But a very big and bulky version...
I do not think that was on purpose. The first gameplan just often did not function. Pep often changed the system with substitutions. Now they often adapt on the field and e.g. formation changes function fluidly. But we have the players for that.
I wouldn't read too much into our problems in comparison to van Gaal, who often stated in the past, that he wants to tire opponents and beat them with patience towards the end of games if necessary. So you could be right, that it is part of van Gaal's strategy until the team is playing in full sync. What was a problem for us, could be a temporary solution for you.
He used to look a bit like a cloned Rafa.
Actually - if Lahm tells so it will be like this. When he extended his contract in May he already told that this will be his last contract. He might do a year off football then but I guess we will see him again in a function for the club afterwards.
I wasn't really doubting it to be true, it might just have been worded in a way that doesn't do it justice (e.g. "Ich kann mir schon gut vorstellen, meine Karriere zu beenden, wenn (...)" instead of "Ich WERDE meine Karriere dann und dann beenden."). The media is taking interviews out of context too often, but it should be true here anyway.
I totally agree and I really think that Lahm could continue the Bavarian tradition (Uli Hoeness, Franz Beckenbauer, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge) of ex-players who will do a hell of a job in a responsible role at Bayern. In other words: Lahm is smart. He has ambition. He knows exactly what he wants to do. No good news for the other clubs in the Bundesliga.
I totally agree and I really think that Lahm could continue the Bavarian tradition (Uli Hoeness, Franz Beckenbauer, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge) of ex-players who will do a hell of a job in a responsible role at Bayern. In other words: Lahm is smart. He has ambition. He knows exactly what he wants to do. No good news for the other clubs in the Bundesliga.
Probably as much as United got last year... or was it in 2013.
Just saw this.
There were reports of scrapped plans to go there this winter as well. I personally think it brings shame onto clubs going there to be treated like royalty and be bribed to return and act like no human rights issues exist there and praising their plans for the world cup. Was it not Rummenigge who said there were just rumours made up by people who have never been to Qatar?
I read Pep Confidential and he says that Lahm and Schweinsteiger are two of the players that love discussing tactics. Maybe a coaching job in the future?
I do not see Lahm there. Coaching means to live a vagabund life.
If by "this" you mean Alonso's red card: I hope so. I might sound like a broken record, but anybody who thinks this midfield setup is a good idea has surely lost his mind after the "performances" we've witnessed in the last 4 games.
Gives me a small portion of comfort knowing that even Guardiola can be ardent in his team choices at times. Seen it too much this season for us.
Well he was managed by one of the best at strange decisions
Schweinsteiger seems to have the right sort of mix for management: an all-round, hard-working midfielder who excels, understands and can analyse the game at the top level.
Biggest names can often be a big problem. See Falcao-van Persie, Rooney in midfield, etc.Imagine a world where your Alonso/Schweinsteiger midfield is your team's biggest problem...
Just gets bored of regular lineups, it seems.
It was a pretty standard 4-1-4-1 for the most part, nothing revolutionary. The silly thing was leaving out Lewandowski and playing Alonso and Schweinsteiger together.
What would the Lewandowsky of the last weeks have changed in that match? The thing is that somebody can look great in a counter attack system but less in a ball possession system...
