If VI's playing style was "Vertical Football", what is Schopp's? I'll suggest "Narrow". We seem to have acres of lush turf that nobody in the side wants to run on, probably terrified of the the groundsman. Not a great game spoiled by one of the poorest referees I've seen since spring 1998.
I thought when we went to a back 4 we looked narrow too. I also thought that our press wasn’t as intense today. Although that could be because I’m watching it from my seat and not iFollow possibly. 3 points though. Can’t argue with that.
I said to my mate, the press looks to have gone, we aren't long, we aren't intricate passing - we're just "normal" again. There were a few passages of play, particularly in the second half that if we'd pressed as one I could have seen us smothering them. I think that, in the fullness of time, we'll all realise what a shame it was we weren't there last year to see VI's team in person. I don't see the intensity over three games this year at all - but I am just glad to be back. I fear it's a novelty that will wear off quickly though. Two *very* difficult games coming up based on what I've seen from QPR and Luton. I may be more optimistic afterwards... who knows
I agree with this. I was lucky enough to witness the Swansea match live and the style is a bit bonkers to watch, but very effective. I remain of the view that it’s going to be a long old season…from a tactical perspective I think the players look lost
I think we're still waiting to see the impact of the new gaffer. Let's answer the style question in October when the players and coaching staff have had time to adopt it.
Last year we benefited from a clear identity to our play. Some say that we were figured out last season, but we didn’t really take much figuring out and still won more than we lost, until Swansea beat us from shear clinical finishing. Whatever formation we switched to in the second half, it didn’t work and seeing both J williams and Brittain combining on the left just seemed odd. At some point there’ll be a decision to make on Styles and his position. If a new LWB isn’t coming in, it’ll become difficult to justify Williams playing there and benson starting on the bench.
Our left hand side seemed really overloaded in the second half- noticed Williams and Brittain is similar positions a few times. Didn't seem anybody on right hand side
Didn't manage to see the match today as on holiday, but it sounds like a pretty shambolic display, judging by the highlights and from what people at the game have told me. In the past it's been a case of trying to get the best out of limited personnel for this level. Now I'd argue that the squad we have is comfortably championship quality all over the pitch, but still they need to understand what the manager wants from them in terms of style, tactics, strategy etc. That's not going to come overnight, especially with what sounds like quite a major change in style from last season. I was hoping for more of the same, but with fewer aimless balls from the back when a good passing option is on. Things to bear in mind for me though - at least while we're waiting for things to click, we've got a solid enough defence that we're unlikely to concede a shed load, and enough quality in midfield and up front that we're always likely to create a chance or two every game. Luckily we put that chance away yesterday. Also, the Rotherham game late last season was absolutely horrendous, and it sounds like yesterday was similar. They should have hammered us, but we won 1-0. Digging in and scraping a win when you're playing absolutely gash is a massively important quality. Finally, as many have already pointed out, we've still got a lot of players to come back in from injury or return to full fitness. A bit of pressure on the Belgian lads now though, as Morris will be a huge miss. I'm also of the opinion that Ben Williams is nowhere near Championship standard, unfortunately. Surely Styles has to go back there on Tuesday?
TBF Don't think we will know that until his signings come through especially the touted experience in midfield
I really wanted styles to flourish in the central midfield position but it would be absolute madness if the manager continues to willingly play a weakened starting 11. Benson is too good to be on the bench, Williams has never been good enough. I'd personally like to see a quality left wingback brought in.
Seemed very narrow on occasion, had Coventry been a lot wiser to switching the ball we would have been on the back foot a ot more than we were I think.
We still press, but we don't play a crazy high line anymore, and we try to play through the midfield rather than bypass ALL the time. Forwards very narrow, inverted. Wing backs provide the width. When we switched to a 442 yesterday (I think anyway, when J Williams came on) we looked narrow. I think that was a defensive switch, looking to preserve a lead rather than score again. I have no concerns with our playing style. Schopp is clearly still trying to figure out what is best. We've conceded 1 goal and are unbeaten in the 3 competitive games. Clearly we need to score more but opportunities look to be there.
More of a mish mash than style, not easy on the eye on the whole, but still early days. Good finish from Dom must admit didn`t expect him to put it away.
I don't recall, genuinely (I'm not trying to be antagonistic), seeing us press yesterday at all with possible exception of Frieser. There was certainly no team press on.