26 Jan 2020 13:50:52
I have been thinking about why we have been so weak mentally for a while now. The two goals v Newcastle highlights it and the manner the players bottled it v lfc kids.
Is it the character of the players? Yes it is, other posters have alluded to it about lack of leaders on the pitch, I don’t believe most of our players are as bad as they have shown. I think if we had a Van Dijk alongside Holgate, Digne etc they would look a lot better with someone to look up to.
Same in midfield if we had someone to lead, mit necessarily the best player but a leader. Like Phil Neville has a influence on others.
These players do seem rare these days.
Another factor is that we haven’t had a settled team throughout the season.
It’s probably only Pickford and Digne that have been playing every game. Everyone else has missed games at some point and been rotated. And neither of these two players have had the best of seasons. If we can’t have a settled team then nobody really knows each other roles. Especially when under pressure.
26 Jan 2020 17:48:48
While agree with majority of your post
I’m starting to get fed up of excuses being made for these players.
These players are professionals and are being paid a kings ransom to kick a ball around a field for 90 minutes and are clearly given instructions on their role. If they are too thick/ stupid/ whatever to be able to follow simple instructions and understand their role regardless who they play alongside we’re doomed!
Regarding pressure - the equaliser Newcastle scores was because of pressure - but not from Newcastle it was from our own players! Simple really keep the ball don’t try anything fancy see out the last minute or so, not for these players, about time they took responsibility for their own actions.
Rant over.
26 Jan 2020 20:03:49
That’s what a balanced team is top players can make other players better but the point about mental blocks and bottling games come down to characters rather than a player ability and we lack that at mo.
27 Jan 2020 08:14:15
I thought that’s why we brought Delph in. But it appears he’s not so influential on the pitch.
27 Jan 2020 10:38:44
I've battered Delph for some awful performances. Yet I know the player he should be. I think he will come good. Hopefully :/.