Quote (schnoig2 @ 1 Oct 2015 12:19)
German teams are almost always the "better" teams. That is not meant ironic. And after a loss you hear
thats undeserved! :mad:
and i can understand it. But that's just the way it goes if you play like most german teams do.
they are not known for defending a 1-0 over the time. They are known to win with 2-3 goals advantage and offensive football.
imo they have a narrow-minded philosophi in football. if they actually could defend a 1-0, then there would be much more european success (not talking about bayern)
But this would include to to respect defending - to appreciate that defending is the most essential part in football. They need to be more open-minded for defending, also the media and the fans.
they just need more variability and cleverness.
i mean, look at schmidt. what he did was fucking not clever. Why bringing Kiessling and Brandt if you lead 1-0? Ok, you can bring them, but then stop playing this offensive-pressing, just defend with 11 men in the own box.
and that's imo why the leverkusen-loss p.e. is well deserved, sorry. when you are dumb enough to defend a 1-0, it is always deserved
a reasonable point imo. there is definitely some cleverness missing in defending by german teams in general. i mean, just look how many penalties gladbach gives away these days - how many unnecessary ones especially. you'd think a manager realises it and tackles the problem (pun intended). the tactical aspect in terms of defending has always been something i felt italian teams were superior at, i just wish it was possible without excessive time wasting...
that being said, by the time gladbach conceded, the game should have been over already and that's not a tactical fault but the ref's - no two opinions about that i think. also, wolfsburgs shortcomings were offensive ones imo - when united resorted to long balls, fouls and prayer, they were not able to capitalise and create much - their loss was deserved imo.
for leverkusen, however, i fully agree with you - no idea what schmidt was thinking. sure, keks makes a good point in saying that given barcelonas attacking quality (even without messi), a 1-0 lead is never a "safe" result - but when you're in the lead and your opponent is pressing, why not at least TRY to strengthen your defense and hold the result instead of trying to extend the lead by luck or miracle? it's really not very smart if you think about it... "defending with 11 men in your own box" isn't smart either but why keep pressing, why not try to play a solid defense and some quick counter attacks when you get the ball without committing the whole team forward ofc...