We also can't really ignore that the timing of goals is just as important as the amount. Winning most matches by one goal - as opposed to winning a handful with several goals - will land you at a better table position over time. As evidenced by Auckland's 16 GF vs WSW's 28.
WSW have also conceded three times as many goals than Auckland.
Auckland have 7 clean sheets. WSW have one.
Defence wins you titles.
Look at the Premier League. Arsenal and Spurs have scored the same amount of goals. One is 2nd, the other 15th. One of the teams can defend, and it's not the one in 15th.
Now there is only one team with fewer goals than us and two teams that let in fewer goals. We are 13 points away from the leader and 7 points from the top 6. And only 6 points separate 1st and 6th. image.png99.28 KB
We live or die by how many goals Kosta scores. Atm we can't generate anything close to a half chance for him.
Pretty easy to defend a team that has one scoring option. Last season we had multiple ways of scoring and it made things more complicated for oppositions defences.
Chiefy suggesting everyone should be back fit for Brisbane except Rufer and Rojas. Rufer should be back for the game after that. Says Rojas is out for the season.
Chiefy suggesting everyone should be back fit for Brisbane except Rufer and Rojas. Rufer should be back for the game after that. Says Rojas is out for the season.
I'm just watching it now. Gutted about Rojas, I think that's the first time the club has said that - previously intimating that he would be available at the end of the season.
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
imanixsupporter
Chiefy suggesting everyone should be back fit for Brisbane except Rufer and Rojas. Rufer should be back for the game after that. Says Rojas is out for the season.
Even though I feel for Rojas after suffering a season ending injury, it doesn't make it any less mystifying as to why we brought him in as the focal point of our side in the first place. He can't have played many more than 75 games since the turn of the decade???
Imo Rojas could be a handy back up for the next 2 or 3 years. Not a starter but definitely someone to bring on in the last 20 minutes. I'm happy if he gets fit again and stays for a role off the bench, but no more than that
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
InsulinMachine
Imo Rojas could be a handy back up for the next 2 or 3 years. Not a starter but definitely someone to bring on in the last 20 minutes. I'm happy if he gets fit again and stays for a role off the bench, but no more than that
Back up maybe, mentor for the young kids definately, player to build the team around - was never gonna happen. I said it when the announcement was made, this guy may well be the kiwi messi but he is made of glass and his lack of game fitness coming into this season was gonna hurt us.
Imo Rojas could be a handy back up for the next 2 or 3 years. Not a starter but definitely someone to bring on in the last 20 minutes. I'm happy if he gets fit again and stays for a role off the bench, but no more than that
Back up maybe, mentor for the yong kids definately, player to build the team around - was never gonna happen. I said it when the announcement was made, this guy may well be the kiwi messie but he is made of glass and his lack of game fitness comining into this season was gonna hurt us.
What is his injury? Is it possible at all that he could pull a Zawada and be available for the last few games?
You'd have to think perhaps his dream of going to a world cup are fading fast ☹️
not sure if it has always been common and just that Chiefy is more transparent, but it seems we often are playing players when unwell (e.g. Rufer, Sutton), coming back possibly too soon (e.g. Sheridan from concussion), or playing through injuries (e.g. Payne, Ball) more so than we used to prior to Chiefy.
What is his injury? Is it possible at all that he could pull a Zawada and be available for the last few games?
You'd have to think perhaps his dream of going to a world cup are fading fast ☹️
not sure if it has always been common and just that Chiefy is more transparent, but it seems we often are playing players when unwell (e.g. Rufer, Sutton), coming back possibly too soon (e.g. Sheridan from concussion), or playing through injuries (e.g. Payne, Ball) more so than we used to prior to Chiefy.
It's almost like we're in an injury crisis and the coach doesn't want to field a full team of academy players...
Also, it is almost certainly not Chief's call whether or not a player is fit enough to play. That must fall to the medical team.
Ball playing through his Injury was under Ufuk. But, on the other hand, Chief has often said in press conferences that he's rested a player as a precaution and if it was a final he would have played him.
We're definitely trying to manage an injury depleted squad, that's what you're seeing.
Ball playing through his Injury was under Ufuk. But, on the other hand, Chief has often said in press conferences that he's rested a player as a precaution and if it was a final he would have played him.
We're definitely trying to manage an injury depleted squad, that's what you're seeing.
Ball played with a hernia last season under Chief. It was undiagnosed though and he thought it was osteitis pubis until he got scans and surgery in the off season.
Chiefy suggesting everyone should be back fit for Brisbane except Rufer and Rojas. Rufer should be back for the game after that. Says Rojas is out for the season.
Even though I feel for Rojas after suffering a season ending injury, it doesn't make it any less mystifying as to why we brought him in as the focal point of our side in the first place. He can't have played many more than 75 games since the turn of the decade???
**Edit - 87 games since 1/1/20**
I do think people overstate his injury record though. He barely missed a game at the Victory until he broke his leg. It's not like he has had a bunch of muscle tears every season like other players (ie Piscopo) and then had a bunch more here.
Did anyone else head to the event with the Japanese embassy yesterday? I thought it was really interesting. Some key points I remember. Feel free to correct me if I got anything wrong.
* A-League is very physical and Ishige said he is trying to think of work arounds to get past players * In Japan they play 4 days before a match, we only do 3 days so they to think of what they can do for that missing day. * In Japan there is hierarchy in the team but here it is more free and everyone gets a say. They think it is better to be in the middle. * We need more players with basic skills and technique.
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
Procrastinixing
Did anyone else head to the event with the Japanese embassy yesterday? I thought it was really interesting. Some key points I remember. Feel free to correct me if I got anything wrong.
* A-League is very physical and Ishige said he is trying to think of work arounds to get past players * In Japan they play 4 days before a match, we only do 3 days so they to think of what they can do for that missing day. * In Japan there is hierarchy in the team but here it is more free and everyone gets a say. They think it is better to be in the middle. * We need more players with basic skills and technique.
We used to have a ‘leadership group’, but I think that went out with Uffie, or even Rudan? He wanted all players to take leadership and responsibility on the field.
And if the basic culture of the team won’t be changing in a way that’ll suit these boys, how can the team culture be made more inclusive and informed be each perspective? I think there’s a real danger of team cliques, and although I’m sure Chief is all over it, from the outside that seems like the value of someone like David Ball.
I mean they need to get on the piss a bit, go to the bird sanctuary, make sure everyone gets an invite to the cafe and goes or whatever…have an okonomiyaki night out or get some electric fry pans in and have the boys learn how to make it as part of a recovery day or whatever…
And obviously there is a hierarchy, but it’s certainly not as obvious as Japan. It’s another issue with older/younger squads and one Chief has to keep working on.
I’d be interested to hear how this event happened, because the takeaway from the premise is the boys are not completely happy or comfortable with the team culture style.
Again something Chief needs to hear as part of getting the most out of his players. I think it’s likely he’s one of the least disciplinarian/cranky managers we’ve had, coming out of the AC role he’s previously had. He’s not renowned for being a ‘hairdryer treatment’ style lad.
Be interesting to see what, if anything comes of this, if your reporting is accurate! Glad you brought it up because I was going to ask.
It’s also a factor of working in a different league, in a different country that there may be differences to the way of working. It would be interesting to see how players like Imai-san, Ibusuki-san and even historically Ono-san adapted to the league.
"I’d be interested to hear how this event happened, because the takeaway from the premise is the boys are not completely happy or comfortable with the team culture style. " Wow thats a bit of a step up from what he posted just shows how we all read things differently. I didnt get that from it, i got its just different from what they are used to. Having attended training and watch them interact with other team members i would doubt if there are any issues just a case of getting used to playing in a different country and getting to know your team mates. All teams have clics its how they come together as a team that counts.
The comment around the physical nature of the league is interesting, and worth taking note of, the Aleague is clearly a lot more physical than the Jleague etc, so Japanese players struggle to adjust to being marked so closely.
No one Japanese Graham Arnold’s things like he did in England. It’s rare to hear criticism. But to me, if it was said like this reported above seems quite blunt.
I wasn’t there. I’ve only read the briefing and read the above. That’s why I asked for more information.
Plus I’ve had half a life listening to Asian opinions that Kiwis and their approach to work is lazy. What they’re saying fits within that. Again wasn’t there, and don’t know much about the event apart from the poster, so asking for anyone else to report back.
No one Japanese Graham Arnold’s things like he did in England. It’s rare to hear criticism. But to me, if it was said like this reported above seems quite blunt.
I wasn’t there. I’ve only read the briefing and read the above. That’s why I asked for more information.
Plus I’ve had half a life listening to Asian opinions that Kiwis and their approach to work is lazy. What they’re saying fits within that. Again wasn’t there, and don’t know much about the event apart from the poster, so asking for anyone else to report back.
I would never say lazy work culture, I would describe it as laid back 😂
Top 6 looking further and further away after Victory's win last night. We need to put a really good run of results together now. If we can't get it done against Brisbane at home then I think we could almost call the season there. We have a really tough run of games starting after that game. And of course, if we were to miraculously make it into the top 6 we would inevitably be knocked out of the playoffs at the first time of asking anyway, as we always do.
I feel like we need to forget about results and begin building for next season. Try and play positively even if parking the bus would get us better results. Play all the kids. We used up about 3 years' worth of the amount of success we can expect last season, we were foolish to expect anything different this season than a reversion to the mean. We are a club of losers and the best we can ever hope for is the vicarious excitement of seeing youngsters move for 6-7 figure fees overseas.
Top 6 looking further and further away after Victory's win last night. We need to put a really good run of results together now. If we can't get it done against Brisbane at home then I think we could almost call the season there. We have a really tough run of games starting after that game. And of course, if we were to miraculously make it into the top 6 we would inevitably be knocked out of the playoffs at the first time of asking anyway, as we always do.
I feel like we need to forget about results and begin building for next season. Try and play positively even if parking the bus would get us better results. Play all the kids. We used up about 3 years' worth of the amount of success we can expect last season, we were foolish to expect anything different this season than a reversion to the mean. We are a club of losers and the best we can ever hope for is the vicarious excitement of seeing youngsters move for 6-7 figure fees overseas.
I really don't think I am being cynical or that having such an attitude is not compatible with support. Sometimes in life you need to swallow bad tasting medicine. Our team has not been this bad since before Rudan's arrival. How anyone could have genuine hope for a successful end to this season is beyond me. There is no good reason to expect it, and I don't think you need to be deluded to be a supporter.
I really don't think I am being cynical or that having such an attitude is not compatible with support. Sometimes in life you need to swallow bad tasting medicine. Our team has not been this bad since before Rudan's arrival. How anyone could have genuine hope for a successful end to this season is beyond me. There is no good reason to expect it, and I don't think you need to be deluded to be a supporter.
We are just at the halfway point of the season, plenty of points to be gained. If we are at rock bottom as you seem to be suggesting then we can only get better. I dont think anyone is suggesting we're gonna win the league but all hope is not lost and nor should it be.
I really don't think I am being cynical or that having such an attitude is not compatible with support. Sometimes in life you need to swallow bad tasting medicine. Our team has not been this bad since before Rudan's arrival. How anyone could have genuine hope for a successful end to this season is beyond me. There is no good reason to expect it, and I don't think you need to be deluded to be a supporter.
I think you're being intentionally negative though. You're completely ignoring the fact that we'll have players coming back from injury fairly soon. The reason we're in this hole is mainly due to the injuries
They way you're writing id consider not supporting the Nix. It genuinely sounds bad for your health if this is how negative you are
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
anaveragestem
imanixsupporter
I really don't think I am being cynical or that having such an attitude is not compatible with support. Sometimes in life you need to swallow bad tasting medicine. Our team has not been this bad since before Rudan's arrival. How anyone could have genuine hope for a successful end to this season is beyond me. There is no good reason to expect it, and I don't think you need to be deluded to be a supporter.
I think you're being intentionally negative though. You're completely ignoring the fact that we'll have players coming back from injury fairly soon. The reason we're in this hole is mainly due to the injuries
They way you're writing id consider not supporting the Nix. It genuinely sounds bad for your health if this is how negative you are
As far as I'm concerned everyone's allowed to voice their opinion on here as long as no one gets bullied or intentionally offended.
It's a rough season, consequently there'll be some harsh opinions.
Just as well its only football at the end of the day 😅
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
Maybe I was being a bit harsh/negative in my framing but the point was that I would hope that Chiefy, if he is at all motivated by results and ambition to climb the table, should de-emphasise that and focus more on play style and on youth development for the rest of this season. And that fans adjust their expectations for the rest of the season accordingly. Of course it could be that that is all Chiefy is focused on, given the way he disposed of al-Taay, Ball and OVH and how many minutes he has given the kids. If so, it is time to double down on that. I don't want to see negative football in an attempt for us to save our season with better results.
I seriously think though that maybe we all need to come to terms with what this club is. Lots of clubs around the world have no ambition beyond not getting relegated most seasons, and fans can and do support those teams knowing that reality. They don't dream about making the top 4 in the league or winning a cup, at least not seriously. They live for the occasional derby win or top side's scalp. I don't think this club has genuine ambitions for success. The ownership group probably just have the ambition of making the club break even and that's it.
Faark me imanixsupporter (BS) i get accused of being over optimistic but you have gone in whole other direction. Best thing for your own health is probably to stop watching. Some of your comments about the clubs ambitions are frankly down right insulting firstly to the players and then Coaching staff and Phoenix Management and those of us who even given the results still love to go to games. Your kidding yourself if you think Rufer,Kosta,Wooten,Payne and the rest of the team are happy with the "occasional derby win or a top teams scalp". As for breaking even what planet do you come from arnt many football clubs worldwide who are able to do that. So much negativity
Maybe I was being a bit harsh/negative in my framing but the point was that I would hope that Chiefy, if he is at all motivated by results and ambition to climb the table, should de-emphasise that and focus more on play style and on youth development for the rest of this season. And that fans adjust their expectations for the rest of the season accordingly. Of course it could be that that is all Chiefy is focused on, given the way he disposed of al-Taay, Ball and OVH and how many minutes he has given the kids. If so, it is time to double down on that. I don't want to see negative football in an attempt for us to save our season with better results.
I seriously think though that maybe we all need to come to terms with what this club is. Lots of clubs around the world have no ambition beyond not getting relegated most seasons, and fans can and do support those teams knowing that reality. They don't dream about making the top 4 in the league or winning a cup, at least not seriously. They live for the occasional derby win or top side's scalp. I don't think this club has genuine ambitions for success. The ownership group probably just have the ambition of making the club break even and that's it.
So you dont believe Domey and the coaching staff when they say the want to win the league? Along with being profitable?
I'm not saying our players are happy with that, I'm saying that is what the fans of many clubs around the world are satisfied with, in the absence of ever truly challenging for higher honours. But you should hear the pessimism in Kosta's comments about the low amount of chances we are able to create these days, he's said things to that effect several times this season. There is a man who does not believe the Nix will win the title.
I don't believe Domey that they genuinely make it a priority for us to win the league. The party line at the start of every single season is literally "make the top 6 and see how we go from there". If you have followed the Nix for long you'll have heard that message many times, from him and the coach. We are not Sydney FC, we are not Melbourne Victory. We do not share their ambitions.
An example. Talay apart from his first season never got us close to winning silverware in his four seasons here, and yet Welnix would have been extremely happy to have retained him. It was his own choice to leave, he was too ambitious for us. But we should have been more ambitious than that. We should have proactively found somebody else who thought they could achieve a better result than scraping into the top 6 every season, if we really had genuine ambition. 4 years in a job is a very long time in the world of football management. ballane
Faark me imanixsupporter (BS) i get accused of being over optimistic but you have gone in whole other direction. Best thing for your own health is probably to stop watching. Some of your comments about the clubs ambitions are frankly down right insulting firstly to the players and then Coaching staff and Phoenix Management and those of us who even given the results still love to go to games. Your kidding yourself if you think Rufer,Kosta,Wooten,Payne and the rest of the team are happy with the "occasional derby win or a top teams scalp". As for breaking even what planet do you come from arnt many football clubs worldwide who are able to do that. So much negativity
It seems we have made quite a number of missteps this season.
1. Not replacing Zawada 2. Not re-signing Kraev 3. Basing our attack around injury prone Marco 4. Extending Josh after a couple of games 5. OVH, Bally and Al-Taay leaving within a few weeks of each other
I truly want to believe the only way is up. I struggle to see where our goals are going to come from. Still no new signings in sight.
Looking at where we are on the table is super depressing. Compounded by that other team in their first season sitting 5 points clear with their billions and on the cusp of winning the plate. It hurts. So @imanixsupporterraises some good points. image.png100.75 KB
Remind me again how injury prone Marco has been in his previous stints in the A League. Zawada played all of about 6 games last year some of those from the bench. Not sure how the Phoenix was expected to resign Kraev if he turned down what they offered no point at all paying ridiculous money and they bcant force guys to sign if they dont want to. Extending Josh hasnt had much affect yep a Visa spot but Visa players dont appear to be lining up to join us. Agree on the guys leaving but no one could have foreseen the injury and illness that has hit the squad this year. This has lead Chief to play guys much more often and for longer than i would think he planned on. Hopefully with so many of the young guys getting minutes this year it means that they are ready next season to turn it on. Dont think we are out of it yet the table can change so quickly in this league, so hopefully we get guys back sooner rather than later and they can make that push. Yep for evert the optimist. COYN
