Now head has cleared after woeful weekend, we still have a number of matches to play and here is what I think we should be doing.
Despite play offs being most likely scenario, we still have an opportunity for automatic promotion and must act accordingly.
That means not suddenly fielding a completely changed team, but actually giving it our best shot.
I would be lightening the training load this week on players, but focussing on better set piece delivery and tactics, I would also be working on penalties, we may well need that preparedness for playoffs.
Additionally I'd be doing a lot of mental work with the players. rebuilding their self belief, ensuring their focus is what they can do rather than what can go wrong.
I might bring in Gordon Strachan or Vinnie Jones to hear what was needed and how it felt even 25 years on, to achieve success with this club.
Finally I would be prepared to tweak the team slightly. I would look at using Shackleton, even if only for a half, and I would really be trying to get Clarke more game time. Despite his poor form since returning, he is the one genuine potential match winner we have from the bench (after Roofe) IF we can get him back near his best.
Finally, if I was Bielsa, I would deliver a public message to the fans, in English, thanking them for their support this season and asking for unwavering noisy support for final matches, to give all they can to support the players.
Way forward
posted on 24/4/19
Agree regarding Shackleton and made a similar post earlier.
I would like to see Klich rested even if its for 1 game as he looks shot last few games. I thought Forshaw actually did ok in the last game.
Personally i would like to see Roofe up top as Bamford's seems out of form. For a big man he seems a bit soft and doesn't bully players like a normal big man up front does.
posted on 24/4/19
Bamford was hopelessly low on confidence on Monday. Bielsa reluctant to hook him, as it will knock his confidence further.
posted on 24/4/19
I agree with the call to put Roofe up front again. Bamford on the bench to be switched in later in the game if necessary.
We don't play the same when Bamford is up front. Tactics sometimes seem to revolve around punting balls up through the middle to him. Not a bad plan if you're chasing the game and have just brought the guy on, but not so great when he tires.
Keep him as a super sub with Clarke.
posted on 24/4/19
Can’t see how Clarke makes the bench.
His form at seniors and U23s is way below the required level. He’s only there because the squad is so light
posted on 24/4/19
I could have done as well as Clarke on Monday.
Miscontrolled the ball a few times, and didn't look at all like going past the full back. Put in one 'up and under' cross.
posted on 24/4/19
Lots of good discussion points on here. Re Clarke I feel we have rushed him back when it is plain to see he is not right. Every time he has come on he has looked lightweight, not able to get past his man. We can all see this however Bielsa still persists in bringing him on. His loyalty to his players is admirable but should not be at the expense of the team and results.
Likewise with points others have made on here about Klich and Bamford. The snag here is we are so short of options what can we do? Bamford is off form but we only have a half fit/off form Roofe to put in his place. Klich has needed resting for months in my book but who can we put in his place? Pablo bless him looks absolutely shattered but again what is our creative/AM option? U23s like Edmonson and Shackleton could surely be given a shot but Bielsa does not seem to like them. Maybe he is protecting them, not wanting to throw them into this cauldron situation and scar them for the future.
All in all it is a quandary, I don't envy Bielsa he has some hard choices ahead. I just hope he can somehow work some magic and get 2 more and the perhaps and 3 more good performances out of whoever he picks
posted on 24/4/19
Lots of good discussion points on here. Re Clarke I feel we have rushed him back when it is plain to see he is not right. Every time he has come on he has looked lightweight, not able to get past his man. We can all see this however Bielsa still persists in bringing him on. His loyalty to his players is admirable but should not be at the expense of the team and results.
Likewise with points others have made on here about Klich and Bamford. The snag here is we are so short of options what can we do? Bamford is off form but we only have a half fit/off form Roofe to put in his place. Klich has needed resting for months in my book but who can we put in his place? Pablo bless him looks absolutely shattered but again what is our creative/AM option? U23s like Edmonson and Shackleton could surely be given a shot but Bielsa does not seem to like them. Maybe he is protecting them, not wanting to throw them into this cauldron situation and scar them for the future.
All in all it is a quandary, I don't envy Bielsa he has some hard choices ahead. I just hope he can somehow work some magic and get 2 more and then perhaps 3 more good performances out of whoever he picks
posted on 24/4/19
Let’s not forget, we haven’t secured 3rd place yet.
posted on 24/4/19
The thing to bear in mind with Clarke is that his absence was not viral or due to any natural illness. Consequently, I'm not sure why his form should suddenly be so different to previously.
posted on 25/4/19
Why was Clarke absent after Boro?