Manuel Pellegrini was asked why Sebastien Haller looked so isolated again in his post-match interview.
The manager told reporters in the London Stadium media room “Well we try to play from the second line inside the box to play with him [Haller].
I repeat that I think it’s not easy to create chances against Sheffield United and we did it today. He must play maybe with some players near him but it’s what we try to do today.”
Asked a follow-up question on whether players are getting near enough to him he added: “I think that today we try [to play] with Felipe [Anderson] and Robert [Snodgrass] right inside the box with him. And we created chances that is why we score one of the chances.”
Claret and Hugh say:
Despite the manager’s latest words, fans remain unconvinced about how the £45m record signing fits into the team and what formation plays to his strengths.
If you watched him in Bundesliga last season you would know he is not a striker to play up front on his own. He needs players around him to play off on and pass to the ball to him in the box if we going to realise his potential and his transfer fee worth.
Having said that, there were several times yesterday when both Zaba and Cress were getting forward and playing balls into the area and it has to be said there was no sign of the Frenchman.
Late on Pablo Fornals escaped down the right and it was Snodgrass who was the only player around trying to squeeze it home at the far post.
That’s something of a worry and it’s easier as a result to understand Pellegrini’s words at the pre match press conference from him that we want more from him in that area of the pitch.
It might help if they actually tried to play the ball to him 😫
A very good article this, and some extremely valuable points. Once again it seems like WH supporters know more about the situations/problems in Pelligrini’s team which he cannot explain.
1. All of Haller’s matches have left him isolated…with long balls being played into him. He has done exceptionally well playing as an extra no 10 at times.
2. Liverpool has selfish Salah vs Mane. And we have Anderson/Lanzini/Yarmo vs Haller. I can feel his hidden frustration (being a former midfielder/striker myself) having to run the channel/gap and not receiving the pass. Against Sheff Untd, 2 break-a-ways where Anderson almost reluctantly played the passes shallow with team mates having to slow their pace to receive the passes … ???
3. Yesterday against Sheff Untd, Haller looked completely out of it. No usual spark, no good running, no effort in the box. And this in the match where Snoddy made a difference with exceptional/more crosses.
4. It seems evident to me Pelligrini has not gelled his forward line together. Yarmo/Anderson look completely unintentional in getting Haller in the game. Lanzini is struggling together with Fornals …. and poor Ajeti.
• No wonder Hugill is unable to produce at WH. And why is Holland still not in the 1st team…. ????
Totally agree Jeff ..he just ain’t suited to the ‘one’up.front game ..I watched him in the Bundersliga (terrible spelling )on tv and streams many times last two seasons and he IS NOT alone up front striker. .and when we aquired him.I was very very excited. .now only to see him in a roll not to his potential 😤😤😤
Does this not just highlight Pellegrini’s complete lack of grasp of the problems. He seems determined not to try a second striker up front with him. It’s so frustrating!!
Let’s be honest, for large parts of most games, the crowd are closer to him than his teammates!!
He was bought on his scoring record ; but with a partner . He never had a solo striker role .
Pelligrini has got it all totally wrong . He needs to admit it and stop being so obstinate to support his own idea of a lone striker . Haller cost 45million on the back of being a goal scorer but Pelligrini is ignoring just how he managed to score those goals .
Pelligrini is starting to get rediculous . He did the same at Man City and it cost him . Now he is doing the same at West Ham . Time to say goodbye and thanks but his time must surely be up . Would now like to see , especially after his comments on the last few games and ignoring the opinion of the fans who have been here too many times now to listen to more rubbish and excuses . I have been a Hammer for 60 odd years and rarely have I had a moment to celebrate … Pelligrini isn’t giving me any reason to carry on supporting him .
I as most fans were expecting something special this season and I am feeling totally let down .
If we don’t play two up top then the midfield need to support him , getting closer and creating chances for each other. I think if we get closer we will create far more goals . However still need balance for the defence more tactical work and effort needed . I think Pelligrini and the lads will sort it and it clicks . COYI ⚒
Get your point Kevin but yo be honest pelle to go would be pointless unless you get in another coach who with their cv at playing attractive football would be better for our side. And please don’t say Benitez as his style isn’t what we need . So the options look limited unless you could poach Rodgers and I think Leicester or the board couldn’t and wouldn’t let that happen. Imo
We absolutely need a dynamic midfield ball winner, who can launch attacks. Someone in the Ngolo Kante mould. Opposition midfielders have so much time on the ball because, other than Noble, we have nobody who is aggressive and biting in the tackle. If their midfielders knew we had someone of Kante’s ilk around them they wouldn’t be so comfortable in possession. It’s all very well having the pretty footballing fancy Dans but someone has to win and get the ball to them to demonstrate their skills. Declan is busy protecting our back four, he needs someone in front to ball win as, no matter how hard he tries, he cannot do it all. God help us if he picks up an injury.
How come Liverpool can play xciting and winning football with 3 strikers but we can’t?
The problem is we have a manager who has NO VISION and can’t think outside ‘the box’..
It’s the same old nonsense from a tired old manager with ZERO modern ideas…
Boring, boring boring..