Pantilimon, Arlaukis, Paredes, Behrami and Oulare not on the injury list and not involved today so could well be the first to go? Have I missed anyone?? (Unless Oulare was with the U23s??)
Pretty sure the other players were there today. The dugout was on the other side of the pitch from where the injured players were sat. Couldn't see everyone but saw Deeney, Chalobah and Sinclair. I was quite far away so hard to spot individuals. But those three stuck out from afar. I think Oulare will got back to Willem II. He has 2 years left on contract. I think they will give him at least 1 more year to prove his potential. Arlausksis, Paredes and Behrami are definitely going. Were they all pants? Carl Stewart is supposed to be a bit of a prospect... did he not show that today?
Hmmm Ok, thanks. it's not a dig at any player in particular, more about general player attitude that applies more during the actual season, although I think that pre-season is important with regard to this. A couple of related examples about player attitude from Quique's season: A situation where a goal is conceded - if a player feels that he did his job as instructed then he feels that he has done his bit and the goal was not anything to do with him and he should make no more effort. I disagree. Another example is: a player was sent off for a stupid challenge. If that was me I would feel I'd let the team down. This players response to the sending off was 'its football, it happens'.
Oh I see. Yeah I 100% agree. Last couple of seasons it seems the team has been divided into defence, midfield, attack. It was always one of these sections' fault, or even an individual. Seemed to be lack of team responsibility. Yeah I'm with you on that.
I don't watch much other football anymore as I find it boring. I still love to play but need to find a vets team (that is a come and get me plea). Anyway, about November in Quique's tenure I went to Rome and got to watch Roma v Lazio. The football was exactly the same: solid back four, midfield holding a defensive shape and retaining possession. I knew from that moment that Watford would be safe that season but how boring to watch. Where are the skillful dribblers, where has shooting from outside the box gone? What happened to tricky wingers who could beat a player and cross a ball? Maybe I'm old but I miss that!
I think this season will be a mix of between the two. When we got going there was some real flair. Berghuis gained confidence and tried to take a player on more often towards the end. I think if Success had stayed on he may have done the same.
I'm hoping for that. A bit of determination, bit of flair and goals. Pre-season isn't about entertaining fans. It's about trying out things, perfecting technique, building spirit and ironing out floors, not to mention fitness. It is a dress rehearsal.
Hughes and Pereyra will will be our saviors and bring slick passes in behind, quick breaks, and goals - we just need the players to support them. On Watson, while I appreciate what he did for the club, I think if he's near the starting eleven come August the recruitment team has dropped the ball. I think he'd be great in the squad, but he deserves regular football so a move away is probably best.
Your enthusiasm in the first line is what excites me too, combined with my impression of Silva is making me look forward to the season. I agree with the second point too, I just think that he would have added some guts last season. He is professional and deserves game time
With choice of Hughes, Doucoure, Chalobah and Pereya/Zarate in midfield am hopeful our ball retention will be much better this coming season. In need of a pacy striker though
Certainly somebody with a bit of pace if Success isn't the answer and maybe one that isn't so physical they can hardly move!
We had one of those until last September, just needed a run to build confidence......... but that will spark a difference of opinion on here.
On striker, if we're playing one up top, I think we need more (and better) options. Hard to judge based on one friendly, but Okaka doesn't seem like a natural lone striker, and I don't see Deeney alone either. On the team attending, it would be nice. I'd imagine some of those who are injured were doing light training or recovery work? Chalobah was there!
I bet the squad don't even iron their own clothes. How we can expect them to be competent enough to iron the floor?
Aston Villa lost to Shrewsbury yesterday, with John Terry in the side, and Liverpool could only manage a 1-1 draw at League One Wigan on Friday. Pre-season, eh?
Exactly. With these pre season matches the emphasis is placed, not so much on the win, as on experimentation. Looking at players, options, tactics etc. Trying stuff out before the serious stuff gets underway. These things are important and are not so easily experimented with in league matches, when the emphasis is rightly placed on getting points.