Wow, how frustrating last night was. On the most part, we played okay without taking full control. The Swiss team played a lot better than I have them credit for before the game. They attacked in the first couple of minutes and put us under pressure everytime we got the ball.
Right from the back, we were a bit shaky. Still not convinced Pepe is quite right. Won't begin to criticise him for either goals, could do nothing about them. Coming for crosses wasn't his strongest point last night. In my opinion, if the goalkeeper isn't sure they will get the ball, they shouldn't come out to get a cross.
Played two midfield players at full-back, once Wisdom went off with Henderson going to right back. I will never criticise a player being player out of position. I know Hendo has played their a few times but it is very different to playing midfield, a lot different to playing wing. Overall, he didn't play brilliantly in that positron but I can't criticise him. Skrtel and Carra were sound but Downing frustrated me a bit. Not even in his defensive capabilities, more his attacking attributes. The fella can't cross the ball. You can put this down to good defending, maybe, but every cross was blocked from Downing. Getting a bit fed up with him now. Looks scared of the ball. Like I have said, wouldn't criticise him defensively, did okay their considering it isn't his position.
In the midfield/wing, we eventually ended up with Stevie, Cole, Assiadi, Suso and Sahin. Stevie was okay without doing anything really. Assiadi is obviously getting used to everything. Can't be easy for him, however. Playing a lot of games in Europe against different styles of teams. It's one thing doing it against different styles in the Prem but I would argue even more difficult in Europe. The style of football differs so much across Europe. You could see Brendan encouraging him to track back and work his arse off. He can certainly beat a man. Lacked a real striker to hit, however.
After a bit of a shaky start, Sahin settled and put himself about a bit more, which I was impressed with. It is something he has lacked a bit. Suso was quiet, linking well but without penetrating. Special mention for Cole. I like Cole as a man, seems genuine in my opinion. I admit to feeling a bit iffy about him, especially considering his high wages. That said, last night was the best I have seen him play in a Reds shirt. Missed a few chances but set up Jonjo for the goal. Some of his link up play was fantastic. I don't expect it to be a revival of his career, however.
Jonjo, and subsequently Suarez and Sterling, didn't have it easy. I am surprised by the criticisim of the subs. They had very little movement and had to go a lot on their own. I have heard people say they were 'arrogant' and 'greedy'. Don't agree with that at all. They had nothing else to work with.
Frustrating to throw away to leads last night. Very hard job to go out to Italy and get a result and it is in the middle of a busy period. Not ideal but we have a job to do.
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