R17 vs Perth Glory | Sat 2 Feb | 11:59pm | SS4

DId Mandi fly all the way to Perth and then come back to Wellington?

Good on Rudan for saying it was non negotiable 

If he did does anyone know if he made it back in time for the birth?

Rudan clearly isn't that keen to play him there though 

Also thought than free kick was rough from memory- but yeh Doyle needs to find composure if he wants to be considered to replace Durante or Taylor as a defensive leader 

Last night demonstrated why rudan bought Golec. Those three arent up to it. Terrible back line.

He didn't go to Perth.

Rudan said he travelled 

No all my posts are from me and are correct 99.9 percent of the time. 

Do you beg to differ about this one?

Yeah, tend to agree. As good as Doyle is and has been for most of this season, he's not a player who makes others look better (yet). You look at last night's starting lineup and it's absolutely clear where we were going to struggle. 

I still feel Kopa is underrated by most, both when he plays at back and in midfield. Just not sure the system we play fully suits him yet - much like Sheridan, they both seem to be a bit square peggish, though decent players as individuals. 

Singh got taught a lesson, no doubt. But, he's 19 so I think we gotta cut him some slack.

I don't get it, it's just a ridiculous tactic to play. It's as ridiculous as our short corner attempts.

Sheridan really? The guy hasn't even been given a chance. When he's on the field he is making runs that our players aren't good enough to realize

Yeah, that's probably a fair call.

There was almost no service for the front line, no through balls, and they ignored Fenton, most the stuffcsme over the left side. Kopa, Singh and Sheridan are quick and precise, Krishna and most of the rest tskr to many touches.

All 3 CB's could only play side ways, forced Carcace and Fenton to sit too deep and took away any speed we had to the game.

Thought perhaps Doyle and Cacace gave two left footed options going forward and he'd given Doyle a challenge to cement the spot perhaps? 

Also he wants Kopa to cover Mandi and despite reservations he's the only midfield cover. Also he wants Kopa to improve/challenge in the midfield? Maybe?

Agree I liked Kopa in that left CB play making role

Watching the CB passes compared to Kopa was painful.

Good thumping shot from Doyle- play him up front! At least as physical as Sheridan, heh.

Had to be the most boring Nix game I've seen in a long time.  

Were the back three trying to get their passing stats up with that slow, continuous back-peddling passing they were doing?

Keep possession and the opposition won't score !! That worked out well for 3 of them.

Disagree re: Kopa in midfield. I think his weaknesses were shown pretty obviously v Perth and whenever he plays there. He is not willing to collect the ball and look forward. He is not confident enough taking the ball in that position. He seems to be more confident when he has more time on the ball at LCB and can see the whole pitch - in that position, he's easily our best passer from the back. 

I just think to play CM in this structure you need a lot of personality, and a look of willingness to get on the ball and try to get out of tight situations. Mandi isn't perfect, but this is what he's great at. Rufer has also been getting much better at it - showing a lot of physicality to get out of those 1on1 situations.

Rufer was stand out for me last night. The lad gets through a truck load of work. He's improved expontetially

Agree. He was our best. Never shirked responsibility. 

You can tellRufer has earnt a lot of praise this year... as no one is hitting him up for losing possession for the third goal like Nicholls who got crucified for the same thing 30 meters further up the pitch 2 weeks ago.

Wasn't particularly thrilled with Rufer in this match personally, though did some decent stuff & has been having a good season.

Rufer seemed to be miles ahead of Kopa at trying to pass his way through the midfield

I'd like to see Rufer have the confidence to inject himself into the attack more often. Quite a few times I've noticed he's done some really smart bit of work in the front third to set up an attacking move then just stops as though his job is done. 

Which is fine if that's what he's been told to do by Rudan but I reckon he has the potential to develop into a dangerous player inside the penalty area, either by drawing away defenders or even as a sort of Tim Brown type finisher.

I don't mind that because he was trying the whole game to pass through the lines. What would you rather - a midfielder that  takes risks, and sometimes those risks do not work out, or a 'Kopa' in midfield who literally achieves nothing by playing safe. You could heard Rudan on the sideline shouting 'GO FORWARD'.

I'm happy with Rufer... think he is having a great season. Uses his body well (wins a lot of fouls etc)

Rufer will soon start scoring goals. Had played upfront alot when he was younger and no doubt will still have an eye for goal. Once he gets a taste for it, he'll start banging them in. 

Agreed. He has a powerful shot and started making more runs into the box... It's only a matter of time