Roberto Martinez discussion

Pacman · December 20, 2015

Why does he seem so determined to only play down one wing? what's the actual tactical benefit to it? Our left hand side has had no threat down it for the last 2 seasons it's baffling.

Eric Djemba-Djemba · December 20, 2015

Prevenger17 said:
Hell, look at Jurgen Klopp. Our draw against Watford doesn't look so bad now.

A draw at home against Watford is a poor result.

hktoffee · December 20, 2015

davek said:
Exactly. That's why it's a reasonable total to have set. It's not an easy one to reach, but it's one Martinez has to hit to reach one of the two league/cup targets I'd have expected to make this season acceptable.

What do you mean by cup target to make this season acceptable?

daz4matty · December 20, 2015

Lowste said:
We could say our draw against Bournemoth was ok, when you look at what they have gone on to do, in reality it was terrible.
I think we are not fulfilling the potential we have in our squad, but the potential we have is built on young players and that can backfire or take time.
I can understand people's frustrations over results, I think most of are frustrated. I think what I struggle with is you can see what RM is trying to build, he is completely overhauling the club in terms of building a great Acadmy, buying young players with great potential and also giving young players the platform to show how good they are.
I sit in the camp that enjoys what RM is trying to build, I love the style of football and I think the both will/may reap rewards. I would love instant success, but guess supporting wrong team for that

Some of the football is excellent mate but we only have the energy to play one half.
After we tire teams walk all over us and we concede for fun.
He still looks lost to me its not working and he seems oblivious to it.

davek · December 20, 2015

riddick said:
Not meaning to pick on you but I just really dont get the 60 point mark. You back Martinez to the hilt because of his first season saying 'he got us a record points haul'. And you defended him last season when we were absolutely wank all over the pitch(to a degree I can accept this too then) because of his 'record points haul' in the first season. So why is 60 points, with no European football to 'distract us', seen as acceptable? Should he not have an upward trajectory? He improved on Moyes team with a record points haul, fell flat on his face in the second season. Should he not be back to normal (ie: 70 points+) this season if he is as good as you allude to?

I set that total because of the point we're at in terms of slotting together a group of young players. These are the ones who buy into Martinez's method completely. That's why I'd rather we persevered with Galloway rather than Baines, btw. Baines is from another manager's era.

Dont sneeze at 60 points though. I think we've managed it only about 6 times in about 25 years. It's a solid plateau to move off from next season when all are bedded into the method.

davek · December 20, 2015

hktoffee said:
What do you mean by cup target to make this season acceptable?

SF or Final. Once is good, twice would be better.

Mogwai · December 20, 2015

Pacman said:
Why does he seem so determined to only play down one wing? what's the actual tactical benefit to it? Our left hand side has had no threat down it for the last 2 seasons it's baffling.

So true.... Why has he also fallen into a system that he is unwilling to change... Its just like Moyes as well... When martinez first came he was making changes quickly and decisively such as subs at half time... Now its well into the final quarter with like for like subs

chicoazul · December 20, 2015

Zatara said:
The funniest part of this thread is that almost anyone would have taken 6pts off top 4 from 17 games and a league cup semi.

Those that wouldnt and were expecting top 4 with a REALLY POOR squad overall+ 5 kids and a few top players clearly werent realistic.

I think most are being cry babies about possibly losing players, wouldnt like to see you in the trenches...bunch of Pistone's

Wow. That bit where you realise you may have read Zat all wrong.

davek · December 20, 2015

Zatara said:
Add in Mori and Galloway getting a heap of games and certain players developing UNDER MARTINEZ to now be rated as highly as they are also....

6 points is what, us beating man utd....

We're building toward something and as the manager pleads: dont knock the confidence of these lads. They need support to flourish into something special.

hktoffee · December 20, 2015

davek said:
SF or Final. Once is good, twice would be better.

It's nothing other than winning the cup unless being second gets you a Europa place.

How can a semi or final with a crap league position can be classed as a success I never know.

kenada_blue · December 20, 2015

davek said:
SF or Final. Once is good, twice would be better.

If we won the COC Cup, I wouldn't care if we finished mid-table.

riddick · December 20, 2015

davek said:
I set that total because of the point we're at in terms of slotting together a group of young players. These are the ones who buy into Martinez's method completely. That's why I'd rather we persevered with Galloway rather than Baines, btw. Baines is from another manager's era.

Dont sneeze at 60 points though. I think we've managed it only about 6 times in about 25 years. It's a solid plateau to move off from next season when all are bedded into the method.

Completely understand then. I dont agree with that being 'acceptable' as I think we should be doing much greater but at least I can see where you are coming from. My issue is that if we dont hit whatever points, that valid point you made with slotting together a group of young players wont be an issue because at least 2 will probably be gone by the summer.

davek · December 20, 2015

kenada_blue said:
If we won the COC Cup, I wouldn't care if we finished mid-table.

Correct. Silverware. That's what it's all about. I cant believe anyone would feel differently, there's loads who would thougj,

Del-boy · December 20, 2015

If we don't get champions league ( which is highly unlikely now) Rom and stones will be probably be off.

Just depends on how much we get for them what is allocated to be re invested into the squad.

Question is do you trust Martinez to spend the money on a top striker, centre half and keeper?

davek · December 20, 2015

riddick said:
Completely understand then. I dont agree with that being 'acceptable' as I think we should be doing much greater but at least I can see where you are coming from. My issue is that if we dont hit whatever points, that valid point you made with slotting together a group of young players wont be an issue because at least 2 will probably be gone by the summer.

Well exactly, and these are the fractions a club like this has to deal in. All that the manager and players can do this season is maximise the results from their efforts. It's ropey at the minute, but they'll find their winning ways again. If the players see the method as one that's bearing fruit and no mammoth offers come in for them, then I'm sure we'll keep the integrity of this squad.