A-League All Stars: Part Deux

I suppose one factor I didn’t consider with Newcastle is the possibility of a mild player revolt considering they get very little time off between seasons. 

Though ironically pro players usually do short intense training and have a lot of down time which is a difficulty for mental focus…

I felt totally sorry for the Newcastle defenders, especially the central ones and the keeper. They obviously were having to play a certain style, and couldn't change it. They were often totally isolated from their midfield by our press and even their outside backs seemed to disappear out of sight at times. 90 minutes of everyone watching them get smashed, again and again. Right through to added time.

The women's match was definitely the better of the two to watch.

I'm never too into All Stars matches but generally will give them a watch due to a mild interest in seeing how the Phoenix players do etc, but the Mens match was really a complete waste of time to watch due to the complete lack of competiveness from Newcastle.

Yeah I get that they were never going to play their full first team, but you would expect a couple of first teamers to get a few minutes, just to justify the appearance fee for the club.

Also I feel a bit bad for the Mens All Stars players, I reckon a bunch of them would've seen this as a chance to show what they can do to some overseas scouts, but really I don't think scouts would get a sense of anyone's level from this game

The side that newcastle sent out looked a level (or two at times) below NPL sides that we've played in the aus cup.
Not a great advertisement for the game from anyone's perspective

martinb

I suppose one factor I didn’t consider with Newcastle is the possibility of a mild player revolt considering they get very little time off between seasons. 

Though ironically pro players usually do short intense training and have a lot of down time which is a difficulty for mental focus…

There will be a lot of time off this summer for those not playing at the Euros or the Olympics.