Has anyone noticed that since the CL reared it's head our form has dipped overall especially in the PL? It all seemed to start v Blackburn when after conceding a sloppy goal the team looked unconvincing. Followed up by Newcastle and Liverpool , we seem to have entered an unconvincing period in the PL.
My take is that SAF has made them focus on the PL inbetween qualifying and the resumption of the CL (hence our mega run without conceding etc) . Up pops the CL again and minds are not focussed on the PL in the same way. It's almost as if the feeling has been "Ok , we've pretty much sorted out the league , let's concentrate on the CL "
The problem is our main rivals (especially LFC) seemed to have been re-invigorated by the CL , whereas for us it seems a burden because we are trying to make CL history. Fergie wants another CL title badly and the focus seems to be there right now and not the PL.
I don't think it's physical tiredness because you only have to look at Arsenal (who played in Italy + extra time and pens) to see that you can still play with pace and tempo. I think it's mental focus. The PL became too easy and the focus shifted to Fergie's main target. The sloppiness and conceding of goals all coincide with the return of the CL. It can't be a coincidence can it?
One thing I think is happening is that this team is trying to play a more European , possession style football , and taking the lead and then holding on to it using possession and deliberate slow passing seems to be the chosen formula. The ironic thing is LFC played fast PL style v Real Madrid and blew them away. I really don't like the whole "take the lead and then hold it" approach. Playing for 1-0s is dangerous and can only work if your defence is totally spot on and now our focus has shifted the defence is not spot on in the PL.
My feeling is that Fergie wants us to try and play like we did in the two legs v Barca as much as possible and if he risks the PL to have another shot at the CL then so be it. My problem with this is that we don't need to do this against lesser teams than Barca. It makes teams like LFC look better than they are. If I were a Chelsea or Liverpool fan the one thing that would end my PL hopes would be United getting dumped out of the CL. But does it have to be that way? Why is our CL run having a negative effect whereas for the others it's breathed life into their season? :mf_tongue:
My take is that SAF has made them focus on the PL inbetween qualifying and the resumption of the CL (hence our mega run without conceding etc) . Up pops the CL again and minds are not focussed on the PL in the same way. It's almost as if the feeling has been "Ok , we've pretty much sorted out the league , let's concentrate on the CL "
The problem is our main rivals (especially LFC) seemed to have been re-invigorated by the CL , whereas for us it seems a burden because we are trying to make CL history. Fergie wants another CL title badly and the focus seems to be there right now and not the PL.
I don't think it's physical tiredness because you only have to look at Arsenal (who played in Italy + extra time and pens) to see that you can still play with pace and tempo. I think it's mental focus. The PL became too easy and the focus shifted to Fergie's main target. The sloppiness and conceding of goals all coincide with the return of the CL. It can't be a coincidence can it?
One thing I think is happening is that this team is trying to play a more European , possession style football , and taking the lead and then holding on to it using possession and deliberate slow passing seems to be the chosen formula. The ironic thing is LFC played fast PL style v Real Madrid and blew them away. I really don't like the whole "take the lead and then hold it" approach. Playing for 1-0s is dangerous and can only work if your defence is totally spot on and now our focus has shifted the defence is not spot on in the PL.
My feeling is that Fergie wants us to try and play like we did in the two legs v Barca as much as possible and if he risks the PL to have another shot at the CL then so be it. My problem with this is that we don't need to do this against lesser teams than Barca. It makes teams like LFC look better than they are. If I were a Chelsea or Liverpool fan the one thing that would end my PL hopes would be United getting dumped out of the CL. But does it have to be that way? Why is our CL run having a negative effect whereas for the others it's breathed life into their season? :mf_tongue:
