The London is Blue podcast had some interesting thoughts about our two friendlies so far.
We drew one with Wrexham and lost the other to Celtic 4-1, but they’re staying level headed.
Ollie Glanvill noted something quite eye opening in the second game – centre back Wesley Fofana pressing so high up that he ended up not just in midfield, but almost “as a number 10.”
After 4 goals conceded, it’s fair to say it didn’t work too well as a concept. “We were incredibly open” Glanvill noted in his summary of the game.
“There was a chasm in midfield,” he continued, before adding it might make members of the coaching staff “analyse things a bit differently.” Well, that’s a very kind way of putting it. Of course something delicate like a brand new pressing system is going to be hard to implement – but there are just 3 weeks left until the season starts now.
You can see his thoughts in more detail the clip embedded here:
❌@OllieGlanvill highlights a gulf in physical sharpness, hyper-aggressive man-marking & def. transitions as 3 major issues vs Celtic.
Will we improve with our match fitness or are these genuine long term concerns for Maresca's tactics?FULL POD 👉 https://t.co/oOQHJTYXGh pic.twitter.com/KiO6ZlzHPf
— London Is Blue Podcast ⭐️⭐️ (@LondonBluePod) July 29, 2024
Time will tell.