Topic: The hamann effect

[Ben S]

He goes off, we conceed. Its happened earlier in the season too when he was suspended/injured.....

We need cover for Didi cos hes class and is so influential in our midfield while SG gets the praise DH does the work.

[Paul]

I dont really think Hamann on the pitch would have won us the game - we were getting a bit overrun in the middle even when he was on the pitch.

We got done from a cross and trying to play offside for the 2nd and 4th goals and I dont think Didi would have made a difference there. Having said that, I wouldnt have taken him off if I had to make the decision! Maybe he does have some sort of mental influence on everyone else in the team which sent the concentration out the window!

At the end of the day we got punished because we defended their goals badly and didnt take our own chances - something im sure GH will tell the boys tomorrow.

And as for cover for him - Biscan was supposed to provide that. If we are not going to play him, get rid of him and bring in someone who will play (im sure ive said that a few times before )

[filopastry]

Agree with you Davrouk we were getting overrun even before Didi went off.

One thing that was apparent tonight was how much we miss Heskey when he's injured, not just up front but for his defensive workrate as well.

I don't really know why we kept hitting long balls hoping that Jari or Mikey were going to win something in the air

[KFC]

I think it is because we were under a lot of pressure.  To be honest I think Gerrard should learn from this game since I think he is lacking that little bit of composure and always trying to rush things by playing some long-range passes (I that aspect I think Murphy did better) -- I mean when you are 3-2 down with 10 minutes to go you just wants to keep the ball better.

However I think he will learn -- he is just 21....

I think GH was right to point out that Didi was not his usual self last night but if you are to replace him why Smicer?  That just leaves Murphy and Gerrard in the midfield and that is just not enough steel in it.  I would have preferred to replace him by either Biscan / McAllister but what do I know?  

Anyway in GH we trust -- we will be back next year.

[ttnbd]

In my opinion I think he should have put Biscan on at 1-1 for Abel.  Apart from the goal he was poor.  Ze Roberto had him chasing shadows all night.  With Abel off Carra would have gone RB Riise LB then in midfield Didi and Biscan in the center to get a grip of the game.  Stevie on the right to give extra protection from ze roberto and Murphy on the left to give some extra defensive cover to Riise.

But then hindsight is a wonderful thing.  But Bayer were the better side and deserved their win.

[Jason_King]

Your right Tim, makes more sense to me, but what do we know?