Not that i am happy we not in the champions league but if ever there was a good time not to be in it, its while this Barca squad are cant figure whether they been awesome or if ac not playin well or bit of both. To cover the usual wtf this got do with lfc that no one else seems to get. Lets hope this is how Brendan wants us to play
Barca have been awesome. Every time they lose the ball they get it back within seconds, AC players must be knackered.
I was not too sure about barca being the best ever side but they not far off, although ac look like they have woken up
Barca's defense is a bit ****, to be honest. But the workrate and teamplay of their forwards and midfielders to pressure and harrass the opposition means that they rarely have to do anything. They spend alot of the game on the other side of the halfway line anyway. Considering we're meant to be moving somewhere towards Barca's style of play, we're miles off. Our defense is too deep, so our midfield drop deep and we end up passing around the halfway line instead of their 18yard line. It also leaves our forwards isolated whereas theirs rotate around and get involved much more. Our midfielders aren't comfortable enough on the ball to hold it so we pass back to the defense/keeper too often. We don't press anywhere near as much - fitness issue or just really bad at it? Oh well. Good game, enjoyed it. Thought Barca played well, but Milan threw it away by givingthe ball away too cheaply.
I noticed another thing. They get to play it out from defence with much less pressure on them because the opposition is scurrying backwards terrified of that attack. This is where for the moment we can't emulate it as much. The opposition aren't quite as frightened of us lol. Saying that. Scurrying back is a mistake. As spearing says; pressure those centre backs especially Mascherano & you'll get rewards. They also still get a wild lot of protection in the tackle. I counted at least 5 occasions where AC clearly got the ball, Barca player falls over, Ref blows. While each incident might not be a key moment, it puts pressure on the opposition in attempting to pressure the Barca attack without actually tackling; again it gives Barca more time on the ball. Just what they need eh? Having said all that. They look beautiful playing as a team to a man. Relentless at their best. Would be so down heartening to see them come at you again and again and again....
They are a terrific team. I never thought they'd overturn a 2 goal deficit. Milan barely had the ball in the 1st half, the relentless pressing and one touch football was just a joy to watch. Milan couldn't cope with the pressing, they just didn't have the quality to keep hold of the ball, rather just hoofing the ball out of trouble most of the time. They were completely outclassed. But Barca's defense does look vulnerable. Wonder why they are playing Mascherano as a CB, he was one of the best DM's when he was playing for us.
He suits what they want to do; a fairly pacey defense who are comfortable on the ball and can push up beyond the halfway line. Most defenders in the PL could not play that way, infact, not many defenders in the world can. But a DM shifted back to CB would be more comfortable and really help them start off attacking plays. Has its problems though. Poor against set pieces, not as tight when under pressure - hence Barca are vulnerable to being attacked. If you get the ball off them first.
He's way too short to play as a CB, almost cost them dearly when he tried to head the ball out of trouble but didn't get the elevation, and then Niang went onto to miss a sitter. Bold decision to play him at the back, but he's brilliant at snatching onto through balls and also a ruthless tackler. If Barca signs a new CB, I wonder if he'd be interested in joining us, would be a great signing. He was one of best DM's at the time he was with us, would love to have him back.
don't see Mascherano coming back sadly. wasn't the issue with his wife more than him as she hates England(well probably more the weather in fairness)
