Andre Villas-Boas - Head Coach

[Jordinho]

I'd love to hear a few posters answers to those. For me:

Substitutions are shocking on the whole (Not every one you understand)
We SHOULD finish 4/5th. We WILL finish 5/6th.

Why is AVB immune from critiscm from some?

I feel that from some posters it's not criticism, but simply branding AVB as a failure because they're either unhappy about Redknapp's sacking or AVB being his replacement. They're simply not willing to give him a chance, it's almost as if they can't wait for a bad result so they can come here and have a go at him. Some times the comments aren't at all reflective of what actually happened last match.

Since we're actually doing well results wise (some claimed we had to do better than previous seasons to even begin justifying the change) it's the performances that's used as an excuse. Our most recent matches have been at the level you'd expect from our squad. Now that we're becoming more settled we haven't really looked that different from how we played last season, so why call it a complete shambles? How many times in the last 3 years did we not have 20 something shots at goal, but struggle to get something from a game?

It takes time to change how we play, especially if you're missing key components, without sacrificing results for a period. AVB has managed to keep us in the fight for top 4 while slowly trying to instill his ideas into the team. It's still a work in. progress and IMO you can't really expect to see major improvements this season. Expecting us to immediately become a much better team and fight for the title, considering the changes we have undergone this summer, would be foolish.

While we have some very good players, we don't that one world class player to conjure up some magic. Sometimes we will struggle to break down teams, just look at United and City this weekend. The idea that most teams should just roll over for us is not only disrespectful towards the other clubs, but extremely unrealistic. While there might be less quality in the league now there's no lack of hard working and defensively well organised teams.

Why not give the players and the manager a real chance to prove themselves? We've already seen improvement from how we were in pre-season and the early stages of the season.

 

[Pirate55]

I feel that from some posters it's not criticism, but simply branding AVB as a failure because they're either unhappy about Redknapp's sacking or AVB being his replacement. They're simply not willing to give him a chance, it's almost as if they can't wait for a bad result so they can come here and have a go at him. Some times the comments aren't at all reflective of what actually happened last match.

Since we're actually doing well results wise (some claimed we had to do better than previous seasons to even begin justifying the change) it's the performances that's used as an excuse. Our most recent matches have been at the level you'd expect from our squad. Now that we're becoming more settled we haven't really looked that different from how we played last season, so why call it a complete shambles? How many times in the last 3 years did we not have 20 something shots at goal, but struggle to get something from a game?

It takes time to change how we play, especially if you're missing key components, without sacrificing results for a period. AVB has managed to keep us in the fight for top 4 while slowly trying to instill his ideas into the team. It's still a work in. progress and IMO you can't really expect to see major improvements this season. Expecting us to immediately become a much better team and fight for the title, considering the changes we have undergone this summer, would be foolish.

While we have some very good players, we don't that one world class player to conjure up some magic. Sometimes we will struggle to break down teams, just look at United and City this weekend. The idea that most teams should just roll over for us is not only disrespectful towards the other clubs, but extremely unrealistic. While there might be less quality in the league now there's no lack of hard working and defensively well organised teams.

Why not give the players and the manager a real chance to prove themselves? We've already seen improvement from how we were in pre-season and the early stages of the season.

Can you please answer my question about which particular players have improved so far this season.

Imo, only a case for Defoe can be made. In virtually all other instances, individuals performances have got worse compared to last season.

 

[thfcsteff]

Can you please answer my question about which particular players have improved so far this season.

Imo, only a case for Defoe can be made. In virtually all other instances, individuals performances have got worse compared to last season.

Gareth Bale is more effective than he's been for a long time. His movement is smarter and more balanced with what the team is doing. His productivity is thus greater. It's a shame Benny's not been fit, otherwise we'd have seen more of it IMHO. He's running the channels much much better (again, not just galloping around)...I believe the same argument could be made for Lennon. Both seem to come inside and hit the channels either side of the striker much better than ever before, and again, I feel that Walker has spent close to most of this season getting used to the high-line play and the extra duties required.

One very subtle side-effect of Lennon's positioning in particular is that if Walker gets caught, Lennon makes up the covering ground inside and has stopped dangerous situations several times. I think this shift generally is taking time, but I see it. And I don't think I'm imagining it either (discussed it with friends and a couple of coaches).

There is also an argument that Dawson is improving as a player, now able to play it out from the back better than he used to. He's not Verts or even Kaboul, but he is 50% better than he was and improving IMHO.

 

[africanspurs]

Gareth Bale is more effective than he's been for a long time. His movement is smarter and more balanced with what the team is doing. .

how long is a "long time"?

 

[thfcsteff]

i dont see why we SHOULD finish 4th ? the only reason we should finish 4th is if AVB is a great manager.....that would mean our team SHOULD finish 4th. right now he isnt a great manager or an amazing one or even a real prodigy....what he is though is a good, he certainly isnt average though IMO....what he has done so far is a good enough job

i'm not sure why you expect him to hit his milestone so early on in his time for us

for me its more to do with the expectations of those that wanted him here ...with a view of improvement over the last 4 years ....basically indirectly saying that AVB's 4 years with us will surpass the 4 years prior to him arriving. which i think is going to be a tough sell without the financial backing of the board..........if the board give AVB backing them factors and expectations shift...they clearly didnt give it to the last one's tenure for his philosophy.

6th is where we should end up AT LEAST

A very very interesting and balanced post for me.

The second paragraph in particular is actually bang-on the money, and I am absolutely prepared to stand up and say I am someone who believes if he's here 4 years he will surpass the previous tenure. So you're right Affy, a lot of these discussions most likely have this as a root for the agree/disagree-ers.

As for the last sentence, I think again you're right to a large extent, although I will always say that IMO Harry wasn't prepared to meet Levy half-way, but absolutely, there was a CLEAR difference in philosophy, and I think the truth of it is that Harry was to old to alter his ways or meet in the middle, and Levy too committed to a long-term vision which works with our current fiscal situation to give into Harry's way 100%. I will always always wonder what would've happened with Harry if the England stuff hadn't come up. 'Tis my view we'd have finished 3rd at the very least, and then Daniel would've had a real decision to make.

Good to see you here mate. Happy Holidays...

 

[thfcsteff]

how long is a "long time"?

For me, the nadir of Bale's talent-versus lack of proper coaching came at QPR last season, when he seemed to headless chicken it all over the place along with VdV in a thorough 'lets just make something happen' moment of desperation. Might be harsh, but 'tis my opinion. I said last season I really felt in order to get to the next level he needed next level coaching, and whilst I'm not going to outright claim that's what he's getting right now, I do believe he is learning more than he has for a couple of seasons. All IMO mate.

 

[africanspurs]

Gareth Bale is more effective than he's been for a long time. His movement is smarter and more balanced with what the team is doing. His productivity is thus greater. It's a shame Benny's not been fit, otherwise we'd have seen more of it IMHO. He's running the channels much much better (again, not just galloping around)...I believe the same argument could be made for Lennon. Both seem to come inside and hit the channels either side of the striker much better than ever before, and again, I feel that Walker has spent close to most of this season getting used to the high-line play and the extra duties required.

One very subtle side-effect of Lennon's positioning in particular is that if Walker gets caught, Lennon makes up the covering ground inside and has stopped dangerous situations several times. I think this shift generally is taking time, but I see it. And I don't think I'm imagining it either (discussed it with friends and a couple of coaches).

There is also an argument that Dawson is improving as a player, now able to play it out from the back better than he used to. He's not Verts or even Kaboul, but he is 50% better than he was and improving IMHO.

yeah i'm coming in right here

DAWSon is the same, you probably didnt notice it before since you're saying that he is better at playing it out than before, he was always good enough at playing the ball out or even pinging cross field passes from 40 yards. the kind of changes you mention dont happen to professionals over the course of a few months. which means it was always there to begin. i would wager that a statistical check on his passing accuracy wont reveal that much level of difference

the bale thing, so according to you bale is better now than he has been for a long time? how long? considering that our bad patch from end of jan / early feb to about beginning of april and prior to that we were playing fabulous football....i am curious to know when bale has improved BETTER than where he was before

lennon covering for walker? again i think you might have missed it for like 2 years but lennon has been covering walker since those two played together...on the box he looks amazing at doing that actually..so much so that last season and the season before some of us joked about having him as a right back or right wing back. i'am actually interested to know what those coaches thoughts are with regards to lennong covering walkers arse all this time...like as if it wasnt in lennons game to do that

and lennon never needed to cover charlie...for obvious reasons as charlie didnt stifle lennons game and didnt go galavanting off into the sunset on attacks

these 'changes' are things i personally saw in our team for quite a few years.....so i dont know how this is attributed to AVB

 

[thfcsteff]

Because none of that stuff is under his control, hence there's no point on focusing on them. What is 100% under his control is the tactical decisions, which has always been my biggest gripe with him and which nobody has offered any justification for other than "BAH! HE LOST MODRIC AND VAN DER VAART AND HAD SOME INJURIES"

come on mate, that is absolutely not true. There have been several very detailed posts which have offered far more than that.

 

[africanspurs]

For me, the nadir of Bale's talent-versus lack of proper coaching came at QPR last season, when he seemed to headless chicken it all over the place along with VdV in a thorough 'lets just make something happen' moment of desperation. Might be harsh, but 'tis my opinion. I said last season I really felt in order to get to the next level he needed next level coaching, and whilst I'm not going to outright claim that's what he's getting right now, I do believe he is learning more than he has for a couple of seasons. All IMO mate.

is that one game? or do you mean around that time of the season...if thats the case have you ever of the terminology called form? that qpr game was neck deep in the worst form / confidence the team has had for a while...it LITERALLY affects people's thinking AND their executions....thats why when things like that happen players are taught to compose themselves, breathe and just 'let things come naturally' to get them back on course
so your.....long time...i basically a 2 month blip then. at which point we had the summer and then bale is back to his old self again...i.e prior to the two month blip and majority of two seasons ago...


i'm confused....have you even factored in the QPR at the lane? you talk about proper coaching in that one game AWAY... but what about that game against QPR at the lane when we were nothing short of amazing......? or are you not going to give that feather to redknapp , epsecially seeing that you put it at his feet when we did badly...

so bad performance from an individual = bad caoching
good performance from said individual against SAME team = ???

 

[Pirate55]

Gareth Bale is more effective than he's been for a long time. His movement is smarter and more balanced with what the team is doing. His productivity is thus greater. It's a shame Benny's not been fit, otherwise we'd have seen more of it IMHO. He's running the channels much much better (again, not just galloping around)...I believe the same argument could be made for Lennon. Both seem to come inside and hit the channels either side of the striker much better than ever before, and again, I feel that Walker has spent close to most of this season getting used to the high-line play and the extra duties required.

One very subtle side-effect of Lennon's positioning in particular is that if Walker gets caught, Lennon makes up the covering ground inside and has stopped dangerous situations several times. I think this shift generally is taking time, but I see it. And I don't think I'm imagining it either (discussed it with friends and a couple of coaches).

There is also an argument that Dawson is improving as a player, now able to play it out from the back better than he used to. He's not Verts or even Kaboul, but he is 50% better than he was and improving IMHO.

You are entitled to your opinion - but I dont agree with any of those points. We have been completely useless down the right hand side all season. Walker and Lennon have no partnership or understanding between them at all. Lennon has been nullified as an attacking threat. Many of the opponents major threats come down that flank too.

Bale has been top class for at least two seasons. He is no different this time. His productivity is imv worse than last season. I would like to see a like for like comparison. I dont see the improvement in Dawson you do.

I think you are seeing things that frankly arent there. Our home performances this season have been dire in the most part. We dont attack teams but play patter cake patter cake football for most of the first half. We start slowly and never really get going. Playing two defensive cms was largely responsible for our dismal showing earlier in the season.

Name me one aspect tactically that you think we have improved. Corners? Should be easy for a top coach to get a couple of ideas across - no? Free-kicks - it seems to me there is a discussion every time about who is going to take it - surely this should be sorted out before.

Too many players are playing well under their potential. Who do you blame that on? Who is responsible for the shape of the team and getting players to run off the ball? The coaching staff. Why are we going negative after going a goal up? Why do we concede possession and eventually goals in the last 10 minutes? Why do we never turn round games in that period ourselves? Is it fitness, is it tactics, is it direction - whatever it is - surely it is down to the coaching staff and therefore AVB.

I am desperately trying to give him time, but I am really not enjoying the way we play at home at the moment.

 

[africanspurs]

A very very interesting and balanced post for me.

The second paragraph in particular is actually bang-on the money, and I am absolutely prepared to stand up and say I am someone who believes if he's here 4 years he will surpass the previous tenure. So you're right Affy, a lot of these discussions most likely have this as a root for the agree/disagree-ers.

As for the last sentence, I think again you're right to a large extent, although I will always say that IMO Harry wasn't prepared to meet Levy half-way, but absolutely, there was a CLEAR difference in philosophy, and I think the truth of it is that Harry was to old to alter his ways or meet in the middle, and Levy too committed to a long-term vision which works with our current fiscal situation to give into Harry's way 100%. I will always always wonder what would've happened with Harry if the England stuff hadn't come up. 'Tis my view we'd have finished 3rd at the very least, and then Daniel would've had a real decision to make.

Good to see you here mate. Happy Holidays...

cheers dude, still a miserable sod but the holidays are better than i had hoped for so far

 

[parklane1]

True it's easy to skip but the nerve of him actually having a go at another poster that made the effort to type a thoughtful and detailed post. Guess what? even in his dismissal of the post he could only muster up one sentence (AGAIN).

From what i have learned in life its one thing, those who have to use a dozen words to say what could be said in just a couple are full of flimflam. But i suppose you disagree and will write out a thesis to explain why i am wrong.

 

[africanspurs]

bale was actually inconsistent two seasons ago...the year we went to CL QF and finished 5th he was pretty erratic in his levels...but that was more to do with how quick we switched the ball and the fact that he didnt utilise the ball well in a double team

i can also agree that his inner channel workings are overall better than under redknapp....BUT we did see those good movement in quite a few games..norwich away and qpr at home stick to mind.....overall bale has been a good player for like 2 and half seasons...him playing well now isnt new to AVB

 

[africanspurs]

From what i have learned in life its one thing, those who have to use a dozen words to say what could be said in just a couple are full of flimflam. But i suppose you disagree and will write out a thesis to explain why i am wrong.

thats a new one. i dont think i have ever heard that before

 

[parklane1]

that's a new one. i don't think i have ever heard that before

Really, its so true of many politicians especially( its called waffle as well)

 

[Jordinho]

I have acknowledged the fact that we have sold key players several times. And that he was mugged off by Levy in the last window. However, injuries happen to EVERY CLUB, why are ours more important than everybody else's?

I agree it's unfair to pin everything on a manager, but then again, the last manager got most of the blame for our collapse last season. It should be shared with the players.

And one more thing, I am not unhappy with the results, I'm quite pleased on the whole. But I've been far from impressed with the PERFORMANCES on the whole and also the substitutions.

Injuries to other team's players means very little to our performances though. Maybe our injuries has forced us to sacrifice some of the entertainment value to get results, but performances without results would only lead to far worse moaning. There will also be a vocal minority I suppose. :lol:

 

[africanspurs]

Really, its so true of many politicians especially( its called waffle as well)

LOL...ah , i see now ....very true then

 

[Jordinho]

Can you please answer my question about which particular players have improved so far this season.

Imo, only a case for Defoe can be made. In virtually all other instances, individuals performances have got worse compared to last season.

I think cases can be made for Sandro and recently Walker. Dempsey has improved as part of our team and we have heard directly from him how he's worked with AVB on that. I don't think anyone has been particularly bad. While Lennon hasn't been outstanding, he has been very consistent so far and he does a lot more offensively than you give him credit for.

It's impossible to put any timescales on these things, but I think we'll see more from individuals now that we're beginning to look a bit settled.

 

[JPG_357]

I think given our income and squad we should be looking at 4th -7th, and that's just where we are.

5th is probably about right for us.

We've never been a top 3 club under ENIC and I doubt we ever will, I certainly never see us as title winners while they're in control.

 

[Roy1983]

I think given our income and squad we should be looking at 4th -7th, and that's just where we are.

5th is probably about right for us.

We've never been a top 3 club under ENIC and I doubt we ever will, I certainly never see us as title winners while they're in control.

Under ENIC we've reached heights we could only have dreamed of in 2001. I agree with you that so long as we are not bankrolled by a sugar daddy we won't win the EPL but I never want us to sell out so I'm cool with that.