Lots of commentary today about the fact that we have been sussed out and need to change tactics.Totally agree.
I have lots of ideas. Here is one. Don’t keep doing the thing that worked for us at the start of the season. That is;….a short pass out to Faes or Vestergard, who walk slowly out, waiting for the opposition striker to run towards them, then, at the last second, pass to someone else who is in space. Early in the season, that process kept possession, physically wore the opposition down and allowed Leicester to play out from the back.
It doesn’t work any more! When Faes has the ball with someone clearly in the open in front of him, he waits and waits and waits to someone comes to him. The opposing player now knows exactly what is going to happen.. As he closes Faes down, he does it in one direction, forcing Faes to pass in the direction and to a player the opposition want. Meanwhile, they know exactly where that will be and as the attacker approaches Faes, they send someone across to cover the predictable pass.
Not only does that allow them to press way more effectively, but it leads to screw ups and high risk……and the slow process allows them to get more men back to defence.
For goodness sake….pass the ball quickly to a player who is open! Beat the press! Don’t encourage the press! Open up the game and get upfield quickly! Stop inviting them on!
……and it ain’t just me that can see it.