Manuel Pellegrini and the players have obviously been concentrating on defending this week – especially at set pieces.
Some of the goals conceded recently, especially against Newcastle, have been horrific and the manager – hardly surprisingly , made special mention of it in his pre-weekend presser.
He admits openly that both the players AND HIMSELF has to improve as we bid to come out of the recent torturous spell of results.
With much at stake he was brutally honest in his assessment of the team’s performance and it is – for all the anxieties – good to hear a bloke with some much experience in the game hold himself up for criticism.
In fact he was the only individual he discussed in critical terms refusing to address any particular player for being at fault over recent games.
But he knows, as we all do that nothing other than a 100 per cent performance across the team is needed as we look to plunge Burnley into trouble.
He said: “I don’t talk about individual players, I talk about the team. Everyone must do better, including the manager and the players.
“As a team I think that we need to improve, especially at set-pieces. They have been decisive – three goals from Newcastle, two from Crystal Palace. We must improve as a team more than just discuss one player.”
“The league is very tight so far this season, but of course we need to improve in order to be in another position
Hope he improves his big team selection, team formation, team tactics and team talk in that case. Reckon a team who wear claret and blue will win on Saturday. 4-2 to us!
If the system Is correct and team selection without rediculous Nonsensical changes can be looked at then all the better . It’s your job Mr Pelligrini ., and a very well paid one . Please prove all us doubters wrong starting at Turf Moor . We have all the right in the world to be complaining after so many years with nothing to show ; not even a cup run and inconsistent performances . 🙏 prove me wrong . But I’m not holding my breath .
I hope they stick together with the same objective and build that team spirit again . COYI
I wish I understood Pellegrini’s tactics. We don’t press; we don’t get everyone behind the ball, sit deep and counter attack. We just give the opposition space all over the pitch and when we get the ball we play the Pellegrini walking football…and we squeak rather than shoot. I suggest someone else should decide tactics!
We looked more dangerous playing 442 lets hope MP goes with that option against Burnley who will certainly play 442.