All you need is height. Well some technique could do me some good as well.

Sorry for the delay, have been applying for jobs and rehabilitating my knee.

So, having gone 5 games unbeated, it is now time to face Club Sportif Louhans Cuiseaux 71.

So, I shape up to Patrick Deceguis, my ass. man., who informs me that the only advantage we hold over Louhans is height. How useful. I am slight underdogs, paying 2.73, and apparently they play a wide, high tempo 4-4-2. Hopefully my narrow pitch will be their undoing.

On the plus side, they are expecting a record crowd of “Over 500″, brilliant.

Selection wise, Mathias Di Mondo will make way for the more defensive Turtle Man Denga. Johan Culianez keeps his spot (just) as a wing back on the left. Otherwise, the only change is that Joel Kiki makes his way back to the bench and Di Mondo drops out altogether. I sent them out with a rigid philosophy, and a standard strategy , and told them they could win.

After 30 mins, I’d had 10 shots at goal, and so decided to throw the kitchen sink at them. I switched to a standard philosophy, and instructed Johan Gallon (on loan from Istres) to play in an advanced playmaker role.

Disaster – they score from a long shot, their first shot of the game. Revert to original plan, and play with an attacking strategy. I huffed, and I puffed, and I created 2 clear cut chances, both of which fell to Diafutua. However, I couldn’t break them down. For the last 10 minutes I played 4-2-4 with an overload strategy taking more risks, still couldn’t break them down.

Oh well, can’t win em all, have to try again next week, against Amiens FC – who the media think will come third this season. Two things which I learnt from the game – I need to stay solid at the back at all times, as I’m left too vulnerable if I commit men forwards. I lack a good creative midfield spark, and cover on the wings.

Category: FM09