sports Soccer/A-League Discussion - Page 7

Ah well, elbows are such a difficult thing to adjudge intent, etc. Alot of referees seem to give cards 'cause they want to be the centre of attention, so can see why it would be given. Must say, I rate Franjic, even if McBreen did totally rape him for the second goal

Flores red was a definite case of the referee trying to make himself big... Didn't even touch Sainsbury who made a complete meal of it. Delovski's performance tonight was woeful, FFA really need to pull their officials into line

Well, last night's game confirmed what we already knew about the Victory - we can score goals. Problem is at the other end of the park, can't keep them out. I think Coe is a step in the right direction, but unfortunately he can't do it if he doesn't have the support in front of him in central defence. I'm starting to see more and more where J_ames is coming from with his comments on Leijer, he is making stupid mistakes in games and seems incapable of organising the defence (which is what senior centrebacks, especially ones that are captain, should be doing!). Franjic appears out of his depth in this tactical system, so I'm afraid Ange's #1 priority should be a centreback in January. I don't know, maybe blokes like Sasa Ognenovski or maybe Eddy Bosnar are available? Sure, they're older (33 and 32 respectively) but both are certainly capable and would add stability for a couple of years whilst Ange finds the right youth product to promote and develop. Again, I don't know but we certainly need to fix it in January if we harbour hopes of a finals finish this year. Besides, Bosnar does a killer freekick as well:



As for the rest of the game, I only watched sporadically due to other commitments, but we played well. Mariners are one of the form teams from the last 2-3 seasons, and so to play well against them this early in our development under Ange is great. Disappointed we weren't able to press our player advantage once the Big Z was sent off for the Mariners, but hey, a point against one of the top sides is better than nothing at all. Stupid red card by Flores though, there was no need for him to dive in like that, and now he misses next week because of it. Stupid, I'd imagine Finkler would come back in as a straight swap for the lad. Also hope that Archie recovers, although Nabbout did another fine job, scoring another goal. Just needs to get the match fitness and the kid will be great.

quote J_ames

walnuts actually surprised that you think Franjic isn't suited to Ange's tactics, as I think they're a perfect match for him :S I think he's let down by the bloke beside him, which is unfortunately your captain who seems to rate himself pretty highly. If I was Ange, I'd be trying to shift Leijer in January in order to get a Bosnar/Ognenovski in to partner Franjic, as they're an old head that can both do the job on the pitch, whilst also teaching Franjic along the way. Pretty sure Sasa's on massive coin in the Middle East though, so maybe Bosnar would be more attainable. Even Dino Djlubic, who's currently in China would be a good signing for you, but I warn you; he's a crazy bastard.

Sounds like a great plan, I don't what has happened to Leijer but 2 new CBs in jan is a must

quote J_ames

11kgm: my point was that I believe that Franjic is good enough, and that you should look to get a Sasa/Bosnar/Djulbic to partner him. So in theory; you'd only need to sign one... Eastern European heritaged CB-pairing D: lol

edit: Mark Birighitti got owned by Brockie's knee, in a very accidental clash. Pulled off a sensational save seconds before it happened too, but when they zoomed in on him his cheek was the size of a cricket ball.

I would still get 2 Franjic and 2 more. Milligan to play DM

*bleep* yes FTA *bleep* yes FTW *bleep* yes FTA *bleep* FTA

A little bit i am over the moon, no more having to go to the pub to watch games

it is here, if melbourne start losing they turn the games off