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This should surprise nobody:- https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/man-utd-penalties-rashford-mourinho-23318792
Midfield has little to offer in a creative capacity.
Stop the FB’s and you cut off supply - then when the front line is off form you get points off us.
Has been the obvious flaw for years - I just find it amazing that we managed so well despite this.
Perhaps the towering presence of Virgil at the back and his aerial threat going forward has far more to do with us winning games consistently - than people realise.
Better CBs -> less defensive work for the FBs -> less defensive work for the midfield -> more free reign to go forward -> profit
It's not the only issue (just like VAR isn't regarding our results), but it's a contributing factor.
Etiam si omnes, ego non
Absolutely - and perhaps most crucial factor of all.
Hunger..!
I do think after missing out on the title in 2019 ( and how cruel was that BTW ) that the team were simply determined to go again and do it.
We were relentless in hoovering up points - often points we scarcely deserved.
That determination to take the title - end the 30 year ( how did it take so long ) wait - is a hallmark of Klopp’s sides. He thrives on adversity and seems to be able to transmit that to the players.
That edge has been missing since the title was effectively down up pre Covid.
Yes, good point Estabano . It's a mixture of things. This next game vs United is going to be important in regaining that desire and self belief, even if it ultimately decides nothing. Let's get a statement win and welcome Jota with another one v City.
Etiam si omnes, ego non
The full backs don't have the confidence going forward as they did having Virgil and Joe at the back. Also throw in the factor of not having the midfield cover of Fabinho when they bomb on.
Now we're the chaser things might just change the mindset for the better.
Think the FB’s are simply being asked to do a more conventional FB role. More focus on defending. It means the midfield has to create and take it’s fair share of goals too.
When asked they have been found wanting. Only Ox - Keita and Shaq - when fit offer this. Klopp really isn’t clued up on that part of the game IMO.
It’s why I have said Hendo outside this setup - is not the same player. Gini - belongs in a more creative midfield and to play with the freedom he does for Holland - but will do the job Klopp has asked - perhaps a reason why he keeps his contract options open...?
The midfield has been used by Klopp to facilitate other areas of the team rather than be the driving force.
It got us to where we needed to be - but IMO - it isn’t the way to stay there or dominate for any length of time.
To be at the top and stay there is tough - only great sides manage it - you need to develop many ways to play - you need a versatile squad - not just players who can do multiple roles ( a penchant of owners who won’t pay what it takes ) - but players who can play in multiple setups - better players - with better technique. Then once that is achieved - you have to constantly keep adding that quality to the side - keep it fresh, keep opposition guessing and unable to setup to stop you.
Let’s see what miracle Klopp can conjure up this season - we all live in hope - but we really needed to beef up that squad in summer 2019. I can’t help but think we have missed the boat.
I wish to god that sodding Carra would button it - but make no mistake the game with United is our biggest since the Madrid Final!
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