Caught Sam on Radio Sport in the last couple of days...
Basically he said that the Phoenix have a few good players but lack the quality across the field to be a contender. Too many average players on the field to win the title..
How he worded his points was logical, expressed the constraints that all A-League managers work under and how you hope to pick up youngsters that can make the step up.. balance with experience.
Though I only caught some of his discussion I was nodding with agreement. We have a good team but not enough quality players (maybe playing with confidence) to be near the top consistently.
Permalink
Permalink
The interview i heard was on radio sport around 5:45pm yesterday. Check the listen back feature on their website.
Edit: It's in here. http://www.radiosport.co.nz/ThisWeek/21745.wma
sanday2008-12-09 09:59:38
Edit: It's in here. http://www.radiosport.co.nz/ThisWeek/21745.wma
sanday2008-12-09 09:59:38
Permalink
Permalink
He's dead right - we have the core of a solid squad but we lack (aside from Smeltz) match winners / play makers.
We are short 2 strikers (or will be after Smeltz goes), a creative midfielder (e.g. Fred) and a dominating defensive midfielder (e.g. Ross Aloisi).
I would personally prefer to see a smaller squad (maybe 20) next season with the salary savings contributing to buying a few players who can make a real difference to our title chances.
He dribbles a lot and the opposition dont like it - you can see it all over their faces. (Ron Atkinson)
Permalink
Permalink