm.

 

[I remember the kool kats]

Bad result, I agree with pep that we actually played well, but the transitions are killing us, defenders up too far, can't get back. Haaland needs to be dropped, sorry he's believing his own hype. We sold Alavarez and we should've replaced him, now Haaland is unchallenged, even if he's shit he still gets picked! bobbins. PS love City, buy a striker or get Delap back.

 

[Keeper!]

No point throwing tantrums.

The team has won so much and slogged their way over the line last season.

The winning run was not going to continue indefinitely.

Injuries have caused us issues. Particularly Rodri who is the engine.

The annoying thing from me is the inability to stop counters. Don’t have any players capable of breaking up play.

All in all tho, it’s the end of this team. The boss needs support and hopefully he has the hunger to build again.

City will rise again.

a lot of reflection needed but no panic and no pointing fingers at players and a coach that won it all.

Issues is down to recruitment. The club has failed in that department. Too many pats on the back and resting on our success.

Interesting time ahead.

I did mention that in 3/4 seasons from now where would we be? Where would the rags be with this new guy and got laughed at.

"The winning run was not going to continue indefinitely."

I would be amazed if we win a title this season but we should all know NEVER write off this team.

 

[Mr. Shush]

We go away to Lisbon with a depleted squad, dominate the game and have more than twice the shots of the home side. We should have been four up, but these freak results happen from time to time. Yes, we looked vulnerable during each of the very few Lisbon attacks - attacks that Rodri either prevents or deals with as an extra defender and on another day, three or four of our chances go in. Yes, things to sort out and we need more of our regulars fit, but I'm quite relaxed in the circumstances.

I don't think this was a freak result. Its actually a result that we have seen the past 3 games. Yes, the injuries are not helping. But we have the talent to have won these past three. The difference is: we now have no answer for the low block and we have zero counterattack.

We have been absolutely shambles when it comes to finishing. We cannot put a ball into the net on corner kicks to save our lives. Haaland is played by two men in the box and has hardly a chance to breathe.

And when teams do attack us, we offer no desire to counter fast. None. We would rather dial it back and move up into the midfield slowly. In my opinion, any attempt at a break with 3 or less players is likely forbidden by Pep because we would likely lose the ball. So players don't want to suffer the wrath of Pep, so they bring it up slowly.

Teams have caught up to us. You're correct. Rodri would have stopped those. But he's gone. Likely for 9 more months. These aren't freak results. Teams are studying us and adapting strategy accordingly.

 

[Gordyola]

For everybody, not just us.

No we are in more competitions go further in most and have a squad full of internationals who have gone further in the last two competitions than most other clubs’ players

 

[Nellies left peg]

It’s predictable that most of the goals we concede are similar. What is our defensive coach doing? Haaland for all his goal scoring numbers gets bullied off the ball too much and his first touch and general ball control is abysmal. Unfortunately all our midfield is losing their legs at the same time and a major rebuilding effort is needed. Is Pep up for it or will he go this is also causing problems as it’s as if they know he’s off

 

[applejuice]

It’s predictable that most of the goals we concede are similar. What is our defensive coach doing?

if u don't play pacy fullback then you are vulnerable to counters.

if u play with too many short players you are vulnerable for set pieces

no defensive coach can fix it if pep keeps to play his way

 

[Akira]

Thought we looked better than we did against Bournemouth, yet we somehow ended up with a bigger scoreline against us.

Poor finishing in the 1st half cost us, and 2 avoidable pens we conceded, I'd say the scoreline flattered Sporting.

 

[Paul1970]

We could get smashed at anfield soon . Bad night expected . We all know shit recruitment has put us here and hopefully we act in January but knowing us we will sell instead of buying .

 

[Keeper!]

We are wide open and it's so easy to create chances against us.

Pep has to change his principles until we refresh our squad, we have no pace, energy or athleticism in the midfield and that is killing us.