Darije Kalezić: We hardly knew ye.

Don't you think in the long run that more kiwis will increase the attachment to the club, plus it plays to our strength given kiwis are foreigners for Aussie clubs and it's harder to get Aussies to NZ?  

Obviously this is predicated on us being good, but signing average aussies like Mullen and Abbas because we are worried we might lose 4 or 5 players during the International windows is not going to play well over the long term surely?

Remember when we had the likes of Tom Biss and Sean Lovemore come in as cover for NZ duty and perform well

Interesting seeing all the various statements about the 'long term'. All admirable sentiments, but in A League terms it doesn't appear to be a foregone conclusion that we'll actually be around for the 'long term'. IMO, DK seems to be being given what he wants and is starting a rebuild for next season. I hope it works, cos if next season is a flop as well then I'd suspect we will be in a fairly precarious situation all round. 

so the first reason is a marketing ploy - is that something that is then prescribed? i.e we must promote two young kiwis a year from the academy, or have half our squad as kiwis, etc ?

Not a marketing ploy Greenie, I think we will have a better chance of a good team if we can attract the best kiwis here who aren't playing at the top level in Europe.  I also personally get satisfaction from seeing kiwis in a Nix jersey.  I think we have signed some VERY average aussies which in the long run is not going to take the club forward

Isn't that why we have an academy?

Good substitute taking off Rossi and putting on Burns when we go up a man. Like it.

Shades of Gus Hiddink taking off Popovic in 20th minute to bring on Kewell, against Uruguay in 2005, purely because he noticed something about the way Uruguay were set up / were playing; an early tactical change which paid off eventually.

I think it's very unlikely many kiwis are keen to come back from overseas. We've seen plenty be more than happy to kick around lower divisions. Perhaps they see it as a failure to come back to NZ?

In Clayton's case, I'm pretty sure we were keen on him a few years back, but he went to sign for Millwall before the deal fell over. 

Some of the guys in the US are on less than the A-League minimum aren't they?

True, but I wouldn't underestimate the bright lights of playing overseas for a youngish player. Most of them probably think they will get a break at some stage. 

I guess if we had more evidence of young players progressing through our team to bigger things that would help...

funny seeing all the academy products sitting in the lounge last night McGarry, Sail, Singh, Rogerson, Rufer

I thought last night Darije was superb! Great initiative to change the formation at 20mins (I do reckon Rossi is goneskis) also dragging a poor McGlinchey at half time proved he's wanting to get results!
I noticed too after the goal was conceded a lot of words were exchanged between Kalezic and McGlinchey, hence why I think he was dragged.

Yeah, A-League coaches are often much maligned for being inflexible and lacking a plan b. Darje has shown to be much more pragmatic than that. 

Compare him to Muscat, Muscat was set to bring on a defender to hold it at 1-1 then the Phoenix went a head before the sub could be made yet he didn't change even though the reason for his sub had gone.

Not totally correct, the tv coverage showed and stated that Berisha had signalled that he needed replacing [presumably through fatigue].

Well, then surely you put on someone with a bit more attacking impetus.

Exactly!  Why wasn't Singh brought on in 80th minute, eh? Eh??

#sackdarije

Fixed

I dunno what they had on their bench but they put the defender in Milligans spot and pushed him forward and he almost immediately created something for the Victory.

But yes two bold calls from Darije and as it turned out correct ones.

Milligan can be very effective as an AM, although that is not his normal position by any length. He is a tough, uncompromising customer, and that was probably a good call from Muscat. I thought Troisi let the side down - he is  a Socceroo and an attacker of some reputation, and should have done more when our defence was busy containing Berisha and (barely) Kosta.

Two excellent articles on Stuff about Matt Ridenton and about sports science telling him to not give Burns & new man 90 mins yet. Both based on very clear and sensible statements from Kalesic. I like him.

Burns or Ljujić aren't match fit - so having them start on the bench doesn't bother me. 

Ridenton definitely showed poor decision making in the last play of the game. Whether that's experience or being overwhelmed, only time will tell. 

I don't think fans want him dropped for just that decision though. It's the wayward passes, poor set pieces and bad match decision making that makes him frustrating. I appreciate he's fresh and there's a lot to learn and if DK thinks he's a better option than say Weemac, that's fine. But ultimately he's a professional footballer who should be fighting for his place in the team.

Have you seen a WeeMac set piece?

Watson and Fenton are 23 or 24 years old.  Ridenton is only 21 and remains fit and healthy.  He is not a match winner but is good enough - in my own opinion - to be allowed to improve while playing for The Nix, and not for the teedubs.  Had a couple of close shots in a few games. 

Many players better than him can be accused of having "cost us a win" so scapegoating Ridenton is a bit unfair.  He is now surrounded by much better (and more motivated) players so he will stand out with mistakes more; but also may pick up good skills from them.

The best delivery at the Phoenix post- Daniel has been Ridenton in the matches at the start of the season.  Also think Watson may deliver more with Burns and Roy running off him. Sounds like he's packing though. 

I thought Watson's in Malaysia?

My point was that it isn't just that instance that has caused people to get frustrated with him. The senior players should've put the game to bed earlier. If any player isn't performing they shouldn't be bullet proof just because they're learning.

Oh and I was using WeeMac as an example (his set pieces are rather bollocks). I'd hope Burns and Ljujić will be starters when they're fit. I'm not sure if that'd necessarily be at the expense of Ridenton.

Yeh, goneburgers right?