Waste of a pre season?

[CFS]

With pre season come and gone and the new season kicking off this Saturday have we wasted this pre season on fitness building? In dyche's own words he's said the boys came back in fantastic shape (obviously not match fit) but generally fit. With that in mind should we have focused more on tactical work although we may have behind the scenes but looking at it we don't know our CB pairing, who will start in CM or what formation were playing. Bit of a gamble going into the season with these problems in mind but it could be far from it for all I know.

[Sidney1st]

When you say "we don't know", you actually meant you don't know and not the boss didn't you?

[fidelcastro]

With pre season come and gone and the new season kicking off this Saturday have we wasted this pre season on fitness building? In dyche's own words he's said the boys came back in fantastic shape (obviously not match fit) but generally fit. With that in mind should we have focused more on tactical work although we may have behind the scenes but looking at it we don't know our CB pairing, who will start in CM or what formation were playing. Bit of a gamble going into the season with these problems in mind but it could be far from it for all I know.

You're right. It is far from it

Who on earth do you think will be the CB pairing, if it's not Mee/Tarkowski? I know we COULD still sign someone, but with the players we have currently it can't be any other partnership, can it?

[CFS]

You're right. It is far from it

Who on earth do you think will be the CB pairing, if it's not Mee/Tarkowski? I know we COULD still sign someone, but with the players we have currently it can't be any other partnership, can it?

Id have k.long starting over tarkowski.

[fidelcastro]

Id have k.long starting over tarkowski.

[TVC15]

Id have k.long starting over tarkowski.

Fortunately for the rest of us you ain't picking the team !

[CFS]

When you say "we don't know", you actually meant you don't know and not the boss didn't you?

All my opinion obviously dyche knows best but even he has said after the Celta vigo game that places are up for grabs which is a worry especially with the game on Saturday getting abandoned.

[CFS]

Fortunately for the rest of us you ain't picking the team !

Just my opinion but think long has edged it in this pre season and stood out ahead of tarka.

[KRBFC]

Dyche will know the team now, I think hes experimented in preseason with different formations and players. Taylor at CB, Walters wide and upfront. I haven't paid much attention to friendlies but i'm sure he's even tried 433?

[fidelcastro]

All my opinion obviously dyche knows best but even he has said after the Celta vigo game that places are up for grabs which is a worry especially with the game on Saturday getting abandoned.

I'll take the point about the abandoned game not being helpful, but was it really a worry that he said that places were up for grabs? That's why we have a squad, isn't it?

The other players aren't just there to cover injuries, you know?

[dsr]

All my opinion obviously dyche knows best but even he has said after the Celta vigo game that places are up for grabs which is a worry especially with the game on Saturday getting abandoned.

Have you ever known a manager say "I know who's playing on Saturday, the rest of them can't hope to be in the side"? I think Sean Dyche, just like every other manager, sometimes disseminates a bit in interviews, or even tells outright lies.

[CFS]

I'll take the point about the abandoned game not being helpful, but was it really a worry that he said that places were up for grabs? That's why we have a squad, isn't it?

The other players aren't just there to cover injuries, you know?

From a fans perspective its not looking good not knowing your starting 11 4 days before the season starts.

[CFS]

Have you ever known a manager say "I know who's playing on Saturday, the rest of them can't hope to be in the side"? I think Sean Dyche, just like every other manager, sometimes disseminates a bit in interviews, or even tells outright lies.

Interviewed on c.player no need for him to chat **** sounded pretty genuine when saying places up for grabs and being happy with Taylor at CB.

[fidelcastro]

From a fans perspective its not looking good not knowing your starting 11 4 days before the season starts.

Has he said it today as well?

Or alternatively... are you just being a whinging mard arse?

[CFS]

Has he said it today as well?

Or alternatively... are you just being a whinging mard arse?

Dyche isn't a fan I'm talking about myself. Do you know the starting 11 going into saturday going off pre season?

[fidelcastro]

Dyche isn't a fan I'm talking about myself. Do you know the starting 11 going into saturday going off pre season?

No I don't, and nor should I.

Are you sure you know how team selection works?

[nonayclaret]

From a fans perspective its not looking good not knowing your starting 11 4 days before the season starts.

Ahem!
We are talking about a professional manager who has kept us playing prem football v a poster on UTC.
My choic eon getting it right is Dychey

[CFS]

No I don't, and nor should I.

Are you sure you know how team selection works?

No Sean enlighten me.....

[dsr]

Interviewed on c.player no need for him to chat **** sounded pretty genuine when saying places up for grabs and being happy with Taylor at CB.

Yes there is. (BTW - you need to find a new word. It might be big and clever to swear, but this board doesn't allow it.) But there are at least three reasons to say the team isn't fixed, even if it is.

1. To avoid discouraging the non-selected palyers.
2. So that if there are injuries during the week, the selected players don't get the impression they're only there because of injury.
3. To avoid tipping off the opponents.

You could add a fourth reason - because managers are secretive by nature. I don't see what being on Clarets Player has to do with it; it's no more secret than speaking on BBC main news.

[CFS]

Ahem!
We are talking about a professional manager who has kept us playing prem football v a poster on UTC.
My choic eon getting it right is Dychey

Ur choic? Yes ok poster.

[Cleveleys_claret]

SD also said in an interview that we didnt have a midweek game the other week as he wanted his day where he tests them physically although it wasnt an ideal situation. So with that we were already 90 mins of game time down. The abondonment has not helped one bit.

[CFS]

Yes there is. (BTW - you need to find a new word. It might be big and clever to swear, but this board doesn't allow it.) But there are at least three reasons to say the team isn't fixed, even if it is.

1. To avoid discouraging the non-selected palyers.
2. So that if there are injuries during the week, the selected players don't get the impression they're only there because of injury.
3. To avoid tipping off the opponents.

You could add a fourth reason - because managers are secretive by nature. I don't see what being on Clarets Player has to do with it; it's no more secret than speaking on BBC main news.

Nothing wrong with saying chat crap or did you have different word in mind big boy?

[fidelcastro]

Ur choic? Yes ok poster.

If your username is an indication of whereabouts in the ground you go, I get the feeling that you must've been hit on the head by one of the flying seats on Saturday, judging from the belmtardary you've posted on here this evening/morning.

[CFS]

SD also said in an interview that we didnt have a midweek game the other week as he wanted his day where he tests them physically although it wasnt an ideal situation. So with that we were already 90 mins of game time down. The abondonment has not helped one bit.

That is his mid week game whipping them into shape.

[CFS]

If your username is an indication of whereabouts in the ground you go, I get the feeling that you must've been hit on the head by one of the flying seats on Saturday, judging from the belmtardary you've posted on here this evening/morning.

Sorry but ST in JML fiddle.

[fidelcastro]

Sorry but ST in JML fiddle.

Wow... you can't even claim you've had a bang on the head, then?

[Cleveleys_claret]

That is his mid week game whipping them into shape.

It isnt a game though. Its ok running and doing tests but nothing matches the 11 vs 11 in a competitive match. He said as much himself. Time constraints stopped him doing it in ireland as he allowed the players an extra 3/4 days off before returning to preseason training

[Cleveleys_claret]

I am not blaming SD. I just think next year he wont do the same again. By rewarding the players it put us a little behind. I dont think it will have much effect on his final thinking but I bet he is frustrated because he is so good at planning and this unforeseen occurence kind of ruined what was a very tight schedule.

[KRBFC]

It isnt a game though. Its ok running and doing tests but nothing matches the 11 vs 11 in a competitive match. He said as much himself. Time constraints stopped him doing it in ireland as he allowed the players an extra 3/4 days off before returning to preseason training

Chelsea can be our game to get players back up to speed, its not the end of the world if a few are rusty, even if all players were 100% (which they probably are) realistically the best we can hope for is a 2-0 loss. Its probably the best 1st game we could hope for, a free hit, nothing to lose. A chance to sharpen our tools (players) and gel/shape the team for home games.

[fidelcastro]

Chelsea can be our game to get players back up to speed, its not the end of the world if a few are rusty, even if all players were 100% (which they probably are) realistically the best we can hope for is a 2-0 loss. Its probably the best 1st game we could hope for, a free hit, nothing to lose. A chance to sharpen our tools (players) and gel/shape the team for home games.

Does that mean you won't be calling for Dyche to be sacked if we only lose 2-0 then, like you do with every other defeat?

[KRBFC]

Does that mean you won't be calling for Dyche to be sacked if we only lose 2-0 then, like you do with every other defeat?

So even when I defend Dyche i'm still dug out, interesting.

[ExistentialWanderer]

Chelsea can be our game to get players back up to speed, its not the end of the world if a few are rusty, even if all players were 100% (which they probably are) realistically the best we can hope for is a 2-0 loss. Its probably the best 1st game we could hope for, a free hit, nothing to lose. A chance to sharpen our tools (players) and gel/shape the team for home games.

Can't disagree with that. The first two away games are free hits and the Wembley could well be a blessing in disguise as it's not every day you play there and Spurs will take time to adapt; they haven't thus far.
On their day, Chelsea are unplayable and we'd get shafted even with our strongest team, so we'll all go there in hope rather than expectation. I think SD was already close to deciding his starting XI anyway. As you say though. A free hit and Chelsea have worries of their own. Cahill has gone on record as saying he is worried about the squad size (first teamers I think he means and not the hundred other players on their books) so looks like they're not entirely sure themselves.

[banjo79]

With pre season come and gone and the new season kicking off this Saturday have we wasted this pre season on fitness building? In dyche's own words he's said the boys came back in fantastic shape (obviously not match fit) but generally fit. With that in mind should we have focused more on tactical work although we may have behind the scenes but looking at it we don't know our CB pairing, who will start in CM or what formation were playing. Bit of a gamble going into the season with these problems in mind but it could be far from it for all I know.

Dyche knows what he's doing. You don't.

[JohnMac]

Missing 45 minutes over a month will have had zero affect on the fitness of the squad. Given most would not have played in the second half anyway, last Saturday was only an inconvenience to the fans.

Pre season has no bearing on real competitive football otherwise Juke would likely have been top scorer before his injury!

So much is being made of Keane's departure, he has literally turned into one of the Worlds greatest players since the end of last season. I can't remember him as such, he was good for us but not faultless.

I for one don't care who starts as i have zero idea who is up to the expected level and who isn't and neither does anyone on here.

Lets not get all mardy arse, we have the best squad in recent history but reality check, we aren't going to be breaking into the Champions League!

[Sidney1st]

Clear sign of no ambition from JohnMac.

JohnMac out!!

[ExistentialWanderer]

Missing 45 minutes over a month will have had zero affect on the fitness of the squad. Given most would not have played in the second half anyway, last Saturday was only an inconvenience to the fans.

Pre season has no bearing on real competitive football otherwise Juke would likely have been top scorer before his injury!

So much is being made of Keane's departure, he has literally turned into one of the Worlds greatest players since the end of last season. I can't remember him as such, he was good for us but not faultless.

I for one don't care who starts as i have zero idea who is up to the expected level and who isn't and neither does anyone on here.

Lets not get all mardy arse, we have the best squad in recent history but reality check, we aren't going to be breaking into the Champions League!

It's a valid point that pre-season is just that, team fitness, individual players fitness. Dyche won't know his best XI until a few games in. Conte, who won the league; didn't know his best XI until they got spanked at the Emirates and he changed formation and his starting XI.
Anyone who is reading too much into our pre-season needs to realise it was just about team building, bonding and fitness. As I said before. Dyche will probably have had an idea of who is was going with prior to Saturday and as you say. 45 minutes is hardly going to make a hill of beans difference.
Regards Keane. Undoubtedly the best centre half to play for us in my memory. I just don't see Long as a first team starter so for me it is a worry. We looked decidedly shaky with Long and Tarkowski in central defence at the end of last season.

[MACCA]

So even when I defend Dyche i'm still dug out, interesting.

Because there's some posters that are so far up others bottoms, or wanting to join the clique, that they fail to read what is actually written, instead repeating the same robotic replies they've seen/heard from others, sometimes even writing complete lies or mad up nonsense.
Least you have a backbone and speak your own mind, even if I disagree with you sometimes, I always admire that about you.

[Woodleyclaret]

Nobody could have predicted a problem with fans of a lesser known Germany team.Obviously the Leeds of Germany a small team with a dubious following.
Perhaps some people would have prefered our perenial game v Stanley .

[ClaretTony]

we don't know our CB pairing, who will start in CM or what formation were playing. Bit of a gamble going into the season with these problems in mind but it could be far from it for all I know.

You don't, I don't, Conte doesn't but Dyche does.

[colne-claret]

Just my opinion but think long has edged it in this pre season and stood out ahead of tarka.

I have to say I agree.

[CFS]

You don't, I don't, Conte doesn't but Dyche does.

Let's hope so.

[1968claret]

From a fans perspective its not looking good not knowing your starting 11 4 days before the season starts.

I actually see this as a positive. We clearly have more options, certainly in midfield, than in previous seasons, hence we don't know what the line up will be.
Clearly we still need strengthening in a couple of places and I wouldn't be surprised to see some new faces before the window closes.

[UpTheBeehole]

A pre-season where we've played Shamrock Rovers' youth team, two Conference North teams on the same day, 2 Championship clubs, two halves against 2 different Celta teams, and then a patchy one-half performance against the Bundesliga favourites to be relegated, is not a great pre-season.

We've played a whole host of different players at centre half without any of them being particularly encouraging, and then having finally seen a midfield work in a friendly we then broke it up and played an inferior 4 across the middle in the last game.

We've no idea what the strike partnership is going to be, if there is going to be a partnership at all, and other than in that midfield five there doesn't look to have been any chemistry at all.

[ClaretTony]

I actually see this as a positive. We clearly have more options, certainly in midfield, than in previous seasons, hence we don't know what the line up will be.
Clearly we still need strengthening in a couple of places and I wouldn't be surprised to see some new faces before the window closes.

I think it is has been a positive pre-season other than Saturday's fiasco which Dyche will have dealt with. We've built it up nicely from the first game when it is no more than getting back out on the pitch, moving up the levels to two international friendlies. He's clearly been getting minutes into his players to get them all fit which is what it's all about to be honest.

I agree there is still some strengthening needed but I think we all knew that would be the case and we can only judge that at the end of the month.

It doesn't matter what anyone else knows or doesn't know, there will only be one man picking the team on Saturday.

[UpTheBeehole]

It doesn't matter what anyone else knows or doesn't know, there will only be one man picking the team on Saturday.

I'm looking forward to finding out the team on Friday when bfccrazy posts it

[Spijed]

A pre-season where we've played Shamrock Rovers' youth team, two Conference North teams on the same day, 2 Championship clubs, two halves against 2 different Celta teams, and then a patchy one-half performance against the Bundesliga favourites to be relegated, is not a great pre-season.

So who should we be playing in pre-season?

Barcelona, Bayern Munich?

Clubs tend to play lower league clubs in pre-season. That's how it generally works. Do you really think clubs who have a great pre-season go on to have a fantastic league campaign.

[BurnleyPaul]

I'm looking forward to finding out the team on Friday when bfccrazy posts it

[UpTheBeehole]

So who should we be playing in pre-season?

Barcelona, Bayern Munich?

Clubs tend to play lower league clubs in pre-season. That's how it generally works. Do you really think clubs who have a great pre-season go on to have a fantastic league campaign.

All the games have been in fits and starts. You can't replicate a proper match if one team subs their entire side and takes 5 minutes over it. You can't replicate a proper match if the team you've invited bring their hooligans who cause the game to abandoned. You can't replicate a proper match if you're playing two teams on the same day with skeleton coaching staff at each. You can't replicate a proper match when your opponents played a European fixture 24 hours before, so you have to play their stiffs and kids.

Results wise, we've had a great pre-season haven't we? Unbeaten etc, but Blackburn beat a Conference North side 8-0 and look what happened on Saturday.

Keane hasn't been replaced, we still haven't got the striker, we still haven't got the winger, still haven't got the goalkeeper, the players aren't match fit due to the failings of the pre-season. It's been a waste of pre-season.

[Spijed]

All the games have been in fits and starts. You can't replicate a proper match if one team subs their entire side and takes 5 minutes over it. You can't replicate a proper match if the team you've invited bring their hooligans who cause the game to abandoned. You can't replicate a proper match if you're playing two teams on the same day with skeleton coaching staff at each. You can't replicate a proper match when your opponents played a European fixture 24 hours before, so you have to play their stiffs and kids.

Results wise, we've had a great pre-season haven't we? Unbeaten etc, but Blackburn beat a Conference North side 8-0 and look what happened on Saturday.

Keane hasn't been replaced, we still haven't got the striker, we still haven't got the winger, still haven't got the goalkeeper, the players aren't match fit due to the failings of the pre-season. It's been a waste of pre-season.

So if having a great pre-season helps, then how come Rovers winning 8-0 hasn't helped them?

Also, are you really saying the players aren't match fit?

btw, have you EVER said anything positive about SD, the players or the club?

[UpTheBeehole]

Also, are you really saying the players aren't match fit?

btw, have you EVER said anything positive about SD, the players or the club?

Sean Dyche was saying the players aren't match fit, not me!

Dyche added: “These players can easily handle a half of football and most of them can easily handle most of a 90-minute game.

“But there’s a few just a bit short. We were hoping for them to get the full game in, but c’est la vie. There’s nothing we can do.

“We have already started the wheels in motion with the staff and will possibly have a look at getting another game in, even if it’s just for 60 minutes for players to make sure they’re topped up. We will have to decide that.

Of course I've said positive things about the club, we're on the crest of a wave, I can't wait to be back in my ST seat watching the team I've supported since I was in shorts. Pre-season has been a teensy bit shambolic though hasn't it, you've got to admit? Saturday just topped it off.