Dealing with taller teams

[ecc]

I apologise if there's been a similar thread on this or if it's been dealt with elsewhere.

Like everybody, took me a few days to get over Saturday's match. We were always going to lose another match and we lost away to one of the best teams in the division.

But the worry is the manner in which most of the goals were scored.

If we get our passing game together and the wingers get round the opposition defence we will generally be okay. But if we lose possession and concede a large number of corners and free-kicks we are going to get done on a regular basis.

I hate criticising Burnley plays but Muric is quite simply not good enough in the air. It's crazy really given the size of the bloke but he looks like an outfield player filling in as a keeper.

I would play BPF.

Secondly, we must have the shortest team in the division. On Saturday I think we only had three outfield players measuring 6 feet tall or more namely THB, Beyer and Jack. Correct me if I'm wrong but I've never thought of Jack as being good in the air despite his height. Of course, Jay plays usually and, as we know, Jay is very good in the air.

The only solution I can see is to play 3-4-3 with three tall CBs, Charlie as left wing-back and two central strikers namely Jay and Halil.

That would give us far more protection from set pieces. I do realise that means sacrificing good players but it got to the point where everyone, the players included, was dreading corners.

Just my thoughts for what they're worth.

[DomBFC1882]

Play to your strengths not weaknesses

[summitclaret]

We obviously need a tall, experienced commanding cb. VK will have known that since the Summer, as we tried to sign the lad ftom Metz. McNally could become the answer eventually.

My criticisms are refusals to put Long or McNally on the bench, use them in second halves when we are in front. Also to use Taylor at left back, if Beyer is at cb, in second halves when we are winning. Those substitutions are particularly important when the defensive teams finally try to score towards the ends of games.

Muric is being blocked off at corners, as teams know that our defenders are weak in the air.

[Vegas Claret]

I point the finger out our goalkeeping coach with regards to Muric dealing with crosses.

[Steve1956]

I point the finger out our goalkeeping coach with regards to Muric dealing with crosses.

And Muric not being good enough.

[RVclaret]

Start Lowts, McNally, Longy and Taylor in defence. THB in midfield (he’s got the ability) and Barnesy in for Tella. Just sacrifice everything for defending set pieces, be reyt. Oh and that Muric fella, never a keeper, he could add some height in the box though and decent with his feet, possibly a late sub in midfield.

[Mattster]

I know we had a torrid time last weekend but I'm not overly concerned. We've so few things we're not the best at in the league that things we aren't the best at really stand out but are exaggerated.

We actually are average for the division in terms of aerial success. We have contested and won more aerial duels than Rovers too.

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[1882Clarets1882]

For me Taylor should start on Sunday.

[RMutt]

Perhaps Beyer and Harwood-Bellis could pick Tella up in a sort of rugby line out type manoeuvre.

[SimonSays]

We are top of the league with 2 defeats all season. Just amazing the dramas on here.

[Swizzlestick]

We’ve dealt with some direct and physical teams pretty well so far this season. Don’t think it’s as deep as some are making out. Last weekend was just a bit of a perfect storm.

EDIT - as Mattster has kindly pointed out. Should read the whole thread before posting…

[warksclaret]

Posters keep suggesting Lowton and Long to feature-its never going to happen under VK, and I can see merit in what people are saying.For Sunday we should have Jay & Josh back, possibly Taylor. These guys do seriously challenge anything aerially.

As much as height in general being a key disadvantage, its also about bravery and courage.I watched Martinez of Man Utd play a few months ago-he is 5ft 9 and plays at CH.He is rarely beaten because of his spring and bravery. He challenges everything and is fearless. Courtesy of SKY I have seen every goal we have conceded, numerous are from corners set pieces or crosses. A number of our defenders and midfielders do not challenge, and also duck out or cower -Vitinho, Maatsen, Cullen and even JBG are guilty of it. A few weeks ago Maatsen pulled out of a header within a minute of kick off against a winger shorter than him

If I can see it hopefully the coaches are going to be working on it and showing the players video footage

[clitheroeclaret3]

Sheff utd were "blocking off" Muric every corner, corner & free kick, causing real problems.
I think it's called obstruction in the rules of the game -we need to find a way that referees realise that

[Spijed]

Sheff utd were "blocking off" Muric every corner, corner & free kick, causing real problems.
I think it's called obstruction in the rules of the game -we need to find a way that referees realise that

We did it with Cork and Barnes every game in previous seasons.