Hiatus Over

By: Tom B | June 8th, 2009

A rather hectic period has occurred, which exams, essay marking etc out of the way, Marseille finishing runners up in France and Australia Qualifying For The World Cup. Sincerest apologies for the delay, but now we’re away…

My next game, as you should all be aware, was against the might of Badalona, without many of my key assets. As I have discussed, I went into asphyxiate mode, playing the meekest of 5-1-3-1s. I figured if I stacked the centre of the park, they wouldn’t have the oxygen to operate and a dull, dull stalemate will earn me a point. Wishful thinking…

I was killed down the flanks. I started off with youth left back Sole, again, who was consistently (and I mean every time) beaten down his flank which finally created the 1st goal. He was beaten 4 times down the flank time and time again by their winger and wing back, who was seriously getting forwards (this is something to note as he didn’t have any winger to look after, so could run foward with no reason to stay back). The game blamed Garcia Martinez at the back post, but really, I can’t be expecting a bloke with heading rating 4 to be winning these balls, better if your left back doesn’t get skinned and leave the overlapping full-back all the time and space in the world. Which brings me back to my key weakness. Left back, I need one, or someone with a left foot, as soon as possible. They continued to dominate, with my team only able to muster a few pretty limp long shots. I got fed up with Sole being beaten time and time again, so I switched Manuel (II) over to left back (Despite him being out of position there). What happened next? Manuel (II) trips their right midfielder in the box, penalty… 2-0 down. Oh for a proper left back.

I did manage to pull one back through man of the match Vazquez Garcia, in an attacking CM role, but it was scrappy and from an uncleared corner. I had one more real attacking phase but that ended with Adolfo staying offside despite having about one week to get back on and I ended with a whimper rather than a bang.

The game seemed to like Sole’s performance a lot, I suppose if you don’t even try to tackle, you don’t miss the tackle, so I think, all things being equal, Garcia Martinez has taken a serious hit for the young fellow, and this will be noted.

The media was very impressed with the result, and felt like they had to let me know as well. Oh well, roll on next game, roll on next post.

Unfortunately my computer has seen fit to throw a fit during exam period, and as such, won’t let me do video, so you’ll have to take my word for it for the next couple of posts until I work out what is wrong and try to repair it.

After 3 games the league table looks like so…

Not bad given I’ve played the 2 hardest teams in my first 3 adventures. Next up, on to Athletico Balearus.

Player Profile: Carlos Garcia Ruiz

My new striking sensation, Carlos Garcia Ruiz is quick, with pace fifteen, acceleration 14 and agility 14. He is, however, not ideally suited to my lone striker role as he has off the ball of 7, first touch of 8 and finishing 7. While he is a leader, with influence of 15, he’s not good enough to lead by example (eg passing 6 technique 7), nor can he jump (5′10″ jumping 3), nor is he strong enough to hold up the ball (Strength 3)… I think with him leading the line it is time for a tactical rethink… stay tuned. (Given my hiatus I think I should post tomorrow as well).