Is player fitness an issue?

[Phube]

We were obliterated by Leeds today; they were first to every 70/30, not even 50/50, ball! We just weren’t close to competing on a physical level. 

And yes Leeds are fitter than every team in the league, but this is not an isolated incident, any team who puts any physical effort in runs rings around us.

 

This really can’t help us when our vertical passing game is so bad at the mo’. 

Or am I over reacting as we had a midweek game and Leeds haven’t? Though it doesn’t seem to be hurting WHam?
 

 

[The Year Of The Fox]

Dunno, but we sack Rennie and everyone starts to get injured 🤔🤔

[Nod.E]

It's a matter of motivation, or lack thereof.

[JamboFox1884]

Don't think you are as Leeds as the stats show were the better performing team today but I liked the urgency by Leicester to score straight after conceding and hanging on for the draw that was top notch but not so much being inferior in the stats I'll take a draw though 🦊

[Guest Chocolate Teapot]

I wonder if we've tried to over compensate for injuries and taken a step back in training meaning we've lost sone intensity.

Edited 7 November 2021 by Chocolate Teapot

[davieG]

I'd say the quality was the big problem with a 71% pass rate you're increasing the pressure on yourself and having to chase the game much more. 

[StanSP]

11 minutes ago, The Year Of The Fox said:

Dunno, but we sack Rennie and everyone starts to get injured 🤔🤔

Everyone? 

 

[phoneticerror]

12 minutes ago, Phube said:

We were obliterated by Leeds today; they were first to every 70/30, not even 50/50, ball! We just weren’t close to competing on a physical level. 

And yes Leeds are fitter than every team in the league, but this is not an isolated incident, any team who puts any physical effort in runs rings around us.

 

This really can’t help us when our vertical passing game is so bad at the mo’. 

Or am I over reacting as we had a midweek game and Leeds haven’t? Though it doesn’t seem to be hurting WHam?
 

 

Obliterated is a very strong word for a draw

[J.Lisemore]

Probably because we have a 'make the ball do the work' strategy, apart from we absolutely take the p*ss with it. 

[The Year Of The Fox]

2 minutes ago, StanSP said:

Everyone? 

 

It’s definitely easier to name who hasn’t since the sacking

[South Shire Fox]

Yes, 100 percent. They look so unfit its unreal. When was the last time they actually pressed as a team?

[StanSP]

Just now, The Year Of The Fox said:

It’s definitely easier to name who hasn’t since the sacking

Good job they've been able to recover then. 

[StanSP]

Just now, South Shire Fox said:

Yes, 100 percent. They look so unfit its unreal. When was the last time they actually pressed as a team?

Man Utd at home. 

[Phube]

Just now, phoneticerror said:

Obliterated is a very strong word for a draw

Not footballing wise, I mean fitness/running wise. Every time one of our players had the ball one or two Leeds players were on them... the whole game. Giving no time to think or act (probably causing the poor pass completion stat mentioned). 

Not only that their pass interceptions were on it and let alone when Dallas (I think) ran 1/3 length of the pitch to stop a throw in just before half time. 

[South Shire Fox]

Just now, StanSP said:

Man Utd at home. 

What like when they all sat and watched Greenwood line one up into the top bin? 😂

[StanSP]

Just now, South Shire Fox said:

What like when they all sat and watched Greenwood line one up into the top bin? 😂

Yeah, did you forget the rest of the game? 

[Nod.E]

Anybody that thinks we're doing any better than midtable this year is going to be bitterly disappointed. 

 

Anybody happy with midtable is very easily pleased. This squad could, and should, do better than that. But won't.

 

 

[foxfanazer]

Our over reliance on Youri is really starting to show. The poor guy hasn't had a rest in years

Edited 7 November 2021 by foxfanazer

[phoneticerror]

2 minutes ago, Phube said:

Not footballing wise, I mean fitness/running wise. Every time one of our players had the ball one or two Leeds players were on them... the whole game. Giving no time to think or act (probably causing the poor pass completion stat mentioned). 

Not only that their pass interceptions were on it and let alone when Dallas (I think) ran 1/3 length of the pitch to stop a throw in just before half time. 

 

I do agree with how little force we’ve been putting behind long passes though. Never a challenge for the opposition to intercept. Over and over and over again.

[phoneticerror]

3 minutes ago, foxfanazer said:

Our over reliance on Yoyri is really starting to show. The poor guy hasn't had a rest in years

This is why we’re going to lose him unfortunately.

[phoneticerror]

5 minutes ago, Nod.E said:

Anybody that thinks we're doing any better than midtable this year is going to be bitterly disappointed. 

 

Anybody happy with midtable is very easily pleased. This squad could, and should, do better than that. But won't.

 

 

I agree. It’s going to be a disappointing season. We’ll screw up Europa league too.

[lcfc_forever]

19 minutes ago, Chocolate Teapot said:

I wonder if we've tried to over compensate for injuries and taken a step back in training meaning we've list sone intensity.

This is a good theory. Also, the volume of games combined with injuries are other issues. 

[phoneticerror]

22 minutes ago, lcfc_forever said:

This is a good theory. Also, the volume of games combined with injuries are other issues. 

Think that’s quite a valid point thinking about it.
 

I do wonder how many of our boys are vaccinated? Long Covid in some is a possibility. Madders especially.

 

That aside, we’ve struggled with stamina since pre-season.

Edited 7 November 2021 by phoneticerror

[turkish14]

Said similar post Norwich game. We are way off the pace. 
 

Evans passed the ball to youri I’m first half, the right pass, as I’m sure Rodgers wants the ball getting forward quicker. But youri slow to respond, and not reactive enough.

[phoneticerror]

Just now, turkish14 said:

Said similar post Norwich game. We are way off the pace. 
 

Evans passed the ball to youri I’m first half, the right pass, as I’m sure Rodgers wants the ball getting forward quicker. But youri slow to respond, and not reactive enough.

Youri has lost a bit of spark at the minute. Probably sick of carrying the team.