Alan Hansen has another pop at Mertesacker

Love the guy (Merts), but he needs pace next to him to fully take advantage of his ability to read a game, that's why Mertescielny is such a good pairing. Hansen's just a bitter scouser

comment by • Tu Meke ERNIE • (U3732)
posted 6 minutes ago
Tbf he has a point. Playing Merte with that high line would have been suicidal.

Not sure why he felt the need to mention it though.
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I agree Mert shouldn't be played in the final due to pace but his contributions counted in the earlier games. Hansen has no class to admit this.

Despite the fact I didn't like him, on the pitch he was excellent once upon a time and although he can struggle to get his point across, Rio Ferdinand has definitely provided more insight than Hansen. Definitely the best thing he's done off the pitch.

Mert

Germany's defence looked better when Per wasn't in it.
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Oh I waited on a comment like this....What a load of tosh.

The guy was a victim of our disatrous Algeria team where the media pressure Löw to make changes. And he did. Lahm got into his old role and Boateng prefered to Mertesacker who was a scapegoat of the high line we played against Algeria.

How deluded can you get? Arsenal fans cant admit that Lowe got it right dropping Per. So now he was pressured by the media to make changes?
Hansen only stated what Lowe it seems was thinking already, you cant win the world cup with Per starting. You need to stop crying like little girls, take off the tampons and and try a shirt instead of a blouse.

Red 1 Arsenal fan thinks that, not "Arsenal fans" as in all of us!

For sure Germany looked better without Per. He's a terrific defender but has to be used in a system suited to him. When you play a high line and the midfield pushes up, that is suicidal with PM in the team.

comment by Captain Ron Codpiece - Considering Chile as a holiday destination (U19217)
posted 7 hours, 16 minutes ago
Love the guy (Merts), but he needs pace next to him to fully take advantage of his ability to read a game, that's why Mertescielny is such a good pairing. Hansen's just a bitter scouser
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Agree 100%. Mert is fantastic at reading the game and in the air. But with pace he is fücked. Kos has pace and can defend. That's why Mert and TV never worked as TV was always out of position and left Mert exposed. That's why we need a DM.

Thats spot on Chris. Fair play to you.

Can't really disagree with Hansen on this, although he may have been having a closing dig and winding up Arsenal fans!

Think he's a decent pundit myself, although not worth the money he was on.

I've always enjoyed watching Hansen over the years. You can't be right all the time but at least he's put forward opinions and provided some solid analysis along the way. He was a bit broken record towards the end so maybe hes timed his departure right