Here's hoping for a great start to Christmas with 3 points. :merry christmas: to one and all, everywhere in the world. Just need White Noise for some links and we're away. COYW
Damn ESPN I have to take my daughter to the airport. If it had been 3.00 KO I would have been OK but I have to leave at 5.30. I might be back for injury time. COYW
Quote from: grandad on December 22, 2012, 02:54:39 PM
If it had been 3.00 KO I would have been OK but I have to leave at 5.30.
That might save your christmas.
Can't be bothered to go to the pub, bloody ESPN. Consolation of T20 cricket & Quins on Sky this afternoon with the football scores on the radio, perfect. Then Palace on at 5.
Back from a busy morning of dropping 'er outdoors plus a bunch of lamb cuts in two huge coolers at a farmers' market twenty-five miles away followed by a morning of wild goose-chasing to discover that the game is on live at 12:30pm on Fox Soccer Channel here in Uncle Sam's.
Nogood "found it without having to ask assistance from Big Hatter Don, isit" Boyo
Schwarzer; Riether, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise; Dejagah, Karagounis, Baird, Richardson, Kacaniklic; Berbatov
Waiting for the richarson hate comments
Reina; Johnson, Agger, Skrtel, Enrique; Gerrard, Lucas, Shelvey; Suso, Suarez, Downing
Senderos, Kasami, Stockdale, Briggs, Rodallega, Frei and Tavares
ESPN saying Richardson will play behind Berbatov. I think it will be Karagounis and Richardson in the middle with Baird.
Why aren't Duff and Petric on the bench at least?
Quote from: IranianCottager on December 22, 2012, 04:49:54 PM
Why aren't Duff and Petric on the bench at least?
rested for southampton maybe
Quote from: Zu-Meister on December 22, 2012, 04:51:43 PM
Quote from: IranianCottager on December 22, 2012, 04:49:54 PM
Why aren't Duff and Petric on the bench at least?
rested for southampton maybe
Cant believe that they must be both injured.
Petric must be injured, I can't see why he wouldn't start
They must be injured.
Richardson as a number 10. Very interesting.
Quote from: The Moose on December 22, 2012, 04:55:15 PM
Richardson as a number 10. Very interesting.
Would have liked to see Frei there
Duff & Petric missing is strange, Dejagah & Kaca down the wings will be interesting
Quote from: CurryForMario on December 22, 2012, 04:57:21 PM
Quote from: The Moose on December 22, 2012, 04:55:15 PM
Richardson as a number 10. Very interesting.
Would have liked to see Frei there
Me too. Personally I think Berba should be there with Rodallega up top. We are set up quite defensively.
So is it 4-5-1, 4-1-4-1, 4-4-1-1, 4-2-3-1 or will it be 4-6-0?
interesting line up from Jol.
:merry christmas: to every fulham fan
Quote from: MJG on December 22, 2012, 04:59:38 PM
So is it 4-5-1, 4-1-4-1, 4-4-1-1, 4-2-3-1 or will it be 4-6-0?
I think 4-4-1-1
:merry christmas:
FFC starting XI v LFC:
Schwarzer;
Riether, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise; Dejagah, Karagounis, Baird, Richardson, Kacaniklic; Berbatov
Quote from: MJG on December 22, 2012, 04:59:38 PM
So is it 4-5-1, 4-1-4-1, 4-4-1-1, 4-2-3-1 or will it be 4-6-0?
4-5-1. Defensive lineup IMHO, would've liked to have seen a more positive XI with the young uns as we'll lose this one anyway.
Quote from: Mr Fulham on December 22, 2012, 05:09:17 PM
Quote from: MJG on December 22, 2012, 04:59:38 PM
So is it 4-5-1, 4-1-4-1, 4-4-1-1, 4-2-3-1 or will it be 4-6-0?
4-5-1. Defensive lineup IMHO, would've liked to have seen a more positive XI with the young uns as we'll lose this one anyway.
A bit of pace and energy in the front 3/4 maybe would have been better.
I dont think Liverpool like players running at them so Kaca/Frei/Dejagah with berbatov up top and Baird and Karagounis holding.
Quote from: CurryForMario on December 22, 2012, 04:43:55 PM
Waiting for the richarson hate comments
Don't understand why Richardson is playing but will be very happy if he proves me wrong
Following on from the Chelsea game, I reckon Karagounis will be the supporting player in the hole behind Berba. He did a lot of pressing against Chelsea.
Maybe it will be Richardson on the left and Kacaniklic up front with Berbatov.
We'll see if Dejegah can cut it or not today.
Respect to all the Fulham fans who have made the journey up to Liverpool. Apart from the distance and the late match time, they also have the additional expense just before Christmas :Haynes The Maestro:
Stockdale on the bench, brought back from loan. It'll be interesting to see if he has a scowl on his face. His being back puts pressure on MS to up his game.
If we sit back and defend we will lose. We should go straight at them because they really aren't that good. But you know us away.
Cmon the Mighty fulham 3 points today would be a great start to the christmas period.COYW
Merry Christmas Monsieur Fox.
Two average teams on paper, both with a star striker.
Let's hope that Berbatov rises to the occasion.
Wonder if we can ask Skyrtel to score another own goal this year (that gave us the 1-0 win in the same fixture last season).
Well its Christmas we should ask !
Classic Fulham defending. God we're poor
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...
Quote from: FC Silver Fox on December 22, 2012, 05:34:16 PM
Wonder if we can ask Skyrtel to score another own goal this year (that gave us the 1-0 win in the same fixture last season).
That wasn't quite what I meant. :022:
Well that sucks
Prediction: 3-0 Liverpool.
Not sure I can be bothered to watch the rest.
See Pinky & Perky clashed together and ended up on the floor - not too quick to get up, eh?
There was a time this season where I looked forward to us playing. Now I dread it
Ooof. There's nothing quite deflating as refreshing a web page and getting a negative score change.
Quote from: Jimpav on December 22, 2012, 05:41:47 PM
Ooof. There's nothing quite deflating as refreshing a web page and getting a negative score change.
There is, watching our joke of Central Defenders knocking each other to the floor and letting a goal in.
Quote from: Logicalman on December 22, 2012, 05:40:38 PM
See Pinky & Perky clashed together and ended up on the floor - not too quick to get up, eh?
Ya, he left his freakin mark and took out Hughes leaving Skrtel all by his lonesome. Horrid defending again.
Good grief how pitiful are we these days. It is already clear that we are going to simply hand over the opposition third and not press it, no Petric, and then we are going to form our first line of defence on halfway and give Gerard time for a cuppa and then we are going to be a shambles in our own defensive third. There must be at a least a couple of players who have'nt touched the ball yet. If Diarra turns out to be fit enough to go to Africa in what a weeks time he can flippin well stay there. Commitment lads come on!
Quote from: Ordar on December 22, 2012, 05:40:45 PM
There was a time this season where I looked forward to us playing. Now I dread it
Aston Villa at home was the last time everyone looked forward to us playing.
Hangeland with the error again.
Now Riether's going to come off!
I need some Christmas cheer.
Facepalm.... Radio already off
Something is drastically wrong with the team. We're so poor. You can see why we're at the bottom for the form table. I literally have no idea what tactics we've been playing.
We can easily get sucked into the relegation scrap.
And can we rest Reither if he's not fully fit so we don't have to keep subbing him every game!!!
Christ, get Brede off, he's a bloody liability out there, hasn't a clue.
Senderos looks like coming on. Which is a ridiculous decision as he was clearly at fault for the first goal...
Alternatively, it is genuinely bad news as Reither is injured. Again.
Riether is limping!
Eleven individuals and no sign of team work.
Make that ten plus Richardson wandering about....
Has Richardson even touched the ball?
What's our relegation odds currently?
Quote from: bill taylors apprentice on December 22, 2012, 05:47:33 PM
Eleven individuals and no sign of team work.
Make that ten plus Richardson wandering about....
whose the captain in charge of this bunch? thers your answer
When this board murmured that Hangeland coming back from suspension would solve all our woes I shook my head, I think its safe to say Fulham this half of the season without Bryan has been god-awful. Riether-Dejagah-Berba is the only thing thats kept me from turning this off...
If you keep on doing what you did, you'll keep on getting what you got.
Seems we haven't learnt anything from last week.
One positive thing: After all our chanting about "we want Clattenberg" over the past few weeks, we've actually got him today.
Someone wake me up when it's over. Sheeez!
I'm sorry to go negative, again, but this IS a Jol problem. He has lost the team and it has showed for 9 weeks running, now 10. We are poor because our players can give a toss week in and week out. I was a huge Jol and supported him strongly last season but this season there is something so fundamentally wrong with our team that it can only be coaching.
Quote from: Ordar on December 22, 2012, 05:49:15 PM
What's our relegation odds currently?
Shortening weekly... When's this sh8te run going to end
Berbatov will go in January if we don't win any games over Christmas.
There's problems all over the pitch, not just CM which is obviously the main one. The tactics are baffling. Unless we do something spectacular in the Jan window, I just can't see if getting better.
We can easily get dragged into the relegation scrap
Quote from: CanadianCottager on December 22, 2012, 05:49:26 PM
When this board murmured that Hangeland coming back from suspension would solve all our woes I shook my head,
never a truer word said - I would rather have senderos on, at least he does try and is not a want-away shirt hanger.
Good grief what goes on in our medical room or is Jol so unsure of our back four options? Take a leaf out of the Villa book Jol and try something or more importantly somebody else. After all the flak Lambert was getting they could go ahead of us tomorrow.
Ricky Lambert and the Swansea forwards must be rubbing their hands together and we have an hour to go. I must calm down. I have not been this incensed so early in a game for ages. At this moment our tickets for Southampton are heading right up Jols backside and if anybody says its all about Ruiz they have'nt got a clue.
One thing is for sure, there is zero leadership on the pitch.
Quote from: RidgeRider on December 22, 2012, 05:50:33 PM
I'm sorry to go negative, again, but this IS a Jol problem. He has lost the team and it has showed for 9 weeks running, now 10. We are poor because our players can give a toss week in and week out. I was a huge Jol and supported him strongly last season but this season there is something so fundamentally wrong with our team that it can only be coaching.
Worked for the Qpr squad, didn't like Hughes, play cack for about 13 weeks & board acted, later Hughes
Bloody hell
Lol - What has happened to our defence??
Why didnt Frei Start before Richardson Becasue at the moment he seems lost.
fp.gif....
How anyone can make a case for Baird being a solid PL player is beyond me. Doesn't close people down, poor passes to players 5 yards away and loses his man at corners. Overrated.
Take Richardson off now
So now it's central mid along with back 4???
Berbs goes down and we're relegated 4 sure. :035:
Quote from: Fightin Blue Hens on December 22, 2012, 05:53:45 PM
One thing is for sure, there is zero leadership on the pitch.
+1.
.... even Downing is being made to look good.
Here we're going to run out to dave Clarks 5 Bits and pieces Boxing Day.thank god Grace is in charge of the Tv remote ! Disney junior rocks !!!!!
Ooh that was close - gotta say Deja looks great with the ball at his feet, so not great defensively though. I would maybe move him into the center to work with Berba.
Listening to the radio commentary is unbearable. Clearly Collymore has a great affection for his former employer (not us) if that's the case, why the hell didn't he put some effort in when he played for them?
There is absolutely no reason for Richardson to be on the pitch. Yes, everyone at QPR played badly and, yes, everyone is awful today, but he has shown nothing to deserve being in the starting XI.
Any other manager would be under extreme pressure after a run of games like this. Why not Jol? I'm not saying I want him sacked but it's making me wonder. Media darling, maybe?
Of the team which started this game, only Reither, Riise and Berbatov are good enough.
We might as well not play any centre midfielders as they're doing nothing. Baird having another terrible game after that horror show last week.
Richardson has one of the worst first touches I have ever seen. I just can't see us having a decent chance let alone scoring
Ah what the heck, I'd complain about our players playing poorly but that would be a novel, I'm just going to comment when someone actually does something right... Dejagah has been lively down the right, nice few backheel flicks and has been getting a tackle or two in...
Quote from: TWFL on December 22, 2012, 05:56:50 PM
How anyone can make a case for Baird being a solid PL player is beyond me. Doesn't close people down, poor passes to players 5 yards away and loses his man at corners. Overrated.
Jack of all trades but excels at none.
Reither has again impressed, but considering he's injured/has been injured and took a knock early on it is utterly pathetic that he's standing out as much as he is.
Berba Berba Berba - I know you don't want to play for us any more but at least make a run.
Quote from: Matt Inglis on December 22, 2012, 06:00:55 PM
Quote from: Logicalman on December 22, 2012, 05:58:59 PM
Quote from: Matt Inglis on December 22, 2012, 05:57:21 PM
Quote from: Fightin Blue Hens on December 22, 2012, 05:53:45 PM
One thing is for sure, there is zero leadership on the pitch.
+1.
+ 10
I don't even know who the captain is..
Bald little feller with the number 13 I think, haven't seen him in a while though...
Finally some possession, that means we'll concede soon.
Can you get battered one nil? I fully understand the Berbatov love in but what on earth is he supposed to be doing for us in this shambles. He is not going to score from distance, he is not going to get a decent pass in the box, a decent corner will be a mini victory and all alone up top against four having the easiest of day of their season so far he ain't going to jinx and weave his way through. Needed two workman up top today to at least stretch the game and offer some outlets. You have to feel sorry for those in the end behind Reina unless they have binoculars.
OMG, Richardson is horrid. Watch him nick one now. Ha!--the irony.
We are terrible. No tactics, no movement, no caring.
Well that's that then
Quote from: Matt Inglis on December 22, 2012, 06:04:02 PM
Finally some possession, that means we'll concede soon.
yep , you're right. Its too easy
Quote from: Matt Inglis on December 22, 2012, 06:04:02 PM
Finally some possession, that means we'll concede soon.
I hate you. (In the kindest sort of way)
Well too easy where the hell was the defending really shocking.
Serves us right for being so negative. We need to make a chance to stop the rot. Get Rodders on for Richardson.
This is absolute dross. There's literally nothing positive the team has done so far - a few individual moments but nothing in the collective sense. I just don't get it.
No tracking back from the midfield led to that, the freedom Gerrard got was staggering.
I genuinely thing we should be worried about relegation. We haven't played well for 2+ months.
Couldn't beat QPR, Southampton, Sunderland or Reading
Major major problems
Here we go again. Im out.
I miss my Fulham
I've kept my mouth shut about our chances this season, and have always stayed positive, but I'm very worried now. This is bad.
When is Diarra back - we really need him.
To be fair we expected this but it still hurts.
Can not see where our next goal is coming from.
I really like jol but his team selection is just wrong
Wil
It looks like they've already had their after-match curry. They're going through the motions.
I cannot stand Richardson, I cannot stand him.
Like lambs to the slaughter now.
We are the worst team in the league. Teams don't even need to play well to beat us, and we can't score
Have we won a game when Richardson was on the pitch?
now u all know y Rodders plays... noone else is capable of running and shutting down defenders otherwise....
Berbatov class on the ball, easiest player in the world to mark off it....
most people want him up top and unfortunately as i have said all along he isnt capable of doing this, he doesnt work hard enough and he drops too deep and too wide too often and please dont blame others.
but i will agree with above Ricardson has had TOOOOOOO many chances now and for me in Jan please replace Baird, Richardson and Sidwell
Remember under Hughes the alleged player's revolt to his tactics that resulted in our second half of season good run of form????? Is it time for another one? Is it tactics/manager or personnel??
In all seriousness Richardson has to be taken off. We would be better off with 10 men
Quote from: Horse on December 22, 2012, 06:08:58 PM
When is Diarra back - we really need him.
20 minutes before his next injury.
Quote from: FC Silver Fox on December 22, 2012, 06:09:21 PM
It looks like they've already had their after-match curry. They're going through the motions.
I'm not even sure they're offering even hat token effort. It's be absolutely embarrassing, equally as bad as last week just with the "bonus" of it not being against a local rival.
Quote from: FC Silver Fox on December 22, 2012, 06:09:21 PM
It looks like they've already had their after-match curry. They're going through the motions.
quite fitting, as they're playing like poop.
Quote from: FC Silver Fox on December 22, 2012, 06:09:21 PM
It looks like they've already had their after-match curry. They're going through the motions.
Well we look a bit better then QPR but our midfield is again hopeless.
Quote from: FC Silver Fox on December 22, 2012, 06:09:21 PM
It looks like they've already had their after-match curry. They're going through the motions.
:plus one: You are correct and that is the problem. There is no urgency pride guts or balls - nothing. Just a punch of guys on a pitch. Very sad and very disturbing. Really don't understand and it very very disturbing. I just can't watch this shite!!!
Its time for the Kasami
We've been bad for months
18th place is ours
Petric or Rodallega for one of the horrendous CMs at halftime, Berba's looked plently lonely
It's been a good long while since I've been on the forums but a few things massively stick out. Defending corners, the space between the penalty spot and the edge of the box is being exposed consistently last few matches. Was highlighted on the tv the other night too and the goal and another earlier free header showed that this hasn't been addressed which is pathetic. I can take us being out of form but not being prepared and not analysing our previous performances and fixing problems is unacceptable.
Berbatov to me clearly doesn't want to play up on his own. When he was signed it seemed pretty clear this would be the case. He wants to drop off and control things and when he does there is nobody to get the other side and make a run or be a threat. Either Petric or Rodallega need to be playing with him or Ruiz or someone who is prepared to make runs.
Defending is dire but we are going to be exposed if we have no possession and no movement.
Karagounis looks like a (young/ancient) Danny Murphy and at least has some quality on the ball in midfield and if we went 442 we may at least hold onto the ball but its pretty clear this isn't working.
So many of them don't seem to care, that's why this is so hard to watch.
Richardson, the new Senderos.
grrrrrr
I don't think I'd turned the tele off before full time since the Sanchez days until this season. I've just realised that I have now switched off 5 games since the 3-1 loss to Sunderland.
I was expecting a very bleak run into Christmas anyways, but we are much, much worse than I was even expecting. It's going to be a very long season.
Quote from: LordNelson on December 22, 2012, 06:10:45 PM
Remember under Hughes the alleged player's revolt to his tactics that resulted in our second half of season good run of form????? Is it time for another one? Is it tactics/manager or personnel??
Personnel, or lack there of imho. Too many squad players, not enough first teamers, we need a big January
Quote from: CanadianCottager on December 22, 2012, 06:13:35 PM
Petric or Rodallega for one of the horrendous CMs at halftime, Berba's looked plently lonely
and poor but i likely to be the only person to say it....
he NEEDS to run and show the effort he did in the first few games. he will not move.
granted, on the ball he is class but off it he does very little and that is why the "headless chicken" that is Hugo Roddellga has to play
Quote from: craig10 on December 22, 2012, 06:15:22 PM
Quote from: CanadianCottager on December 22, 2012, 06:13:35 PM
Petric or Rodallega for one of the horrendous CMs at halftime, Berba's looked plently lonely
and poor but i likely to be the only person to say it....
he NEEDS to run and show the effort he did in the first few games. he will not move.
granted, on the ball he is class but off it he does very little and that is why the "headless chicken" that is Hugo Roddellga has to play
I agree, he just hasn't had his heart in it today, needs someone to feed him the ball so he can stuff the ball in the net and maybe liven up a bit
Thank you, we made it to HT with just 2 down.
Gutless... im sickened
Gutless performance. The players need motivating, that means Jol off the pitch and Hangeland on it.
Now we're losing there's no point playing so negatively, get Rodallega on for Richardson or Frei on.
Quote from: Logicalman on December 22, 2012, 06:16:55 PM
Thank you, we made it to HT with just 2 down.
I was just about to say the same thing. We'd have no complaints if we were 4 down.
That first half was really hard to watch shocking first half hopefully jol will doing some changes,But we all know he wont.
Frei for Kaca
Rodders for Richardson
however i can see him taking off Karagounis or kaca for Rodders
One minute of added time ,half time tactical change and a hair dyer in order !think Chris Waddle said it "I like the way Fulham play they passes it around but not today !
And another point, we have two wingers on the pitch and yet we're constantly going down the middle. What's the point?
Quote from: The Moose on December 22, 2012, 06:18:12 PM
Gutless performance. The players need motivating, that means Jol off the pitch and Hangeland on it.
I can see the first of those happening, but as for the second part, how can you expect a want-away player to have any interest at all in captaining the team? Give the armband to Baird, or Berbie, or anyone else that might have an ounce of Fulham in their blood, but not that shirt-hanger that was the cause of the first goal, and totally out of position for the second.
Sooooo can we turn it around in the second half....
We're nothing without Bryan Ruiz.
I'm going to start it. I want Martin Jol out. He's clearly lost the dressing room
I see you can still get us at 20/1 for relegation..
Swansea, Norwich and Newcastle are all available at 6/1.. I don't normally bet on Fulham but (sadly) at 20/1 that's got to be worth a tenner.
Stats at half time, Ashkan Dejagah has won the ball more times than our entire backline combined.. just about sums up our heartless defence
We are looking so poor, can't see us scoring at all.
Will end up 3 or 4 nil easy.
Truly awful stuff, relegation beckons on current form.
Riise...way past it.
Hangeland...for those wanting him to sign....let him go, he is useless.
Richardson...why did Fulham take this guy on
Kaca ...not even close to the standard reqired, never has been, never will be.
Baird...past his best.
Fulham make Downing look like a world class winger.
Does Jol even get them to practice defending, this is totally embarrassing.
I did not like Jol when we got him, then I was converted. Now? I think he is clueless as to how to fix the nightmare unfolding.
Worst run of form since Sanchez :dft007:
Quote from: Admin on December 22, 2012, 06:22:19 PM
I'm going to start it. I want Martin Jol out. He's clearly lost the dressing room
I know I'm going to catch some hell from fellow posters but......... +1
I have no idea who we should bring in though. Let's hope Macintosh does a better job with a replacement then he did with the summer window.
Quote from: Walsh on December 22, 2012, 06:22:09 PM
We're nothing without Bryan Ruiz.
Sadly. Knowing our luck, Jol is going to rush him back before he's fully fit and he'll be out for the season within 30 minutes... Need to get someone who can play his role in January
Dave on for Richardson, not because Richardson is playing badly (they all are), but because the shape of the team isn't working. Berba is not a lone striker. It is pointless having pacy wingers if the CMs are ultimately defensive as there is nobody to run on and break into the box.
Take some defensive shape out of the middle and put some pressure on up top.
We look poor, to say the least. There's no need to worry about a relegation scrap, but I can't see us pushing for a record highest finish this season.
Quote from: Logicalman on December 22, 2012, 06:21:24 PM
Quote from: The Moose on December 22, 2012, 06:18:12 PM
Gutless performance. The players need motivating, that means Jol off the pitch and Hangeland on it.
I can see the first of those happening, but as for the second part, how can you expect a want-away player to have any interest at all in captaining the team? Give the armband to Baird, or Berbie, or anyone else that might have an ounce of Fulham in their blood, but not that shirt-hanger that was the cause of the first goal, and totally out of position for the second.
If he was fit I'd choose Diarra. The only other vocal player is Berba so I'd give it him.
The Jol out comments show a complete lack of respect for the club. Get behind your manager for god's sake. We are in a poor run but with the right signings that can change. Ridiculous.
Not sure what's with the team but you're in some serious trouble. Berbs has been disappointing . no motivation?
schwarzer - glued to his line
Hangeland - stop marking the space the attackers are going to run into as they get the run on you everytime and your standing jump is NOT good enough
Riise - Stop going onto ur right foot to just come back outside onto ur left and in the mean time been closed down
Kaca - far too predictable
Baird - the nickname has gone to his head.. too many flicks, blind passing and "skills" that dont come off
Richardson - seems to have lost any 1st touch he did have and run straight into players more than anything else
Berba - stop dropping deep, going wide and only moving when the ball is at your feet
In our defence, Liverpool are playing some brilliant football
Kaca isn't as good as he was in the earlier games of the season because now Berbatov is rarely forward on the left. He is constantly dropping back and Kaca is left isolated on the left with noone to combine with.
Quote from: Logicalman on December 22, 2012, 06:21:24 PM
Quote from: The Moose on December 22, 2012, 06:18:12 PM
Gutless performance. The players need motivating, that means Jol off the pitch and Hangeland on it.
I can see the first of those happening, but as for the second part, how can you expect a want-away player to have any interest at all in captaining the team? Give the armband to Baird, or Berbie, or anyone else that might have an ounce of Fulham in their blood, but not that shirt-hanger that was the cause of the first goal, and totally out of position for the second.
Completely agree. Hangeland has been poor. We need someone to shout and get at the players to make sure they keep working, someone like Berbatov, and Hangeland is definitely not doing that. Put Kasami on and go from there, central midfield have also been shocking.
Quote from: craig10 on December 22, 2012, 06:18:58 PM
Frei for Kaca
Rodders for Richardson
however i can see him taking off Karagounis or kaca for Rodders
would seem i got that right!!! ffs
Let's hope Hugo doesn't live up to the nickname my Colombian friends give him, Rodallegua (roughly, RodaDonkey)...
OK JOL is blind.... RICHARDSON still on Kaca off wth....
Apparently it's a better idea to take off Kacaniklic than Richardson. Okay then.
How is richardson still on the pitch really martin jol.
Quote from: LordNelson on December 22, 2012, 06:10:45 PM
Remember under Hughes the alleged player's revolt to his tactics that resulted in our second half of season good run of form????? Is it time for another one? Is it tactics/manager or personnel??
All three. As somebody has alreay hinted at perm any series of numbers adding up to ten and that might be our formation. Tactics is easy to define. There are none. Personnel. Again easy enough. Shameful, pitiful and absolutely useless. Jol. A mystery. Is a bloke who is obviously quite smart not watching the same games as us. We would be better with a 3.5.2 for the rest of this show or simply get the hooked stick out and flippin well use it. If a player has done nothing of note for 30 minutes he is not going to burst into life for another half hour so drag his sorry arse off. If a player is continuously out of position, skinned for pace, can't pass and looks lost get him the hell off. We have gone past the one off poor display or the "but for injuries" stage. This will be a harsh game on which to judge Dejagah and Kaca, the future hopefuls of course, and if Frei gets on he probably won't get the confidence boost he needs but I would take a five nil with some effort put in, some experience logged and something to work with for the next game. This is dross and could have been worse had Newcastle not lost the plot. This is worse than under Hughes and although we won't be bottom three on Boxing Day we will be pretty damn close at tea time on New years Day.
Jol had better have a flippin good explanation and I want it translated in case I miss anything between the sighs and the shrugs. If he mentions quality and Berbatov I will scream. He really needs to go now as we need to fill his spot with a work horse who will chase down lost causes and do you know what I would'nt mind if this person scored with his face, chin or backside. Berbatov will need something we just have'nt got to ever score for us again. Mackie for Berba straight swap?
Damn can't believe that crossed my mind...............................
thanks god they missed an open goal twice...
Quote from: CanadianCottager on December 22, 2012, 06:32:54 PM
Let's hope Hugo doesn't live up to the nickname my Colombian friends give him, Rodallegua (roughly, RodaDonkey)...
i promise you he will work harder than berba did in the 1st 45mins
I'm actually not watching. I'm recording it but it seems unlikely ill watch. What I can't understand is how we can go from playing some of the best football I've ever seen us play from an attacking perspective, to playing like fulham from the worst times in the premiership ala Coleman/Sanchez. I know it all can't be down to Ruiz but one can't deny the fact that we have gone from the Harlem globetrotters to a complete mess in the time he's been absent.
Quote from: craig10 on December 22, 2012, 06:34:29 PM
Quote from: CanadianCottager on December 22, 2012, 06:32:54 PM
Let's hope Hugo doesn't live up to the nickname my Colombian friends give him, Rodallegua (roughly, RodaDonkey)...
i promise you he will work harder than berba did in the 1st 45mins
Well he's already won an aerial so you're right my friend
mr Hangeland keeps passing it to the guys in red...
What's with the Richardson bashing?
Someone has to make way to change the shape and what has Kaca done in the first half? At least Richardson brings a bit of PL experience and is versatile
Quote from: BedsFFC on December 22, 2012, 06:35:55 PM
I'm actually not watching. I'm recording it but it seems unlikely ill watch. What I can't understand is how we can go from playing some of the best football I've ever seen us play from an attacking perspective, to playing like fulham from the worst times in the premiership ala Coleman/Sanchez. I know it all can't be down to Ruiz but one can't deny the fact that we have gone from the Harlem globetrotters to a complete mess in the time he's been absent.
It's not all down to Ruiz, but yea, it's all been down to Ruiz... Berbatov has looked toothless without his partner in crime, I'm starting to feel like Petric-Rodallega might serve us better til Bryan is back.
Downing? Seriously??
riise backing off until he walked past the line.... contantly doing it
Quote from: Herbie on December 22, 2012, 06:37:47 PM
What's with the Richardson bashing?
Someone has to make way to change the shape and what has Kaca done in the first half? At least Richardson brings a bit of PL experience and is versatile
exactly what has Rirchardson done for us apart from the goal vs Southampton?
ahh yes, give downing his first for Liverpool...FULHAMISH
same thing a min ago.... backing off he crossed it and suarez should have scored.... terribe defending riise
3-0 and even Downing scored, Christ...
Quote from: Herbie on December 22, 2012, 06:37:47 PM
What's with the Richardson bashing?
Always easier to blame the new guy than the players who you've become fond of seeing for the past few years
REALLLY!?
Downing 1 goal, 1 ass
Shocking thats all i have to say this is worst then are performance at QPR.
Not so sure about the Ruiz factor here. How many consecutive games has he actually played for us so that some sort of game plan or playing style can be nurtured and unless Jol has a voodoo doll handy it is likely to be a while yet before he is back.
THANK GOD.
Frei to score 3 :D
Downing is one of the poorest players in the prem and is having the game of a life.
First we give QPR their first win and now Downing his first goal.
If a team or player ever needs a boost just look to when your playing Fulham.
Well too late Martin Jol should have made that change at half time.
Quote from: Herbie on December 22, 2012, 06:37:47 PM
What's with the Richardson bashing?
Someone has to make way to change the shape and what has Kaca done in the first half? At least Richardson brings a bit of PL experience and is versatile
you have to be kidding
P!ss poor yet again! Not happy. Does Berbatov actually want to play for us.....?
Quote from: ScalleysDad on December 22, 2012, 06:41:01 PM
Not so sure about the Ruiz factor here. How many consecutive games has he actually played for us so that some sort of game plan or playing style can be nurtured and unless Jol has a voodoo doll handy it is likely to be a while yet before he is back.
Fulham have scored 18 goals in the 9 games he's been on the pitch, and he's been responsible for creating 8 of them. Fulham have scored 9 goals with him off the field. Pretty damning statistics
Frei has already done better than Richardson did.
Karagounis is pretty much our best midfielder at the moment...
Quote from: Luffy86 on December 22, 2012, 06:43:16 PM
P!ss poor yet again! Not happy. Does Berbatov actually want to play for us.....?
He won't be come January
Quote from: fulhamjay on December 22, 2012, 06:42:03 PM
Well too late Martin Jol should have made that change at half time.
he should have made that change BEFORE the game you mean.
Quote from: Horse on December 22, 2012, 06:45:29 PM
Karagounis is pretty much our best midfielder at the moment...
+1.
Quote from: Logicalman on December 22, 2012, 06:46:04 PM
Quote from: fulhamjay on December 22, 2012, 06:42:03 PM
Well too late Martin Jol should have made that change at half time.
he should have made that change BEFORE the game you mean.
+1.
Quote from: Luffy86 on December 22, 2012, 06:43:16 PM
P!ss poor yet again! Not happy. Does Berbatov actually want to play for us.....?
Are you actually watching this game??
Wow... that shot from Riise...
There are so many occasions where a pass is on if a player moves 2-3 yards in ANY direction, then a L'pool player covers the man on the ball only for the movement to THEN be made. It's infuriating!!
I don't think we've had a shot on target yet, have we?
Quote from: Horse on December 22, 2012, 06:45:29 PM
Karagounis is pretty much our best midfielder at the moment...
It's spelt "only"
Quote from: FC Silver Fox on December 22, 2012, 06:49:06 PM
I don't think we've had a shot on target yet, have we?
Richardson first half
I have very little belief in this group of players. They look lost, unmotivated and have nothing about them. No character or fight. All 11, including the 'captain', are passengers. Some of them have been an embarrassment to this football club over the past 3 months.
Clearly, without Diarra & Ruiz we are relegation fodder and require at least 3 or 4 players in January. Our midfield looks so, so weak. Whether Jol will be the one to oversee this is unclear. The Southampton/Swansea games are make or break for him.
Quote from: Horse on December 22, 2012, 06:47:29 PM
Quote from: Luffy86 on December 22, 2012, 06:43:16 PM
P!ss poor yet again! Not happy. Does Berbatov actually want to play for us.....?
Are you actually watching this game??
I'm not. Are you suggesting otherwise? I hope so
оh hi, our team realized the game started
Quote from: Classic94 on December 22, 2012, 06:50:04 PM
I have very little belief in this group of players. They look lost, unmotivated and have nothing about them. No character or fight. All 11 - including the 'captain' are passengers. Some of them have been an embarrassment to this football club over the past 3 months.
Clearly, without Diarra & Ruiz we are relegation fodder and require at least 3 or 4 players in January. Our midfield looks so, so weak. Whether Jol will be the one to oversee this is unclear. The Southampton/Swansea games are make or break for him.
I fully agree. Nothing but maximum points from these game and his head will be on the block. With me, it already is and I'd like to see the back of him.
They've been significantly better in the last 2 minutes or so than the rest of the game combined. Some genuine combination play and dangerous-ish looking attacking-ish play.
Its the travelling fans I feel sorry for. They've spent a lot of time and money to go all the way to Liverpool to watch this.
much better than the previous 60 minutes still not enough movement
but at least now there is some
Quote from: Horse on December 22, 2012, 06:47:29 PM
Quote from: Luffy86 on December 22, 2012, 06:43:16 PM
P!ss poor yet again! Not happy. Does Berbatov actually want to play for us.....?
Are you actually watching this game??
Am I watching the game... Yeah with all my four eyes! I see more effort and commitment from players in my U10s team!
What exactly has Berbatov done? Everyone uses Richardson as a scapegoat but Berbatov is the man who's suppose to make things happen!
All quick to want him out but not 1 suggestion for a replacement ?
Quote from: God The Mechanic on December 22, 2012, 06:53:59 PM
They've been significantly better in the last 2 minutes or so than the rest of the game combined. Some genuine combination play and dangerous-ish looking attacking-ish play.
Liverpool foot off gas
It's time for players like Kasami who actually want to play in a Fulham shirt.
Quote from: BedsFFC on December 22, 2012, 06:50:13 PM
Quote from: Horse on December 22, 2012, 06:47:29 PM
Quote from: Luffy86 on December 22, 2012, 06:43:16 PM
P!ss poor yet again! Not happy. Does Berbatov actually want to play for us.....?
Are you actually watching this game??
I'm not. Are you suggesting otherwise? I hope so
Well he looks a little disillusioned with proceedings, but he's certainly contributing and is the best player in a white shirt on the field.
Quote from: FC Silver Fox on December 22, 2012, 06:55:53 PM
Its the travelling fans I feel sorry for. They've spent a lot of time and money to go all the way to Liverpool to watch this.
Did you hear that Arsenal gave all their travelling fans 10 quid this morning? .. and that's when your team turns up as well - how much does Mo owe our band of brothers?
On the bright side, the world didn't end yesterday. Albeit, after watching this debacle, I wish had.
Liverpool have taken their foot off the gas now. Playing in first gear rather than the second gear canter they were playing at to score 3 goals.
I can't stress how poorly we have played. It's been worse than last week, and I didn't think that was possible. We have won 1 game in 10, a very lucky win against Newcastle. I can't understand how people can't be worried.
Quote from: Logicalman on December 22, 2012, 06:58:47 PM
Quote from: FC Silver Fox on December 22, 2012, 06:55:53 PM
Its the travelling fans I feel sorry for. They've spent a lot of time and money to go all the way to Liverpool to watch this.
Did you hear that Arsenal gave all their travelling fans 10 quid this morning? .. and that's when your team turns up as well - how much does Mo owe our band of brothers?
Xanax would be a proper gift.
Where is the passion at all get players in who really want to play in a fulham shirt,To make Downing look good we really must be poor.
Let's get the win lads come on.
No more bosmans and no more season long loan deals (I know Riether has been a success). I want us to actually BUY someone. We need a player who Berbatov can relate to. Without Ruiz he just gets pissed off.
Quote from: EJL on December 22, 2012, 07:03:31 PM
No more bosmans and no more season long loan deals (I know Riether has been a success). I want us to actually BUY someone. We need a player who Berbatov can relate to. Without Ruiz he just gets pissed off.
I know what you mean. No more pissing around back Jol with at least 15-20M
Shot on target!
Karagounis ... best player in white at the age of 35...
Quote from: Matt Inglis on December 22, 2012, 07:07:04 PM
Shot on target!
Holy crap, that's two shots on target in 2 minutes!
Karagounis - the only player in football history to have a first touch consisting of two touches.
Quote from: ffcbulgaria on December 22, 2012, 07:07:37 PM
Karagounis ... best player in white at the age of 35...
I'd be highly motivated too, to keep from having to go back to a hole of a country if I failed!
We're getting our backsides handed to us, and yet there is no urgency. This is nauseating!
Quote from: EJL on December 22, 2012, 07:09:02 PM
Karagounis - the only player in football history to have a first touch consisting of two touches.
Unlike Richardson and a few others he has something to call a first touch at least...
Wow, I genuinely didn't know Lucas was playing for Liverpool. That's utterly depressing, he should have had to have been mentioned at least once.
Back Jol with 15 - 20m.....hahahahaha........ The only thin we'll be getting is a few loans and a couple of bosman transfers at 11:30 at the very end of the transfer window.... I try not to get excited anymore....!
Quote from: ffcbulgaria on December 22, 2012, 07:10:24 PM
Quote from: EJL on December 22, 2012, 07:09:02 PM
Karagounis - the only player in football history to have a first touch consisting of two touches.
Unlike Richardson and a few others he has something to call a first touch at least...
Agreed. Not saying his touch is bad. It just looks funny.
Quote from: EJL on December 22, 2012, 07:09:02 PM
Karagounis - the only player in football history to have a first touch consisting of two touches.
I think he tackled Sterling four times with one tackle just then.
Quote from: Luffy86 on December 22, 2012, 07:11:05 PM
Back Jol with 15 - 20m.....hahahahaha........ The only thin we'll be getting is a few loans and a couple of bosman transfers at 11:30 at the very end of the transfer window.... I try not to get excited anymore....!
What rubbish. Try to remember the whole window and not just the last 5 minutes.
Quote from: LordNelson on December 22, 2012, 07:09:26 PM
Quote from: ffcbulgaria on December 22, 2012, 07:07:37 PM
Karagounis ... best player in white at the age of 35...
I'd be highly motivated too, to keep from having to go back to a hole of a country if I failed!
We may be playing crap but what's the point in that statement? Greece is a beautiful country that is going through a hard time at present, like most of the world!
Quote from: Luffy86 on December 22, 2012, 07:11:05 PM
Back Jol with 15 - 20m.....hahahahaha........ The only thin we'll be getting is a few loans and a couple of bosman transfers at 11:30 at the very end of the transfer window.... I try not to get excited anymore....!
I know its more in hope than what i think will really happen. I tend to agree with your view and that at 11:45PM on the transfer window night we will sign a couple of 33 year old freebies
Quote from: MJG on December 22, 2012, 07:05:57 PM
Quote from: EJL on December 22, 2012, 07:03:31 PM
No more bosmans and no more season long loan deals (I know Riether has been a success). I want us to actually BUY someone. We need a player who Berbatov can relate to. Without Ruiz he just gets pissed off.
I know what you mean. No more pissing around back Jol with at least 15-20M
Yeah but ............. he has had a shedload and look where we are, (someone will say Ruiz and fair enough but are his sick notes too regular). I know the actual transfer money total he has spent won't be much over 2o million but the loans and deals surely add up to a fair bit and look what he has done with it. The biggest fear is that many other teams are looking a better prospect than us for want away quality players.
In all the excitment I see we have one catalogued shot on target and a corner with 15 minutes left. Thats alright then.
Quote from: Matt Inglis on December 22, 2012, 07:12:40 PM
Quote from: EJL on December 22, 2012, 07:09:02 PM
Karagounis - the only player in football history to have a first touch consisting of two touches.
I think he tackled Sterling four times with one tackle just then.
:011:
IT'S ENOUGH TO MAKE AN ONION CRY !!!!!!
Can we stick hangeland as a CM next game just for fun? Our defence can't get much worse.
I definitely think we'll turn this around, but for the players to put in several performances like this is unacceptable. I hope the away fans are refunded.
This has been a Christmas performance. We've been well and truly stuffed.
Quote from: BestOfBrede on December 22, 2012, 07:14:14 PM
Quote from: LordNelson on December 22, 2012, 07:09:26 PM
Quote from: ffcbulgaria on December 22, 2012, 07:07:37 PM
Karagounis ... best player in white at the age of 35...
I'd be highly motivated too, to keep from having to go back to a hole of a country if I failed!
We may be playing crap but what's the point in that statement? Greece is a beautiful country that is going through a hard time at present, like most of the world!
The point is it's true. It is a beautiful country that only a crazy person would want to live in right now. "At present" = foreseeable future.
Quote from: ffcbulgaria on December 22, 2012, 07:17:08 PM
Can we stick hangeland as a CM next game just for fun? Our defence can't get much worse.
Put Schwarzer alongside him. After all, we need someone with an eye for a pass.
Looked like a great save from Reina then!
And lol...
Quote from: somerset cockernee on December 22, 2012, 07:15:17 PM
IT'S ENOUGH TO MAKE AN ONION CRY !!!!!!
Just to break the chain of malaise a moment.
is the somerset cockernee set to be flooded out? in exeter we have water water everywhere and the trains are screwed again
Quote from: ffcbulgaria on December 22, 2012, 07:17:08 PM
Can we stick hangeland as a CM next game just for fun? Our defence can't get much worse.
Lets stick him up front with Berbie, then maybe some enthusiasm might rub off on him and he might remember why he wears that white shirt each week, and gets paid poops-load of dosh to do so.
Quote from: EJL on December 22, 2012, 07:18:23 PM
Put Schwarzer alongside him. After all, we need someone with an eye for a pass.
He passes to the opposition most of the time. However the Hangeland idea might be useful!
Quote from: FC Silver Fox on December 22, 2012, 07:17:49 PM
This has been a Christmas performance. We've been well and truly stuffed.
More like a Panto I would say
Quote from: Horse on December 22, 2012, 06:57:28 PM
Quote from: BedsFFC on December 22, 2012, 06:50:13 PM
Quote from: Horse on December 22, 2012, 06:47:29 PM
Quote from: Luffy86 on December 22, 2012, 06:43:16 PM
P!ss poor yet again! Not happy. Does Berbatov actually want to play for us.....?
Are you actually watching this game??
I'm not. Are you suggesting otherwise? I hope so
Well he looks a little disillusioned with proceedings, but he's certainly contributing and is the best player in a white shirt on the field.
complete rubbish
There are three separate issues:
1) are our players, individually, good enough for the Premiership?
2) are our players deployed to best advantage?
3) are our players motivated/de-motivated?
My concern is NOT (1). Obviously losing both Demps. and Dembele at the end of the transfer window weakened our squad, but we still have plenty of decent players including, arguably, the best back four we have had for a while as well as the best striker we've had since Saha went to Man United and arguably before that. With two key midfield players rarely able to play due to injuries, we are weak there, but one good signing would substantially remedy that (and wouldn't of course have been necessary had our management been more on the ball).
I believe the problem lies not with the calibre of our players but in (2) and (3) and responsibility for that lies squarely with the manager. Jol may have a vision about the football he would like to see us play, but what delivers results is using the players we've actually got effectively. Our defence, excellent under Roy and Hughes, now looks fragile and no side does well in the Premiership with a fragile defence. And as regards man management and motivation, it has been obvious from very early on that Jol is a complete lemon.
Oh we'll there's always Christmas Day to look forward too.
Only positive from today >>>
Last time we lost to Liverpool by 4 we beat Chelsea 1-0 next game.
Quote from: EJL on December 22, 2012, 07:18:23 PM
Quote from: ffcbulgaria on December 22, 2012, 07:17:08 PM
Can we stick hangeland as a CM next game just for fun? Our defence can't get much worse.
Put Schwarzer alongside him. After all, we need someone with an eye for a pass.
064.gif
Midfield,midfield, midfield, midfield. We don´t have one even with 5 today who were supposed to do this job.. What we have do not take pressure off our defence & don´t supply anything to our strikers.
Quote from: Oakeshott on December 22, 2012, 07:24:39 PM
I believe the problem lies not with the calibre of our players but in (2) and (3) and responsibility for that lies squarely with the manager. Jol may have a vision about the football he would like to see us play, but what delivers results is using the players we've actually got effectively. Our defence, excellent under Roy and Hughes, now looks fragile and no side does well in the Premiership with a fragile defence. And as regards man management and motivation, it has been obvious from very early on that Jol is a complete lemon.
Surely part of the problem is also, therefore, Jol not being given enough funding to buy the players to fit his style. If you buy into a manager, you buy into his style and if you do hat then you have to back it up with buying the correct players if they are not already at the club. He has had 3 transfer windows and more important layers have left than joined, that HAS to e down to the powers that be above Jol.
Also, he back 4 are not the best in x years. At their peak they were, but their peaks are: Schwarzer - a good few years ago; Hangeland - probably 2 years ago; Hughes - likewise 2 years ago or so; Riise and Reither - before they ere at Fulham. They are not what they once were!
Quote from: ffcbulgaria on December 22, 2012, 07:20:01 PM
Quote from: EJL on December 22, 2012, 07:18:23 PM
Put Schwarzer alongside him. After all, we need someone with an eye for a pass.
He passes to the opposition most of the time. However the Hangeland idea might be useful!
But then we'd have to play Senderos!!
we are Fulham NOT man united.... we dont have most possession or 20 shots a game. we dont have the quality of them and require ALL 10 outfield players to work their socks off for 90mins...
as much as i admire Berba's ability on the ball, off the ball the man is a joke..... he passes then stands still(school boy), he doesnt close down the nearest man and doesnt show much interest in working hard.
feel free to come at me for my comments but i have a few recordnings of games i will happily send to u
i am not comparing us to barca but despite all their passing and skill it is their off the ball work that allows them to be the best in the world... they dont stop running, they are rarely without the ball for more than 10 seconds and the off the ball runs are incredible... as i said im not comparing us to barca but they show how working hard AS A TEAM can make u very hard to play against
im not just bashing Berba but he is the one out of the 11 that rarely has a bad word against him and sometimes i think having a player like him at a club like ous can actually have a negative effect
i expect to be slated for my previou comment but actually see it for hat it is....
i am a fan of Berba but as class as he is he must work hard off the ball.... he wont get the chances he got at unted and doesnt have the midfield he had at united
Against Sunderland Berbatov was all round class. He made runs, he challenged in the air, he closed down and he almost single handedly kept us in that game. He and Ruiz were working together hardly using anyone else but playing to each others strengths. If we can get back to playing in a way that involves Berbatov he'll keep his interest in a game and he'll get involved in it. It is frustrating that he requires that kind of attention but that's the way he is, which we knew all along. Frankly we're better off without him than playing in a way that doesn't suit him, but he is good enough that tailoring the side to suit him is worthwhile.
Quote from: deeffc on December 22, 2012, 07:42:47 PM
Against Sunderland Berbatov was all round class. He made runs, he challenged in the air, he closed down and he almost single handedly kept us in that game. He and Ruiz were working together hardly using anyone else but playing to each others strengths. If we can get back to playing in a way that involves Berbatov he'll keep his interest in a game and he'll get involved in it. It is frustrating that he requires that kind of attention but that's the way he is, which we knew all along. Frankly we're better off without him than playing in a way that doesn't suit him, but he is good enough that tailoring the side to suit him is worthwhile.
yh i agree... dont recall him being good against sunderland i must say....
against Reading he and ruiz looked good though but as u say just between the 2 of them.
i have to say, playing our way without him we would (like u say) be better but i wouldnt go back to August and not sign him just pull him to one side and try to get more out of him off the ball as we dont have the ball as much as he is used to especially away from home
Quote from: craig10 on December 22, 2012, 07:47:08 PM
Quote from: deeffc on December 22, 2012, 07:42:47 PM
Against Sunderland Berbatov was all round class. He made runs, he challenged in the air, he closed down and he almost single handedly kept us in that game. He and Ruiz were working together hardly using anyone else but playing to each others strengths. If we can get back to playing in a way that involves Berbatov he'll keep his interest in a game and he'll get involved in it. It is frustrating that he requires that kind of attention but that's the way he is, which we knew all along. Frankly we're better off without him than playing in a way that doesn't suit him, but he is good enough that tailoring the side to suit him is worthwhile.
yh i agree... dont recall him being good against sunderland i must say....
against Reading he and ruiz looked good though but as u say just between the 2 of them.
i have to say, playing our way without him we would (like u say) be better but i wouldnt go back to August and not sign him just pull him to one side and try to get more out of him off the ball as we dont have the ball as much as he is used to especially away from home
his debut against West Brom i was very impressed with how he worked off the ball but its no good only doing that when we are winning
Quote from: deeffc on December 22, 2012, 07:42:47 PM
Against Sunderland Berbatov was all round class. He made runs, he challenged in the air, he closed down and he almost single handedly kept us in that game. He and Ruiz were working together hardly using anyone else but playing to each others strengths. If we can get back to playing in a way that involves Berbatov he'll keep his interest in a game and he'll get involved in it. It is frustrating that he requires that kind of attention but that's the way he is, which we knew all along. Frankly we're better off without him than playing in a way that doesn't suit him, but he is good enough that tailoring the side to suit him is worthwhile.
True but. Back in the early days even when under seige the slap on the back he gave out to the likes of kaca and Dejagah would have been inspiring. I remember him talking to Kaca and telling him and showing him how to lay the ball off earlier. This has stopped as he has become more and more insular on the pitch.
That's my point though, he's that kind of player that will take a strop if he isn't getting the ball enough, if other people mess up, if decisions go against him etc. The problem is that we are compounding that by playing with him basically out of position, he isn't happy and he gives off. If we can keep him happy by giving him the ball when he wants it then he's much more likely to produce an all round good performance. If we can't then maybe we're better off without him in the side if he's going to show his frustration negatively.
