I'm a Red and always will, that will never change. I still can't express how gutted I am after watching that performance. Don't remember seeing a more lack lustre performance on the pitch or seeing a quieter Kop, although I have to say, there wasn't much to chear about. After all thats been said about team selection, Rotation, Subs introduced too late, Tactical formation and all the other negatives. I thought we looked like a team with no direction, no game plan, no tactical awareness, in fact like a team of strangers. Each and every player seemed to get the ball, stutter forward or sideways three or four steps, desperatly looking for somewhere to off load it. No runners overlapping from mid field, one striker amongst three or four defenders with little support. Most of our passes went to stationary players. In the second half even before Wigans equaliser, even though they were still vey defensive, when they got the ball, they looked more cohesive as an attacking force from mid field. They knew where each player was about to run, and gave each other options. We seemed to go through the same channels continuously with little variation, I never saw Pennant get one decent cross in and it sums him up really when our goal came from Finnans coss. Why wasn't Babel playing and why where the subs kept back until it was too late once again. The players certainly don't seem to have confidence in what they are doing.The only time the tempo was raised was once again, when it was too late. Yes the players are responsible for thier own performance but the manager slelects the team and decides the formation and tactics. I realy am concerned that Rafa is not brave enough to admit HIS mistakes and will continue in these team tactics out of shear obstinance. I think, come the summer it will be his downfall and he will be moved on. I don't know who to suggest might replace him but if he doesn't change things, I think Gillet and Hicks will say enough is enough. Its not all about money, its also about understanding the players you have, believing in them and being able to motivate them. Being dropped throughout the season can only damage confidence and moral whatever level you play at. Just when we seem to get going again, it's all undone for no obvious reasons, just Rafa's whim. Look forward to the next match yeah ! and the Uefa cup next season if we're lucky. City won't lose too many this year and the bitters are right behind us. What more motivation could they want ? Quite frankly, we were crap !
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