If I was Mauricio Pochettino's defensive coach

[Fitzhugh Fella]

After the last two games my advice to Artur Boruc and the defence would consist of two very basic instructions.

 

1. whenever possible play the ball out stylishly from defence but don't take stupid chances with risky or blind passes to colleagues who are either marked or are likely to be quickly shut down.

If in doubt there is nothing wrong with a hoof ball (West Ham style) towards your attackers , occasionally it does lead directly to us scoring, (case in evidence J Rod's opening goal today). Don't be afraid of Route 1, it is not a crime, even if your manager is from S America. Don't forget many senior Saints fans were brought up on a diet of John McGrath and Denis Hollywood!

 

2. by all means have confidence on the ball and don't be afraid of expressing your skills but never ever try and be too clever, remember basically you are first and foremost a defender and you are up against world class forwards who can pick your pocket in a second. Planting a ball into Row Z, Zamora style, is a lot better than being left on your arse by the corner flag asking for a foul that you were never likely to get.

 

HTH it is not rocket science but after Norwich at home and Spurs away I am starting to wonder.

[Smirking_Saint]

FWIW FF I do agree, our possession play at all costs leads us into mistakes too often. I think that sometimes you need to realise once the opposition start pressing high it allows space to open up in behind which we simply do not exploit and yes means that we play our way into trouble

[OldNick]

It's difficult though, we want our players to be comfortable on the ball and pass, to then ask them to hoof is against that. Personally today it was Lovren who got caught twice in the same way

[Saint_clark]

It's difficult though, we want our players to be comfortable on the ball and pass, to then ask them to hoof is against that. Personally today it was Lovren who got caught twice in the same way

 

And he knows it, hence the apology.

[OldNick]

And he knows it, hence the apology.

I haven't seen that

[Fitzhugh Fella]

I haven't seen that

 

On Twitter.

I like the guy. He's an honest good pro but he needs to bounce back quickly when he makes a mistake, he went to pieces for 15 minutes today.

Hoof ball is dire but occasionally it makes sense (and it can work), I guess the skill is knowing when to hoof and when to play pretty and I'm not sure Artur and the boys have worked that out completely. Boruc's right foot sometimes resembles a shovel.

[Saint Fan CaM]

After the last two games my advice to Artur Boruc and the defence would consist of two very basic instructions.

 

1. whenever possible play the ball out stylishly from defence but don't take stupid chances with risky or blind passes to colleagues who are either marked or are likely to be quickly shut down.

If in doubt there is nothing wrong with a hoof ball (West Ham style) towards your attackers , occasionally it does lead directly to us scoring, (case in evidence J Rod's opening goal today). Don't be afraid of Route 1, it is not a crime, even if your manager is from S America. Don't forget many senior Saints fans were brought up on a diet of John McGrath and Denis Hollywood!

 

2. by all means have confidence on the ball and don't be afraid of expressing your skills but never ever try and be too clever, remember basically you are first and foremost a defender and you are up against world class forwards who can pick your pocket in a second. Planting a ball into Row Z, Zamora style, is a lot better than being left on your arse by the corner flag asking for a foul that you were never likely to get.

 

HTH it is not rocket science but after Norwich at home and Spurs away I am starting to wonder.

 

Got to say I agree with basics of this. We're not gifted with world class ball players and although the principles of keeping the ball are sound, when under pressure deep in your own half, best to put it in row ZZ.

[WealdSaint]

I think thereis a pattern, where because of out high tempo pressing game, the players are tired in the 2nd half. This tends to be when the better teams pick us apart.

 

The long ball is fine, but if the striker you aim for can't hold the ball up (I'm thinking of a tired Rickie in the second half of games) then within seconds it's back with the other side.

[OldNick]

On Twitter.

I like the guy. He's an honest good pro but he needs to bounce back quickly when he makes a mistake, he went to pieces for 15 minutes today.

Hoof ball is dire but occasionally it makes sense (and it can work), I guess the skill is knowing when to hoof and when to play pretty and I'm not sure Artur and the boys have worked that out completely. Boruc's right foot sometimes resembles a shovel.

He's a great defender and a leader but has not been himself since his return. As for Boruc he has been lots of slack that KD didn't get in that department, I do think he has lost his confidence and that will come back

[Wade Garrett]

I think thereis a pattern, where because of out high tempo pressing game, the players are tired in the 2nd half. This tends to be when the better teams pick us apart.

 

The long ball is fine, but if the striker you aim for can't hold the ball up (I'm thinking of a tired Rickie in the second half of games) then within seconds it's back with the other side.

 

Fair point. I remember us beating Man Utd at home under WGS. He made 3 substitutions, and commented afterwards that it was a 14 player game. Can see what he means now. With our high energy game, almost all games are now 14 player games. Whether the manager has the quality he needs on the bench is another question though.

 

Personally, I think Gallagher could have been introduced earlier today. Poor old Rickie was blowing out of his arse after an hour.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

Fair point. I remember us beating Man Utd at home under WGS. He made 3 substitutions, and commented afterwards that it was a 14 player game. Can see what he means now. With our high energy game, almost all games are now 14 player games. Whether the manager has the quality he needs on the bench is another question though.

 

Personally, I think Gallagher could have been introduced earlier today. Poor old Rickie was blowing out of his arse after an hour.

 

Lambert had a good first 45 but as you say was working on one lung for the second half. Something does not quite add up - he's not that old FFS.

[Tokyo-Saint]

Anyone else expecting the reply "I'd write a book"?

[derry]

There is a time to play and a time to put in row ZZ. The time to put it in row ZZ is any time there is no immediate and unmarked support. I don't completely blame Lovren, he should have played safety first. Clyne messed up for the first and for the winner Fonte headed the ball straight out and the touch on opened up the shot. Heading away from the centre is less dangerous. Against Norwich it was the exchange of return passes with JWP that caused Fonte to play without looking and led to the first. It is a weakness that has cost us matches. The very best sides have no problem in putting their foot through the ball when necessary.

[The Kraken]

Anyone else expecting the reply "I'd write a book"?

I was expecting "I'd go on strike".

[Turkish]

the club isn't run for the fans anymore, so no one gives a f*ck what FF would do if he was MP's defensive coach.

[Tokyo-Saint]

I think we need a defensive coach on the board!

[Glasgow_Saint]

I think we need a defensive coach on the board!

 

I defend myself (successfully) quite alot... Can i apply?

[Tokyo-Saint]

No need to apply. My source tells me you are already on the short list.

[Glasgow_Saint]

That's why you're MVP

[alpine_saint]

....I'd be looking for a new job.

[OttawaSaint]

Love these kinds of threads, maybe we should hire some of the forum loons to tell the players, "I don't believe you wanted to do that, you wanted to catch the ball or kick it away from the attacker...". "Only me! tut tut tut I don't believe you wanted to foul that opposing player there, you wanted to stay on your feet or time the tackle better".

 

Yeah that'll work!

[Bucks Saint]

the club isn't run for the fans anymore, so no one gives a f*ck what FF would do if he was MP's defensive coach.

 

When was it last run for the fans? I must be able to find that on netflix / iplayer or some such and would like to find that

[the saint in winchester]

After the last two games my advice to Artur Boruc and the defence would consist of two very basic instructions.

 

1. whenever possible play the ball out stylishly from defence but don't take stupid chances with risky or blind passes to colleagues who are either marked or are likely to be quickly shut down.

If in doubt there is nothing wrong with a hoof ball (West Ham style) towards your attackers , occasionally it does lead directly to us scoring, (case in evidence J Rod's opening goal today). Don't be afraid of Route 1, it is not a crime, even if your manager is from S America. Don't forget many senior Saints fans were brought up on a diet of John McGrath and Denis Hollywood!

 

2. by all means have confidence on the ball and don't be afraid of expressing your skills but never ever try and be too clever, remember basically you are first and foremost a defender and you are up against world class forwards who can pick your pocket in a second. Planting a ball into Row Z, Zamora style, is a lot better than being left on your arse by the corner flag asking for a foul that you were never likely to get.

 

HTH it is not rocket science but after Norwich at home and Spurs away I am starting to wonder.

 

You talk good sense. I would simplify it further.

1. you're a defender, not a creative player. Either play it long toward the front line or put it into Row Z.

[Tokyo-Saint]

If in doubt, put it out.

 

 

 

GET RID OF IT!!!

[NickG]

....I'd be looking for a new job.

 

Really?

 

You think our defense are doing so badly away that a defensive coach should go?

 

We have let in 19 goals away this season in 16 away games.

 

The same as Man U and Spurs (two best away sides) although Spurs have let those in in less games so aren't quite as good as us.

 

Chelsea are 5 goals better (one less game) and Man City 1 better (but two less games ).

 

We have let in 8 less than Arsenal, 7 less than Liverpool.

 

How experienced are the poorly managed defence that have achieved that?

 

Ages of regular defenders;

 

Saints 18, 19, 22, 24, 30

(And sure you said 30 year old needed replacing in the championship!)

 

Newcastle 23, 28, 30, 32

Spurs 23, 25, 26, 30

Everton 25, 29, 31, 36

Chelsea 24, 26, 28, 30, 33

Liverpool 29, 29, 29, 30

Man C 27, 28, 28, 29, 33

Man U 24, 26, 32, 32

Arsenal 24, 28, 28, 29, 31

 

So with ¾ of defence far younger / less experienced than other clubs, the other ¼ many said wasn't prem league level - if we are badly managed and coached how come we have such a good defensive record?

 

I think MP see's over playing defensive errors as a worthwhile risk to our play.

 

Brendan Rogers said

" We look to build our game from behind and that has won us many games this season, our ability to construct the game from behind.

 

Sometimes it will cost you. "

 

I'm sure you didn't predict this squad was good enough for 8/9th - so has manager done well?

 

 

 

 

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

[trousers]

Really?

 

You think our defense are doing so badly away that a defensive coach should go?

 

We have let in 19 goals away this season in 16 away games.

 

The same as Man U and Spurs (two best away sides) although Spurs have let those in in less games so aren't quite as good as us.

 

Chelsea are 5 goals better (one less game) and Man City 1 better (but two less games ).

 

We have let in 8 less than Arsenal, 7 less than Liverpool.

 

How experienced are the poorly managed defence that have achieved that?

 

Ages of regular defenders;

 

Saints 18, 19, 22, 24, 30

(And sure you said 30 year old needed replacing in the championship!)

 

Newcastle 23, 28, 30, 32

Spurs 23, 25, 26, 30

Everton 25, 29, 31, 36

Chelsea 24, 26, 28, 30, 33

Liverpool 29, 29, 29, 30

Man C 27, 28, 28, 29, 33

Man U 24, 26, 32, 32

Arsenal 24, 28, 28, 29, 31

 

So with ¾ of defence far younger / less experienced than other clubs, the other ¼ many said wasn't prem league level - if we are badly managed and coached how come we have such a good defensive record?

 

I think MP see's over playing defensive errors as a worthwhile risk to our play.

 

Brendan Rogers said

" We look to build our game from behind and that has won us many games this season, our ability to construct the game from behind.

 

Sometimes it will cost you. "

 

I'm sure you didn't predict this squad was good enough for 8/9th - so has manager done well?

 

 

 

 

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

 

One fatal flaw in that analysis sir.... You've posted something rational on the Saints Web Forum. That's not going to go down very well I'm afraid.

[Window Cleaner]

We have let in 19 goals away this season in 16 away games.

 

 

 

Why focus on the 19 goals away from home and completely set aside the 21 goals conceded in 15 home games ?

If anything it's our home form that's insufficient and that needs to be addressed. Our defence is too young, any good defensive coach would admit that and do something about it. Why drop Clyne sometimes and play Chambers, to me Clyne has declined since we started doing that. To me both Chambers and Shaw are raw defensively.

[OldNick]

You talk good sense. I would simplify it further.

1. you're a defender, not a creative player. Either play it long toward the front line or put it into Row Z.

let's get Big Sam in, that's the way.

We are in the very early stages of developing a passing style of football where you try not to give the ball away cheaply.The Continentals and South Americans have been doing it for a 100years and we expect to be able to after 2or 3years. We as a club are developing a good style of play right through the club, let's not bin it after a few defeats.

[Le Timmier]

Our defence is too young, any good defensive coach would admit that and do something about it.

 

What could any defensive coach do about their age?

[OldNick]

Why focus on the 19 goals away from home and completely set aside the 21 goals conceded in 15 home games ?

If anything it's our home form that's insufficient and that needs to be addressed. Our defence is too young, any good defensive coach would admit that and do something about it. Why drop Clyne sometimes and play Chambers, to me Clyne has declined since we started doing that. To me both Chambers and Shaw are raw defensively.

Clyne was not taken off due to his mistake but was injured. MP also is trying to give our young players match experience. In the main they have not let us down, or are we going back to Danny Fox etc as our fall back

[stu0x]

After the last two games my advice to Artur Boruc and the defence would consist of two very basic instructions.

 

1. whenever possible play the ball out stylishly from defence but don't take stupid chances with risky or blind passes to colleagues who are either marked or are likely to be quickly shut down.

If in doubt there is nothing wrong with a hoof ball (West Ham style) towards your attackers , occasionally it does lead directly to us scoring, (case in evidence J Rod's opening goal today). Don't be afraid of Route 1, it is not a crime, even if your manager is from S America. Don't forget many senior Saints fans were brought up on a diet of John McGrath and Denis Hollywood!

 

2. by all means have confidence on the ball and don't be afraid of expressing your skills but never ever try and be too clever, remember basically you are first and foremost a defender and you are up against world class forwards who can pick your pocket in a second. Planting a ball into Row Z, Zamora style, is a lot better than being left on your arse by the corner flag asking for a foul that you were never likely to get.

 

HTH it is not rocket science but after Norwich at home and Spurs away I am starting to wonder.

So what you're saying is you want them to play one way, except on the occasions it doesn't work or they make a mistake, when you'll say with hindsight on that occasion they should have done something else.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

So what you're saying is you want them to play one way, except on the occasions it doesn't work or they make a mistake, when you'll say with hindsight on that occasion they should have done something else.

 

No that is not what I said. It's pretty clear and if you can't understand it then I am not sure how I can make it clearer. I guess it boils down to don't always try to play it out if it could be too dangerous. Sometimes Boruc looks programmed.

[stu0x]

No that is not what I said. It's pretty clear and if you can't understand it then I am not sure how I can make it clearer. I guess it boils down to don't always try to play it out if it could be too dangerous. Sometimes Boruc looks programmed.

Do you actually think any of our players think "I really shouldn't do this, I'm probably going to lose the ball and concede a goal, oh well never mind" ? Of course they don't. They make the decision which at the time they think is the right one. Sometimes they get it wrong. It's called making a mistake. Making a judgement in hindsight misses one rather vital point - the player thought that they'd retain possession/complete the pass/etc, otherwise they wouldn't have done it in the first place.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

Do you actually think any of our players think "I really shouldn't do this, I'm probably going to lose the ball and concede a goal, oh well never mind" ? Of course they don't. They make the decision which at the time they think is the right one. Sometimes they get it wrong. It's called making a mistake. Making a judgement in hindsight misses one rather vital point - the player thought that they'd retain possession/complete the pass/etc, otherwise they wouldn't have done it in the first place.

 

 

But sometimes if in doubt rather than go for the risky or suicidal pass it is best to hoof either upfield or into touch