Tuna Posted 20 October 2015 Posted 20 October 2015 I found funny how some of those pundits last season that said Leicester were dead and buried at christmas, have all suddenly gone quiet. Not even holding their hands up and admitting it themselves... Jason Cundy Matt Le Tissier (tipped Leicester to go down this season aswell!) Jimmy Bullard Alan Shearer They're all bellends.
Dan Posted 21 October 2015 Posted 21 October 2015 The difference in the midfield from Southampton away last season and Southampton away this season is that our club doesn't bother worrying about possession stats and whether or not we'll be overrun in the midfield. Last season, Pearson set up in a diamond midfield with Cambiasso, James, Drinkwater, and King. A concern about a midfield being overrun turned into four midfielders having no place to run, and it was so easy for Southampton to control that game (and adding a lethal touch with a good substitution of Long later on). When we had the ball, we had no place to really go with it. There was nobody to get the ball to out wide. We couldn't press up front. Vardy would drift to the wing. Was the game plan to just try to hold it together in the midfield, and then hope Ulloa could hold the ball up enough to allow the full backs to make overlapping runs? I don't know. Ranieri never used more than 2 CMs, and he played with two wingers. By having such a strong bench (despite the lack of forwards), he may have gotten more out of Dyer and Mahrez playing a hard 45 minutes against players with 45 minutes of running already done instead of 90 minutes with no extra gas in the tank. There's no need to play with a 3rd or even 4th CM because we don't need to have a lot of possession to create chances, and there's no reason to use one less attacking threat if we're more likely to win a game 3-2 than lose 1-0. We'll get the ball when we get it, and when we do, we'll attack. We're so much more positive away this year, not just from last season, but compared to lots of other teams in this league. Good post. If there's one thing I've learned in football over the past year or two it's that possession is ridiculously over-rated and I largely put that down to how good a possession side Barcelona were under Guardiola. Leicester are a completely different type of entertaining these days. We're excellent to watch. We're not a top side and don't pretend to be. A perfect example of a side playing to their own strengths and reaping the rewards as a result. Our results whilst doing so have been pretty remarkable - at what point does this good form (it's been going on a good six months or more now, half a season almost) become our actual level?
AyewJoking Posted 21 October 2015 Posted 21 October 2015 I think that massively does Kante and Drinkwater a disservice. Kante is exactly what this team needed. To say it's all about approach is pretty ridiculous Doc. He's the engine room of that midfield. Any team needs one. Now im confused, I thought the midfield was the engine room but now the engine room has as engine room in it???
Merging Cultures Posted 21 October 2015 Posted 21 October 2015 Eh, no. The major reason was Pearson bottling it October to march and playing for the 0-0. We turned from relegation certs to top half quality in the last nine because we were unshackled and went for it, the loss of cambiasso in midfield hasn't been the difference, particularly since we don't look any better than the april/may team of last year.I'm worried about this with CR too. I think he is concerned about getting a clean sheet and I think he could start setting us up too defensive. Which doesn't play to our strengths. I hope we continue to attack.
Captain... Posted 21 October 2015 Posted 21 October 2015 I'm worried about this with CR too. I think he is concerned about getting a clean sheet and I think he could start setting us up too defensive. Which doesn't play to our strengths. I hope we continue to attack. Ranieri does want us to be more solid at the back but is addressing this by, for want of a better word, tinkering, not wholesale changes of formation and philosophy. Hence Fuchs and Simpson coming in Schlupp being pushed forwards, still maintaining his formation playing with 2 centre mids and 2 wide players pace up front and not lumping it up to a mobile target man, no crappy diamond or square pegs in round holes, but also no three at the back, no wing backs and no Ulloa. Claudio is doing a great job, that is clear, but could he do better? Of course which is why he is trying to shore up the defence without sacrificing our attacking philosophy.
Merging Cultures Posted 21 October 2015 Posted 21 October 2015 Ranieri does want us to be more solid at the back but is addressing this by, for want of a better word, tinkering, not wholesale changes of formation and philosophy. Hence Fuchs and Simpson coming in Schlupp being pushed forwards, still maintaining his formation playing with 2 centre mids and 2 wide players pace up front and not lumping it up to a mobile target man, no crappy diamond or square pegs in round holes, but also no three at the back, no wing backs and no Ulloa. Claudio is doing a great job, that is clear, but could he do better? Of course which is why he is trying to shore up the defence without sacrificing our attacking philosophy. We went from 3-5-2, which during our 'great escape' helped us get clean sheets, back to 4-4-2 which is clearly not going to get us clean sheets. He has changed the formation. I do like his in-game tinkering, he makes decisions quickly (a big change from last year!), I just less impressed with how we get set-up to start games. However, he is doing a good job, but I am sure he will quickly say he inherited a decent team with a good mentality, and the additions that came in were already being scouted (except Benny perhaps).
deep blue Posted 21 October 2015 Posted 21 October 2015 We went from 3-5-2, which during our 'great escape' helped us get clean sheets, back to 4-4-2 which is clearly not going to get us clean sheets. He has changed the formation. I do like his in-game tinkering, he makes decisions quickly (a big change from last year!), I just less impressed with how we get set-up to start games. However, he is doing a good job, but I am sure he will quickly say he inherited a decent team with a good mentality, and the additions that came in were already being scouted (except Benny perhaps). Sums it up perfectly.
Captain... Posted 21 October 2015 Posted 21 October 2015 We went from 3-5-2, which during our 'great escape' helped us get clean sheets, back to 4-4-2 which is clearly not going to get us clean sheets. He has changed the formation. I do like his in-game tinkering, he makes decisions quickly (a big change from last year!), I just less impressed with how we get set-up to start games. However, he is doing a good job, but I am sure he will quickly say he inherited a decent team with a good mentality, and the additions that came in were already being scouted (except Benny perhaps). Not denying that, but 442 is Ranieri's formation, and the 352 wasn't working to well in preseason, switching to 442 always improved the game. You can't say 442 is not going to get us clean sheets, but the evidence of this season and last is that 4 at the back does't result in many clean sheets, Stoke and Sunderland last season.
Merging Cultures Posted 21 October 2015 Posted 21 October 2015 Not denying that, but 442 is Ranieri's formation, and the 352 wasn't working to well in preseason, switching to 442 always improved the game. You can't say 442 is not going to get us clean sheets, but the evidence of this season and last is that 4 at the back does't result in many clean sheets, Stoke and Sunderland last season. A manager shouldn't have their formation. Especially when they first join a team. They should see what players are in the squad and use a formation that suits them, not try and squeeze players in to the managers preferred one. Over time, as he buys players, he can adapt the formation, because I assume the players he picks are more likely to work in a 4-4-2.
Oxfordfox83 Posted 21 October 2015 Posted 21 October 2015 Thanks everybody on this thread-I have just imagined is playing with Kante and Cambiasso together in central midfield, and I've had to change my trousers.
Guest Col city fan Posted 21 October 2015 Posted 21 October 2015 Thanks everybody on this thread-I have just imagined is playing with Kante and Cambiasso together in central midfield, and I've had to change my trousers. Do grown men really spaff in their pants over the thought of footballers? I've always found that very creepy.. And you do need to sort your wording out mate..
Captain... Posted 21 October 2015 Posted 21 October 2015 A manager shouldn't have their formation. Especially when they first join a team. They should see what players are in the squad and use a formation that suits them, not try and squeeze players in to the managers preferred one. Over time, as he buys players, he can adapt the formation, because I assume the players he picks are more likely to work in a 4-4-2. We're not exactly playing players out of position, Ranieri tried both 532 and 442 in pre season and we looked better with 442 we also have a limited number of centre backs, 442 is arguably better suited to our squad with 4 CBs 2 in the first team 2 as back up. Don't get me wrong I would love to see us play 532 with Schlupp and RDL/Albrighton as wing backs as it is my preferred formation and we have the players to make it work, but we also have the players to make 442 work and I am not working with the players every day and nor do I have the experience of Claudio, so I will trust his judgement on this.
Merging Cultures Posted 21 October 2015 Posted 21 October 2015 We're not exactly playing players out of position, Ranieri tried both 532 and 442 in pre season and we looked better with 442 we also have a limited number of centre backs, 442 is arguably better suited to our squad with 4 CBs 2 in the first team 2 as back up. Don't get me wrong I would love to see us play 532 with Schlupp and RDL/Albrighton as wing backs as it is my preferred formation and we have the players to make it work, but we also have the players to make 442 work and I am not working with the players every day and nor do I have the experience of Claudio, so I will trust his judgement on this. Fair point, we are not playing players out of position. One point on experience, we do have the experience of last season when we tried different formations and saw how well we played in 3-5-2. Not that we are playing badly now, but we do need to tighten up and 3-5-2 seemed to provide that.
5waller5 Posted 21 October 2015 Posted 21 October 2015 A manager shouldn't have their formation. Especially when they first join a team. They should see what players are in the squad and use a formation that suits them, not try and squeeze players in to the managers preferred one. Over time, as he buys players, he can adapt the formation, because I assume the players he picks are more likely to work in a 4-4-2. I'd agree with that .... but the system those players were really used to was 442 .... under NP that was the system he used most so it's not alien to them .... and let's face it must feel like home to most footballers - it's the base formation you play throughout your childhood, academy etc.
5waller5 Posted 21 October 2015 Posted 21 October 2015 Does anyone care about clean sheets and possession anyway???? I LOVE watching us right now ..... don't care about possession and don't care about conceding a few goals ..... "we'll score one more than you" football suits me just fine!!!
Merging Cultures Posted 21 October 2015 Posted 21 October 2015 Does anyone care about clean sheets and possession anyway???? I LOVE watching us right now ..... don't care about possession and don't care about conceding a few goals ..... "we'll score one more than you" football suits me just fine!!! It is entertaining, but is slowly killing me.
5waller5 Posted 21 October 2015 Posted 21 October 2015 It is entertaining, but is slowly killing me. meh so is everything around you ..... at least this tests your heart every week!!!!
Captain... Posted 21 October 2015 Posted 21 October 2015 Fair point, we are not playing players out of position. One point on experience, we do have the experience of last season when we tried different formations and saw how well we played in 3-5-2. Not that we are playing badly now, but we do need to tighten up and 3-5-2 seemed to provide that. That did include Mr Cambiasso, it would be interesting to see if Inler could play the Cambiasso role in a 352, but our midfield 3 didn't look great against Stoke or Bournemouth. The big thing we are missing from Cambiasso is his leadership role on the pitch, the way he organised players and told them where to go and how to play, that is what made the formation work as much as anything, without him it didn't look as good in preseason.
Merging Cultures Posted 21 October 2015 Posted 21 October 2015 That did include Mr Cambiasso, it would be interesting to see if Inler could play the Cambiasso role in a 352, but our midfield 3 didn't look great against Stoke or Bournemouth. The big thing we are missing from Cambiasso is his leadership role on the pitch, the way he organised players and told them where to go and how to play, that is what made the formation work as much as anything, without him it didn't look as good in preseason. Perhaps that is the difference. Cambiasso did a good job (he isn't a legend), but we definitely do not have a vocal leader like he was. DD could take that role, but he is too quiet. I dont think Kante doesn't speak enough English and is a very different player. Inler, definitely has quality, while we are winning it is difficult for him to get game time to settle.
5waller5 Posted 21 October 2015 Posted 21 October 2015 That did include Mr Cambiasso, it would be interesting to see if Inler could play the Cambiasso role in a 352, but our midfield 3 didn't look great against Stoke or Bournemouth. The big thing we are missing from Cambiasso is his leadership role on the pitch, the way he organised players and told them where to go and how to play, that is what made the formation work as much as anything, without him it didn't look as good in preseason. Yes ..... His leadership is definitely missed. For me we are now one central defender away from being a top six side consistently ...... I'm afraid that would be a replacement for big Wes, who I love to bits, but is now the weak link and not the strong leader that you need in the heart of defence.
Merging Cultures Posted 21 October 2015 Posted 21 October 2015 Yes ..... His leadership is definitely missed. For me we are now one central defender away from being a top six side consistently ...... I'm afraid that would be a replacement for big Wes, who I love to bits, but is now the weak link and not the strong leader that you need in the heart of defence. A CB and a GK.
5waller5 Posted 21 October 2015 Posted 21 October 2015 A CB and a GK. Or a GK coach that tells our pretty decent keeper to come for crosses!!!
Merging Cultures Posted 21 October 2015 Posted 21 October 2015 Or a GK coach that tells our pretty decent keeper to come for crosses!!! Yeah, I've seen this debate developing, that we seem to somehow coach that out of our goalkeepers. I am not sure. If they are coaching him to stay on the line, I think it is because they have looked at his strengths and weaknesses and decided that he isn't very good at commanding his box, and that his best chance is using his fast reactions. He isn't very tall but that shouldn't prevent him from commanding the area. Whatever the problem is, it needs sorting out quickly.
5waller5 Posted 21 October 2015 Posted 21 October 2015 Yeah, I've seen this debate developing, that we seem to somehow coach that out of our goalkeepers. I am not sure. If they are coaching him to stay on the line, I think it is because they have looked at his strengths and weaknesses and decided that he isn't very good at commanding his box, and that his best chance is using his fast reactions. He isn't very tall but that shouldn't prevent him from commanding the area. Whatever the problem is, it needs sorting out quickly It could well be the case that they've identified the weakness and working around it (hadn't actually considered that) .... but that also means he sticks to his line even more and the balls crossed in can be deeper and deeper ...... making it harder and harder for him to start commanding his box.
Countryfox Posted 21 October 2015 Posted 21 October 2015 Todays Mercury gives a good snapshot of how things are going One-Year-On .... Lots of positives ... Vardy on being top scorer ... "He's(CR) been really good .... given me the licence to roam free up there and do what I'm good at" "While Vardy was disappointed with the departure of NP he said CR had made a positive impact at City". "I'm contracted to the club and I'm happy at Leicester". "He's not changed the way we play and is so tactically aware of the opposition"...... "So he's brilliant tactics wise and it is working for us". "His English is fine". "He's been good and he brought in a few coaches with him, who have been fantastic, so its onwards and upwards". Just what we want to hear !! ... ands there's also another interesting article just before the back page entitled "Conditioned to be the comeback kings" ..... Matt Reeves (First team sports scientist) says, talking about the level of scrutiny the players have on them .... "They even have the quality of their sleep assessed" .... Interesting one that !! Another factor why some don't get picked !!???!! [by the way WTF is a Sports scientist ?! .... can't recall having one of those when I played.... we did have a man with a very cold sponge though ... he soon got you up again.]
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