A very possible 9 games in 28 days in December
The thing is, it's all well and good to say 'oh don't worry boys, everyone will get plenty of games', but I still think some of the 'second string' will get fidgety when the only games they're getting are the Tromsos, Tbilisis and Sheriffs.
Of course there'll be injuries, so the first and second XIs will mingle anyway, but for a lot of them, they won't get many games beyond the European whipping boys, the lower league sides and the occasional draw against a fellow PL side in a cup (and even some of them will play their kids and reserves).
I think AVB has more of a juggling act than a lot on here seem to think, but I'm sure he'll find a way to get it right.
If the players he is picking for the league games are doing the business, the ones that are getting cup games can't have any complaints really. The shirt is theirs to lose.
As long as they know that they will get their chance if they are playing well, and someone in the league side is underperforming. Or when there is an injury/suspension they play well enough to keep their place. At some point the roles will be reversed.
Of course it's a juggling act, but that's the measure of a good manager. That's when the psychological part has to be used - letting everyone know they have an important role to play.
I just hope the players understand that. Do you think Defoe thinks he's being outperformed by Soldado when JD's banging them in most games and Soldado's on a dry streak? I would tend to doubt it, even if we as fans know that Soldado offers more through his movement and runs than Defoe probably ever will.
I'm quite happy to sit back and watch it all unfold, secure in the knowledge that we have a genuinely great, deep squad to see us through the potential rough patches
I think JD realises that Soldado is our record signing (at present until the Lamela add-onns kick in) and will be given a bit of a run.
He probably also realises that another 2nd half of the season disappearance has meant we actually had to spend big on a striker to begin with.
Soldado has also scored a brace v 'lesser' oppo in his only cup start - albeit not three times like Defoe.
Saying that - unless Soldado scores (or at least has an influential game) tomorrow JD deserves a start v West Ham
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Weekend/Midweek - until FA Cup in Jan
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posted on 27/9/13
A very possible 9 games in 28 days in December
posted on 27/9/13
The thing is, it's all well and good to say 'oh don't worry boys, everyone will get plenty of games', but I still think some of the 'second string' will get fidgety when the only games they're getting are the Tromsos, Tbilisis and Sheriffs.
Of course there'll be injuries, so the first and second XIs will mingle anyway, but for a lot of them, they won't get many games beyond the European whipping boys, the lower league sides and the occasional draw against a fellow PL side in a cup (and even some of them will play their kids and reserves).
I think AVB has more of a juggling act than a lot on here seem to think, but I'm sure he'll find a way to get it right.
posted on 27/9/13
If the players he is picking for the league games are doing the business, the ones that are getting cup games can't have any complaints really. The shirt is theirs to lose.
As long as they know that they will get their chance if they are playing well, and someone in the league side is underperforming. Or when there is an injury/suspension they play well enough to keep their place. At some point the roles will be reversed.
Of course it's a juggling act, but that's the measure of a good manager. That's when the psychological part has to be used - letting everyone know they have an important role to play.
posted on 27/9/13
I just hope the players understand that. Do you think Defoe thinks he's being outperformed by Soldado when JD's banging them in most games and Soldado's on a dry streak? I would tend to doubt it, even if we as fans know that Soldado offers more through his movement and runs than Defoe probably ever will.
I'm quite happy to sit back and watch it all unfold, secure in the knowledge that we have a genuinely great, deep squad to see us through the potential rough patches
posted on 27/9/13
I think JD realises that Soldado is our record signing (at present until the Lamela add-onns kick in) and will be given a bit of a run.
He probably also realises that another 2nd half of the season disappearance has meant we actually had to spend big on a striker to begin with.
Soldado has also scored a brace v 'lesser' oppo in his only cup start - albeit not three times like Defoe.
Saying that - unless Soldado scores (or at least has an influential game) tomorrow JD deserves a start v West Ham
Page 1 of 1