[quote author=the count link=topic=46211.msg1369265#msg1369265 date=1311500047]
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=46211.msg1369263#msg1369263 date=1311499833]
the only bservation I want to make and I think it's relevent, preseason or not, is front to back we need to take less touches and move the ball faster. it was almost embarrassing the speed at which hull were moving the ball in comparison to oursleves. maybe a lack of fitness means the players are less confident at moving the ball with one touch.
[/quote]Apparently the players had a full training session in the morning prior to the game and had a full session the day previous as well Neil.
I am speculating that Hull prepared for the match in the normal fashion thus looking more match sharp.
[/quote]
As pointed out aswell, Hull are two weeks ahead in training as their season starts earlier.
At the end of the day, everyone knows we need two signings at the back, but we've played patched up rear guards with no Pepe Reina, two of the goals yesterday came from reasonably good long-range efforts, it's not like we were torn to pieces, though the third goal was avoidable. It's pre-season, there's never much cohesion but that's what it's all about, about getting fit and getting to know one another. The point about us having issues is valid, using yesterday as an example is not. Not when we've played with no Agger, Skrtel, Aurelio, Johnson or Reina, are people really that fickle?
I see no one has bothered to mention Downing yesterday, he showed exactly what we've been missing and what was evidently lacking in the first half against Hull. Width and delivery. The fullbacks were basically playing fullback and wide midfield yesterday with no protection, so it's worth pointing out just how excellent Jack Robo was in the first half. I'm really excited about him and Flanagan, they both look fantastic prospects and their assurance belies their age.
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=46211.msg1369263#msg1369263 date=1311499833]
the only bservation I want to make and I think it's relevent, preseason or not, is front to back we need to take less touches and move the ball faster. it was almost embarrassing the speed at which hull were moving the ball in comparison to oursleves. maybe a lack of fitness means the players are less confident at moving the ball with one touch.
[/quote]Apparently the players had a full training session in the morning prior to the game and had a full session the day previous as well Neil.
I am speculating that Hull prepared for the match in the normal fashion thus looking more match sharp.
[/quote]
As pointed out aswell, Hull are two weeks ahead in training as their season starts earlier.
At the end of the day, everyone knows we need two signings at the back, but we've played patched up rear guards with no Pepe Reina, two of the goals yesterday came from reasonably good long-range efforts, it's not like we were torn to pieces, though the third goal was avoidable. It's pre-season, there's never much cohesion but that's what it's all about, about getting fit and getting to know one another. The point about us having issues is valid, using yesterday as an example is not. Not when we've played with no Agger, Skrtel, Aurelio, Johnson or Reina, are people really that fickle?
I see no one has bothered to mention Downing yesterday, he showed exactly what we've been missing and what was evidently lacking in the first half against Hull. Width and delivery. The fullbacks were basically playing fullback and wide midfield yesterday with no protection, so it's worth pointing out just how excellent Jack Robo was in the first half. I'm really excited about him and Flanagan, they both look fantastic prospects and their assurance belies their age.
