Hail ___ the Chief - Giancarlo Italiano

Sorry SG. We have very long memories. Facts are the Phoenix haven't won anything - not a sausage. Huffed and puffed a few times - but fell over when it counted.
Glad Ak FC won the plate. Good for NZF and all that. Best squad by a mile. Maybe 2 Nix players would be good enough on form to make their squad. 2 maybe 3 tops. Says it all really. 

Feverish

To be honest, pretty depressing and embarrassing watching AFC kick arse in all areas and we haven’t been able to do that over our history. 
Fact is we haven’t been doing things right.

I agree, but to be honest, I'm actually inspired by AFC's success. They've shown what can be achieved for a NZ football side under solid management, a good coach, good playing philosophy, mentality, etc, etc. 

I'm not even going to pretend we are in the same ballpark. We are so far behind, it's not even worth putting us in the same conversation as AFC.

It's like the old saying, "you won't find haters that are doing better than you". The AFC fans have stopped even engaging with us, we are so below their level. 

In that sense, it is embarrassing for our club, and Nix fans have every right to be upset by the way things have gone this season.

Surely there must be some performance criteria built into management contracts. Mind you considering the last 15 years they must be set at a very low bar. Surely there must be some accountability at senior management level for this terrible season. If things dont dramatically improve next season then we need some new blood at the top. Its all got a bit stale last last few years

AucklandPhoenix

I’m sure Dome has a permanent contract.

Performance managed? 

The Nix ownership don't care about the Nix being successful, they just want the Nix to exist for Wellington's sake, that's it. Meanwhile people like Dome and the rest of the higher-up employees do not expect or demand we ever win the title. I don't think they believe it is actually possible. 

imanixsupporter

The Nix ownership don't care about the Nix being successful, they just want the Nix to exist for Wellington's sake, that's it. Meanwhile people like Dome and the rest of the higher-up employees do not expect or demand we ever win the title. I don't think they believe it is actually possible. 

Never realized you were in the inner sanctum with Rob and Henry and know what their thinking and that of Phoenix management is in relation to the Phoenix moving forward. I truly know feel enlightened knowing we have someone posting on the forums who is aware of what those people are all thinking and is prepared to tell us what their plans are..
Im sure all Nix fans will join me in thanking you for telling us just what they are thinking.

fair enough with the sarcastic response, I deserve that. I claim no inside knowledge, i am just venting on a forum, but this is my honest read of the situation. Would love some genuine action from the club to prove me wrong 

ballane

imanixsupporter

The Nix ownership don't care about the Nix being successful, they just want the Nix to exist for Wellington's sake, that's it. Meanwhile people like Dome and the rest of the higher-up employees do not expect or demand we ever win the title. I don't think they believe it is actually possible. 

Never realized you were in the inner sanctum with Rob and Henry and know what their thinking and that of Phoenix management is in relation to the Phoenix moving forward. I truly know feel enlightened knowing we have someone posting on the forums who is aware of what those people are all thinking and is prepared to tell us what their plans are..
Im sure all Nix fans will join me in thanking you for telling us just what they are thinking.

Procrastinixing

First time an Auckland pro club has won since the introduction of the Football Kingz in 1999. If it makes anyone feel better Auckland's wait has been longer than ours. 

True but between three sides they’ve played less seasons of footie then we have:

Football Kingz:   5
Knights v.1:         2
Knights v.2:        1
Total: 8

Whereas Nix: 18

We look proper shark in comparison, especially given two of those sides were run on the smell of an oily rag and failed financially.

Jessie Merino

Gillion is the obvious example of Corica letting players know they're not delivering. But there's also the interesting case of Finn McKenley, who Coochiee seemed to rate highly. Given his one chance then dumped, hardly ever seen again even on the pine. 

Apparently McKenley was playing very well in pre season. I guess that's why Corica gave him an ALM start, early doors. But yeah you are right, he was hauled off at HT in his only start (Melb City at AAMI Park in Dec) and not sighted since January.

Verstraete, Gallegos, Brimmer and Howieson. It's a high quality ALM midfield AFC have, and Corica obviously has big expectations that they play that hard high energy press for 90 mins. Big learning learning curve for young McKenlay. And the Estonians for now have a very different model to the Nix. I've never heard Corica talk once about developing young players to onsell to European clubs or similar.


It's curious how one very bad performance, on some mud sprinkled with grass, in a game game of low importance/motivation has unleased such strong vitriol by some on the club. There was actually some sprinkling of positivity when Italiano was reappointed midweek. Promise of change happening. Dome stating this season not good enough. Noticeable improvements the last month or so. A new beginning, and all that. 

What if the Nix go out and thrash the Glory by 5 goals at the ROF this Friday. Will it swing back the other way again? Who was it who said a week can be a long time in football? 

coochiee

Jessie Merino

Gillion is the obvious example of Corica letting players know they're not delivering. But there's also the interesting case of Finn McKenley, who Coochiee seemed to rate highly. Given his one chance then dumped, hardly ever seen again even on the pine. 

Apparently McKenley was playing very well in pre season. I guess that's why Corica gave him an ALM start, early doors. But yeah you are right hauled off at HT in his only start (Melb City at AAMI Park in Dec) and not sighted since January.

Verstraete, Gallegos, Brimmer and Howieson. It's a high quality ALM midfield AFC have, and Corica obviously has big expectations that they play that hard high energy press for 90 mins. Big learning learning curve for young McKenlay.


It's curious how one very bad performance, on some mud sprinkled with grass, in game of low importance/motivation has unleased such strong vitriol by some on the club. There was actually some sprinkling of positivity when Italiano was reappointed midweek. Promise of change happening. Dome stating this season not good enough. A new beginning, and all that. 

What if the Nix go out and thrash the Glory by 5 goals at the ROF this Friday. Will it swing back the other way again? Who was it who said a week can be a long time in football? 

"one very bad performance"

Where have you been for the rest of the season?

Oh for sure it's been a very bad season. From about mid December (when Rojas & Cola were ruled out long term) to Chico starting to look good after a few games in mid March (plus Rufer & Payne returning) - the football was dire. 3 months of awful very negative football. 

But in the 5 games from SFC mid March to Adelaide last week it had been 1W, 2D & 2L. Both losses by 3-2 scorelines. SFC, WSW, Jets, VUC & Adelaide. 4 of those top 6 teams. Entertaining, lots of goals and some green shoots of a turnaround. 

However the Roar match a serious regression to the turgid unwatchable muck of mid season. Due to family stuff I only saw the first half, but the 2nd half didn't sound much better.

Lets see what happens on Friday. But in the scope of next season, I doubt any of these last 2 games mean much. The Glory have the wooden spoon in the trophy cabinet, and they likely ain't that keen on the long haul trip to chilly NZ. Especially if the weather on the night is a bit foul, which long range seems likely.

coochiee

Oh for sure it's been a very bad season. From about mid December (when Rojas & Cola were ruled out long term) to Chico starting to look good after a few games in mid March (plus Rufer & Payne returning) - the football was dire. 3 months of awful very negative football. 

But in the 5 games from SFC mid March to Adelaide last week it had been 1W, 2D & 2L. Both losses by 3-2 scorelines. SFC, WSW, Jets, VUC & Adelaide. 4 of those top 6 teams. Entertaining, lots of goals and some green shoots of a turnaround. 

However the Roar match a serious regression to the turgid unwatchable muck of mid season. Due to family stuff I only saw the first half, but the 2nd half didn't sound much better.

Lets see what happens on Friday. But in the scope of next season, I doubt any of these last 2 games mean much. The Glory have the wooden spoon in the trophy cabinet, and they likely ain't that keen on the long haul trip to chilly NZ. Especially if the weather on the night is a bit foul, which long range seems likely.

Agree. I've seen the coach make quite a few changes so far and I'm liking it more. We look more attacking and exciting to watch. Nice change in pace.

I'm willing to write off the Roar game provided we look good against Perth. The Roar game could be put down to that war zone of a pitch we were forced to play on

They played on the same pitch - didn't seem to stop them from playing attacking football.

We have to stop making excuses for our poor play and form.

Roar had 30 shots. 30 shots. Blaming the pitch is outrageous. 

Here I think are the bare necessities that Chief needs to achieve over the off-season.

1: He needs to get his squad fit and at AFC levels. That should be achievable.

2: He needs to actually coach some footballers. It is criminal that LKH can get to this level and with his physique not yet really be able to head the ball.

3: He needs to identify which bloody players are going to play where on the field and communicate this to them instead of putting square pegs into round holes. LKH is a classic example of this - he is obviously a central defender and not a midfielder. This is especially crucial for the young players. He needs to say this is your posi. Own it and compete for it and build combinations 

4: He needs to really find a way with Dome to say we fudgeed up and release the British goal keeper. The guy is not a player you can build a championship title contender around and is a liability as an import.

5: He needs to get his import signings bang on this year.

6: The Nix need to swallow their pride and go for some kiwi footballers who are not youngsters but who can add value.

7: He needs to ask for a swag of preseason games. AFC had 13 games in their preseason. While they had to get combinations right, it is obvious that Chief needs to as well if there is a high turn over of players and I’ve got no doubt that extra 7 odd games that AFC had, made them hit the ground running.

8: He needs to copy some of the simplicity that A.F.C. have brought to the league. Long throws from both full backs in the opposition quarter, have both brought goals and also continuous pressure. It’s not the premier league in turns of quality and AFC appreciate and acknowledge that by keeping things simple.

I have probably missed a few other points but the above would be a good place to start.

" What if the Nix go out and thrash the Glory by 5 goals at the ROF this Friday. Will it swing back the other way again? Who was it who said a week can be a long time in football?  "

Wouldn't bet on that happening, Oli Sail played a blinder last night

I watched the energetic, entertaining game between Auckland and Perth last night, and I also watched the Brisbane vs Nix game the day before. By the final score alone, Perth provided stiff opposition and defended well, while Taggart and Co were a constant threat which gave us a flowing game, especially after the first thirty minutes when Auckland threw everything but the kitchen sink at the visitors, to no avail.
Ruben Zadkovich had a poor season with Brisbane yet they were a better team on the park on Saturday night. Perth had a horror season but they were matching Auckland pretty well last night. 
On the strength of viewing those two games, if Perth play a similar game, I expect them to win against us, much like Brisbane did. It is not that Glory and Roar have improved of late; it is that we have deteriorated even worse in the second half of this season.  

AucklandPhoenix

Here I think are the bare necessities that Chief needs to achieve over the off-season.

1: He needs to get his squad fit and at AFC levels. That should be achievable.

2: He needs to actually coach some footballers. It is criminal that LKH can get to this level and with his physique not yet really be able to head the ball.

3: He needs to identify which bloody players are going to play where on the field and communicate this to them instead of putting square pegs into round holes. LKH is a classic example of this - he is obviously a central defender and not a midfielder. This is especially crucial for the young players. He needs to say this is your posi. Own it and compete for it and build combinations 

4: He needs to really find a way with Dome to say we fudgeed up and release the British goal keeper. The guy is not a player you can build a championship title contender around and is a liability as an import.

5: He needs to get his import signings bang on this year.

6: The Nix need to swallow their pride and go for some kiwi footballers who are not youngsters but who can add value.

7: He needs to ask for a swag of preseason games. AFC had 13 games in their preseason. While they had to get combinations right, it is obvious that Chief needs to as well if there is a high turn over of players and I’ve got no doubt that extra 7 odd games that AFC had, made them hit the ground running.

8: He needs to copy some of the simplicity that A.F.C. have brought to the league. Long throws from both full backs in the opposition quarter, have both brought goals and also continuous pressure. It’s not the premier league in turns of quality and AFC appreciate and acknowledge that by keeping things simple.

I have probably missed a few other points but the above would be a good place to start.

apart from lkh's height, what in his skill set makes him out to be an obvious cd?

I think he's too young to be pigeon holed positionally. Both Sutton and Carcace were mids who moved to LB for example.

As a side not, my kid (loves football to a distraction) in a NIX fan through and through, dislikes LKH as a player. When asked why, his answer was... he never seems to be angry/frustrated and he never seems to sprint. He's just too nice/timid to be a proper footballer.

He's 11 - but have to say, I kind of agreed with his assessment... he also noted his inability to head a ball.

I reckon LKH is a just a little 'mongrel' away from becoming a very decent player.

I do agree that LKH, Sheridan and Piper are 3 players where Chief & Griffiths need to decide what are their best positions. That's assuming Giancarlo & Adam actually do talk to each other, and the scurrilous rumour is a falsehood.

But at the moment it's pretty confusing with all 3. He has a good few months from July to sort that out, and then the 3 get targeted coaching to make them the best they can be in whatever specific roles they get. Even Walker has been shunted into a full back/wing back spot on occasions. Be interesting to see what improvements Piper can make with a first proper ALM pre season.

You feel this pre season is going to be a very important one, in the context of the Nix's history. Coming off a poor season, very much overshadowed by their new brash derby rivals, who yes had a very long pre season build up last year. If the Nix start the season very dire, Italiano will be under huge pressure, and could be gone before Christmas.


Edit - and agree re Metal above about LKH. He does appear a bit 'too nice'. He should watch Cacace videos. LKH if he's clever about it could be capable of similar shark housery. Tall, has some ball skills, and could really frustrate opponents by their inability to get near the ball with his leg reach and those giraffe arms plus pins in the way. Still only 20. There is a very handy footballer somewhere in that large body

Doloras

" What if the Nix go out and thrash the Glory by 5 goals at the ROF this Friday. Will it swing back the other way again? Who was it who said a week can be a long time in football?  "

Wouldn't bet on that happening, Oli Sail played a blinder last night

current tactics mean we dont put 5 shots on goal to score that many.

coochiee

I do agree that LKH, Sheridan and Piper are 3 players where Chief & Griffiths need to decide what are their best positions. That's assuming Giancarlo & Adam actually do talk to each other, and the scurrilous rumour is a falsehood.

But at the moment it's pretty confusing with all 3. He has a good few months from July to sort that out, and then the 3 get targeted coaching to make them the best they can be in whatever specific roles they get. Even Walker has been shunted into a full back/wing back spot on occasions.

the chopping and changing of position (square pegs in rounds holes) is all down to Chief and his desire to have players playing in multiple positions - to make it harder for opposition teams to defend - it hasnt worked no matter what way you look at it. The club has to get Chief to admit that, own it and change it.

I said at the very start of the season his plan was way more complicated than it sounded and it's shown on the field, players have looked lost and woefully out of position/ideas and we've barely played any of the free flowing football we were promised. The tactics need a total overhaul!

Doloras

" What if the Nix go out and thrash the Glory by 5 goals at the ROF this Friday. Will it swing back the other way again? Who was it who said a week can be a long time in football?  "

Wouldn't bet on that happening, Oli Sail played a blinder last night

Naturally I want us to win on Friday, if for no other reason than to finish above CCM and not have to face Brisbane again in Darwin, but if Sail delivers another performance like that we’re in for an entertaining game.

Actually I forgot the nice tag and that could apply to the entire team with the exception of Rufer, Payne and Piper.

Think I recall the commentator saying they the Nix had the lowest number of fouls in the league which considering how much time we don’t have the ball is staggering.

In terms of LKH, I think there is a serious footballer in there but his greatest strength along with his physique is that he is better playing what he can actually see in front of him. He doesn’t appear to have the peripheral vision to play in the middle of the park and gets lost as teams play around him. He also can’t track back fast enough for the left back role.

He isn’t the type of guy who will unlock a defence with a raking pass, or drive forward and shoot a goal from outside the area.

He is good at playing the simple pass and starting an attack.

So in the off season if he can be taught how to throw his body around and impose himself physically coupled with some heading lessons he could turn into a beast in the centre of defence. 

AucklandPhoenix

Actually I forgot the nice tag and that could apply to the entire team with the exception of Rufer, Payne and Piper.

Think I recall the commentator saying they the Nix had the lowest number of fouls in the league which considering how much time we don’t have the ball is staggering.

In terms of LKH, I think there is a serious footballer in there but his greatest strength along with his physique is that he is better playing what he can actually see in front of him. He doesn’t appear to have the peripheral vision to play in the middle of the park and gets lost as teams play around him. He also can’t track back fast enough for the left back role.

He isn’t the type of guy who will unlock a defence with a raking pass, or drive forward and shoot a goal from outside the area.

He is good at playing the simple pass and starting an attack.

So in the off season if he can be taught how to throw his body around and impose himself physically coupled with some heading lessons he could turn into a beast in the centre of defence. 

What seems to have been forgotten is that he is an All White and junior NZ rep and can guarantee he has never been played as a 6, 8 or 10 in these environments. Left sided CB every day of the week! 

I find the LKH situation interesting 2 seasons ago at the season launch i spoke to 3 senior players and asked them who were a couple of players they thought could make the step up.
All 3 said LKH and Supyk all said a similar thing that both were crazily talented and had a good attitude.
Hadnt seen Supyk for a while but he played in the game we watched at the members meeting bloody hell he has put some size on since i last saw him.
Agree would like to see LKH given a decent run at a position also think he cops more than his fair share of shark from "experts" here and on social media.

ballane

I find the LKH situation interesting 2 seasons ago at the season launch i spoke to 3 senior players and asked them who were a couple of players they thought could make the step up.
All 3 said LKH and Supyk all said a similar thing that both were crazily talented and had a good attitude.
Hadnt seen Supyk for a while but he played in the game we watched at the members meeting bloody hell he has put some size on since i last saw him.
Agree would like to see LKH given a decent run at a position also think he cops more than his fair share of shark from "experts" here and on social media.

ballane

I find the LKH situation interesting 2 seasons ago at the season launch i spoke to 3 senior players and asked them who were a couple of players they thought could make the step up.
All 3 said LKH and Supyk all said a similar thing that both were crazily talented and had a good attitude.
Hadnt seen Supyk for a while but he played in the game we watched at the members meeting bloody hell he has put some size on since i last saw him.
Agree would like to see LKH given a decent run at a position also think he cops more than his fair share of shark from "experts" here and on social media.

Because he is being hung out to dry playing him as a midfielder which to everyone bar Chief he is clearly not suited to play. Not his fault!

And Mrcela. 
If they have Sutton, Mrcela and Wootton and Taggart and Pearman, Oli and the Italian lad still has his conditioning they could be quite a handy team next season.

Footballtragic

ballane

I find the LKH situation interesting 2 seasons ago at the season launch i spoke to 3 senior players and asked them who were a couple of players they thought could make the step up.
All 3 said LKH and Supyk all said a similar thing that both were crazily talented and had a good attitude.
Hadnt seen Supyk for a while but he played in the game we watched at the members meeting bloody hell he has put some size on since i last saw him.
Agree would like to see LKH given a decent run at a position also think he cops more than his fair share of shark from "experts" here and on social media.

ballane

I find the LKH situation interesting 2 seasons ago at the season launch i spoke to 3 senior players and asked them who were a couple of players they thought could make the step up.
All 3 said LKH and Supyk all said a similar thing that both were crazily talented and had a good attitude.
Hadnt seen Supyk for a while but he played in the game we watched at the members meeting bloody hell he has put some size on since i last saw him.
Agree would like to see LKH given a decent run at a position also think he cops more than his fair share of shark from "experts" here and on social media.

Because he is being hung out to dry playing him as a midfielder which to everyone bar Chief he is clearly not suited to play. Not his fault!

Not at all the reason some Phoenix fans over the years just seem to love to bag our players at times. You just have to look at the turn around this season by many to Piper. He was getting all sorts of shark at one stage with only a few prepared to speak up, yet know he seems to be many peoples favorite.

I think there's a Ruferesque DM in LKH, given some time there. Similar calmness on the ball, even when the situation calls for some urgency, happy to take it into tight areas and back himself to get out, which backfires a lot less for Rufes than it used to. 

Neither are as good as their stature would suggest aerially, but Rufer obviously puts himself about a lot better in general play and definitely  something Kelly-Heald has to add. 

I'm not sure LKH would be better long term in midfield than as a left sided CB, but I can see the potential in there, and I can see minutes in the midfield making him better on the ball even if he does settle in at CB.

Nelfoos

I think there's a Ruferesque DM in LKH, given some time there. Similar calmness on the ball, even when the situation calls for some urgency, happy to take it into tight areas and back himself to get out, which backfires a lot less for Rufes than it used to. 

Neither are as good as their stature would suggest aerially, but Rufer obviously puts himself about a lot better in general play and definitely  something Kelly-Heald has to add. 

I'm not sure LKH would be better long term in midfield than as a left sided CB, but I can see the potential in there, and I can see minutes in the midfield making him better on the ball even if he does settle in at CB.

So in your view that here and now he is a better midfielder than Conchie, Nagasawa and Retre as that would have to be the only criteria for playing him there! We simply do not have the luxury to play kids out of position to make them more comfortable in their best positions...we have seen far too much this season of players being played all over the place without ever nailing a position! 

Nelfoos

I think there's a Ruferesque DM in LKH, given some time there. Similar calmness on the ball, even when the situation calls for some urgency, happy to take it into tight areas and back himself to get out, which backfires a lot less for Rufes than it used to. 

Neither are as good as their stature would suggest aerially, but Rufer obviously puts himself about a lot better in general play and definitely  something Kelly-Heald has to add. 

I'm not sure LKH would be better long term in midfield than as a left sided CB, but I can see the potential in there, and I can see minutes in the midfield making him better on the ball even if he does settle in at CB.

I see no obvious skill set that pigeon holes him as a CB - he's not good in the air (doesn't even contest attacking corners at times), not quick, not super strong, doesn't slide in and prefers to stay on his feet to win the ball. However, he is skilful and able to retain possession under pressure (if he were to play in defense maybe as a lefted sided cb in a back 3 or a fb in a system that shifts into a back 3 or inverts into midfield or not a very attacking wb) but can see him developing into a midfielder.

Bullion

Nelfoos

I think there's a Ruferesque DM in LKH, given some time there. Similar calmness on the ball, even when the situation calls for some urgency, happy to take it into tight areas and back himself to get out, which backfires a lot less for Rufes than it used to. 

Neither are as good as their stature would suggest aerially, but Rufer obviously puts himself about a lot better in general play and definitely  something Kelly-Heald has to add. 

I'm not sure LKH would be better long term in midfield than as a left sided CB, but I can see the potential in there, and I can see minutes in the midfield making him better on the ball even if he does settle in at CB.

I see no obvious skill set that pigeon holes him as a CB - he's not good in the air (doesn't even contest attacking corners at times), not quick, not super strong, doesn't slide in and prefers to stay on his feet to win the ball. However, he is skilful and able to retain possession under pressure (if he were to play in defense maybe as a lefted sided cb in a back 3 or a fb in a system that shifts into a back 3 or inverts into midfield or not a very attacking wb) but can see him developing into a midfielder.

If that is the case do you think we have the luxury of developing players in a team that is getting thumped and has no structure or would he be better off being developed in the Reserves? I believe that with the proper coaching and development it is a no brainer for him to play as a left sided ball playing CB. How difficult should it be to teach a 6ft 6 player to head the ball?

Footballtragic

Bullion

Nelfoos

I think there's a Ruferesque DM in LKH, given some time there. Similar calmness on the ball, even when the situation calls for some urgency, happy to take it into tight areas and back himself to get out, which backfires a lot less for Rufes than it used to. 

Neither are as good as their stature would suggest aerially, but Rufer obviously puts himself about a lot better in general play and definitely  something Kelly-Heald has to add. 

I'm not sure LKH would be better long term in midfield than as a left sided CB, but I can see the potential in there, and I can see minutes in the midfield making him better on the ball even if he does settle in at CB.

I see no obvious skill set that pigeon holes him as a CB - he's not good in the air (doesn't even contest attacking corners at times), not quick, not super strong, doesn't slide in and prefers to stay on his feet to win the ball. However, he is skilful and able to retain possession under pressure (if he were to play in defense maybe as a lefted sided cb in a back 3 or a fb in a system that shifts into a back 3 or inverts into midfield or not a very attacking wb) but can see him developing into a midfielder.

If that is the case do you think we have the luxury of developing players in a team that is getting thumped and has no structure or would he be better off being developed in the Reserves? I believe that with the proper coaching and development it is a no brainer for him to play as a left sided ball playing CB. How difficult should it be to teach a 6ft 6 player to head the ball?

To be perfectly honest its a skill that he should already have. Same as Piper you wonder how he has managed to get where he is with the touch he has,and yes i like both of them. 
Its just something when watching some of the younger boys and girls you wonder how they have managed to get where they are with the deficiency in some of  their basic skills.

Footballtragic

Nelfoos

I think there's a Ruferesque DM in LKH, given some time there. Similar calmness on the ball, even when the situation calls for some urgency, happy to take it into tight areas and back himself to get out, which backfires a lot less for Rufes than it used to. 

Neither are as good as their stature would suggest aerially, but Rufer obviously puts himself about a lot better in general play and definitely  something Kelly-Heald has to add. 

I'm not sure LKH would be better long term in midfield than as a left sided CB, but I can see the potential in there, and I can see minutes in the midfield making him better on the ball even if he does settle in at CB.

So in your view that here and now he is a better midfielder than Conchie, Nagasawa and Retre as that would have to be the only criteria for playing him there! We simply do not have the luxury to play kids out of position to make them more comfortable in their best positions...we have seen far too much this season of players being played all over the place without ever nailing a position! 

I said absolute nothing about the merits of playing LKH there vs any other midfielder available, and the fact that you missed that entirely in order to attack the comment makes me think the rest of your comments are probably based a lot more in emotion than in reason as well.

His brother is the same height and I've never seen him head a ball either!

Nelfoos

Footballtragic

Nelfoos

I think there's a Ruferesque DM in LKH, given some time there. Similar calmness on the ball, even when the situation calls for some urgency, happy to take it into tight areas and back himself to get out, which backfires a lot less for Rufes than it used to. 

Neither are as good as their stature would suggest aerially, but Rufer obviously puts himself about a lot better in general play and definitely  something Kelly-Heald has to add. 

I'm not sure LKH would be better long term in midfield than as a left sided CB, but I can see the potential in there, and I can see minutes in the midfield making him better on the ball even if he does settle in at CB.

So in your view that here and now he is a better midfielder than Conchie, Nagasawa and Retre as that would have to be the only criteria for playing him there! We simply do not have the luxury to play kids out of position to make them more comfortable in their best positions...we have seen far too much this season of players being played all over the place without ever nailing a position! 

I said absolute nothing about the merits of playing LKH there vs any other midfielder available, and the fact that you missed that entirely in order to attack the comment makes me think the rest of your comments are probably based a lot more in emotion than in reason as well.

Giving him minutes in midfield has to be at the expense of existing midfielders i.e. Nagasawa, Retre or Conchie. I stand by my comment that we do not have the luxury to experiment or develop players in different positions. What is unreasonable about that?

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Nelfoos

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Nelfoos

I think there's a Ruferesque DM in LKH, given some time there. Similar calmness on the ball, even when the situation calls for some urgency, happy to take it into tight areas and back himself to get out, which backfires a lot less for Rufes than it used to. 

Neither are as good as their stature would suggest aerially, but Rufer obviously puts himself about a lot better in general play and definitely  something Kelly-Heald has to add. 

I'm not sure LKH would be better long term in midfield than as a left sided CB, but I can see the potential in there, and I can see minutes in the midfield making him better on the ball even if he does settle in at CB.

So in your view that here and now he is a better midfielder than Conchie, Nagasawa and Retre as that would have to be the only criteria for playing him there! We simply do not have the luxury to play kids out of position to make them more comfortable in their best positions...we have seen far too much this season of players being played all over the place without ever nailing a position! 

I said absolute nothing about the merits of playing LKH there vs any other midfielder available, and the fact that you missed that entirely in order to attack the comment makes me think the rest of your comments are probably based a lot more in emotion than in reason as well.

Giving him minutes in midfield has to be at the expense of existing midfielders i.e. Nagasawa, Retre or Conchie. I stand by my comment that we do not have the luxury to experiment or develop players in different positions. What is unreasonable about that?

Retre is coming back from injury and I don't think Conchie's form has necessarily warranted a start ahead of lkh (unless you think Conchie needs time to develop which is the argument you're using against lkh), Nagasawa is a possibility but different type of player. 

Footballtragic

Nelfoos

Footballtragic

Nelfoos

I think there's a Ruferesque DM in LKH, given some time there. Similar calmness on the ball, even when the situation calls for some urgency, happy to take it into tight areas and back himself to get out, which backfires a lot less for Rufes than it used to. 

Neither are as good as their stature would suggest aerially, but Rufer obviously puts himself about a lot better in general play and definitely  something Kelly-Heald has to add. 

I'm not sure LKH would be better long term in midfield than as a left sided CB, but I can see the potential in there, and I can see minutes in the midfield making him better on the ball even if he does settle in at CB.

So in your view that here and now he is a better midfielder than Conchie, Nagasawa and Retre as that would have to be the only criteria for playing him there! We simply do not have the luxury to play kids out of position to make them more comfortable in their best positions...we have seen far too much this season of players being played all over the place without ever nailing a position! 

I said absolute nothing about the merits of playing LKH there vs any other midfielder available, and the fact that you missed that entirely in order to attack the comment makes me think the rest of your comments are probably based a lot more in emotion than in reason as well.

Giving him minutes in midfield has to be at the expense of existing midfielders i.e. Nagasawa, Retre or Conchie. I stand by my comment that we do not have the luxury to experiment or develop players in different positions. What is unreasonable about that?

I didn't say it was unreasonable, and I didn't advocate for giving LKH minutes there. I simply said that if he plays there he could develop into a good one.

Read the comment before replying next time champ.

Nelfoos

Footballtragic

Nelfoos

Footballtragic

Nelfoos

I think there's a Ruferesque DM in LKH, given some time there. Similar calmness on the ball, even when the situation calls for some urgency, happy to take it into tight areas and back himself to get out, which backfires a lot less for Rufes than it used to. 

Neither are as good as their stature would suggest aerially, but Rufer obviously puts himself about a lot better in general play and definitely  something Kelly-Heald has to add. 

I'm not sure LKH would be better long term in midfield than as a left sided CB, but I can see the potential in there, and I can see minutes in the midfield making him better on the ball even if he does settle in at CB.

So in your view that here and now he is a better midfielder than Conchie, Nagasawa and Retre as that would have to be the only criteria for playing him there! We simply do not have the luxury to play kids out of position to make them more comfortable in their best positions...we have seen far too much this season of players being played all over the place without ever nailing a position! 

I said absolute nothing about the merits of playing LKH there vs any other midfielder available, and the fact that you missed that entirely in order to attack the comment makes me think the rest of your comments are probably based a lot more in emotion than in reason as well.

Giving him minutes in midfield has to be at the expense of existing midfielders i.e. Nagasawa, Retre or Conchie. I stand by my comment that we do not have the luxury to experiment or develop players in different positions. What is unreasonable about that?

I didn't say it was unreasonable, and I didn't advocate for giving LKH minutes there. I simply said that if he plays there he could develop into a good one.

Read the comment before replying next time champ.

So you are not advocating that he gets minutes in the midfield? Even though "you can see minutes in the midfield making him better on the ball even if he does settle in at CB." So here and now do you agree with Chief playing him in the midfield? 

Its just dumb to see playing him in the midfield is a rational decision to teach him skills to end up making him a better centre back, May as well then give him a few games up front so he gets an understanding on how defenders handle forwards.