I’m no gloom and doom merchant but I must admit, I have a sinking feeling. We played far better than Tuesday night and 5 bout was a little harsh on us but it’s not hard to see why.
No matter what system a manager plays, he has to have the players to execute it. It’s ok playing passing and possession football but you have to have the players to do it. At this level, we haven’t. We’re pedestrian. Players receive a ball and the first thing they do is turn to their own goal. You watch the likes of Rooney. First touch, all important and normally towards the opposition goal, putting the other team on the back foot. There’s no zip, no pace, no gaps opening for us. There’s only N’Zogbia (arguably Scotland too, who at least has a sense of urgency) who can remotely run with the ball and credit to him for that at least.
I’m afraid Roberto is facing a much stiffer test than he bargained for and his scheming might be right but he doesn’t have the players to put it into practice. No signs of a true target man/goalscorer either.
Shame on those who booed Valencia, you just about managed to gee him up good style.
