3 hours ago, Nibs said:

Yeah. Be interesting to see what he does when he looks at Garnacho and Delap.

Glue factory.

2 hours ago, Bob stark said:

I think you misunderstood the quote, being flexible is not about the manager. Tactic is more about the quality of the playe and how the player interpret the situation.

Exactly. Experience isn't just about having played in a league for a certain amount of time or playing in a team that may have won a Euros or a World Cup.

The experience, the leading by example is from technique, ability and game intelligence. Its seeing the picture and understanding the plan and then helping each other implement this on the pitch by technique and ability, not high fiving and chest thumping each other.

Gegenpressing is about high intensity, high pressing and early regains. This style can only be sustained if there is good care of the ball and fast, technically adept ball movements once possession is regained. He needs players that meet this profile and can meet the physical demands of our league. Garnacho, Neto, Delap, Gusto, Badiashile....nah.

9 hours ago, Nibs said:

It's kinda weird that I always expected Alonso to go to Liverpool and I wanted Iraola and yet exactly the opposite has happened.

Also funny that I have mates who said, no Iraola is not good enough for us but now see he has taken over at Liverpool and suddenly think he might be decent after all.

Guess it will all come down to how well they are backed by their clubs. Iraola is inheriting a decent squad at Liverpool but he will need signings and I think he will be backed. I just pray Alonso isn't told "that's your squad - you have to work with and improve them". 'cos as the saying goes - you can't polish a turd and we have a few of them!!

Liverpool fans want a return to a “heavy metal football.”

They were never getting that from Alonso. It might work out with Iriola for them.

Alonso will definitely play a more possession based game I reckon. Under Maresca in particular our game was to absolutely not give up possession and it became slow and utterly predictable. No one took responsibility for playing progressive passes.

I’m hoping Alonso (if he plays a possession based style) will coach the players to not be afraid of losing possession or playing passes with any sort of risk attached and focus on getting the ball back quickly via a press if we do lose possession.

Edited 1 hour ago1 hr by 19seventyone