braineclipse
Garth Crooks
We tried pressing high a bit, but other than an early turnover (iirc) mostly just got played through.I don't think that is true. It was quite clear to me that we had a number of set patterns of attacking play previously, particularly ones that involved interchange between our fullbacks and Maddison, and we also looked to get the wide player in behind the last defender and hitting the far post where the opposite wide player was arriving.
Looking at last night's match in isolation, I think Frank had us way to deep and timid. We were set up in a low block. We then struggled to get past their press, which resulted in most of the game being played in our half of the pitch. I really don't see that we had any need to play low block against Bodo, even considering the fact that they have a plastic pitch. I think if we actually go out and try to beat a team like that then we do so. I get playing in a negative way away to Liverpool or Emirates Marketing Project or PSG but not against Bodo Glimt. Frank needs to be braver IMO, he's not at a small club like Brentford now.
Our own issues playing through a press (or being able to go direct and make it stick with any real frequency) remains the biggest issue. That's what needs fixing the most. For a period of the first half they weren't able to press as high as well (physically unable I'm guessing) and we were in the game looking alright. But whenever we get pressed well and high we struggle so much.