Good to very good defensive performance against a good defensive opponent. I thought even the much maligned Aaron Long had a good game. Is Chiellini actually doing some coaching? Offense not together at all which made for painful viewing at BMO, but if that comes together in time we know what can happen. Still don't Bogusz works in the middle - maybe Dolo will try Martinez there next game or soon?
Long has been low-key very good at the back. Bogusz seems to float in and out of games a bit. That's the biggest problem with him at that position. I think Martinez still needs some time before he's more than a late-game sub, but I could see Martinez-Bouanga-Olivera as the starting front 3 in the near future.
I’m not worried about Bouanga, but I am concerned about Olivera. I still think he should start, but I don’t understand why Dolo doesn’t substitute him in the second half. The team is not going to fall apart if he comes off the field. Hopefully the promise Martinez showed will encourage Dolo to use him as a sub for Olivera to at least challenge the opposition backline to have to make some kind of adjustment.
Beyond Olivera I just scratch my head at Dolo’s resistance to making subs. Bit ironic that on the opposing sideline stood a coach with a similar philosophy. Maybe it’s an old school coach thing. I do feel like managers who are willing to use subs freely (Wilfred Nancy the obvious name that comes to mind) benefit in the long run, by both giving reserves confidence that allows them to produce when needed and allows players who may not shine on the training pitch to show their talent in game.
Off topic, but how do potential loan returns effect LAFC ability to add players. I checked on Stipe Buik and Mario G, neither seems to be shining in La Liga 2, and neither seems to be on a club prime for promotion. I would imagine LAFC would swallow the financial loss on Mario G, but I can’t see them doing the same for Stipe. Should we expect to see Stipe back in black and gold this summer?
Great writing, Vince. Thanks for the terrific analysis.
Good to very good defensive performance against a good defensive opponent. I thought even the much maligned Aaron Long had a good game. Is Chiellini actually doing some coaching? Offense not together at all which made for painful viewing at BMO, but if that comes together in time we know what can happen. Still don't Bogusz works in the middle - maybe Dolo will try Martinez there next game or soon?
Long has been low-key very good at the back. Bogusz seems to float in and out of games a bit. That's the biggest problem with him at that position. I think Martinez still needs some time before he's more than a late-game sub, but I could see Martinez-Bouanga-Olivera as the starting front 3 in the near future.
I’m not worried about Bouanga, but I am concerned about Olivera. I still think he should start, but I don’t understand why Dolo doesn’t substitute him in the second half. The team is not going to fall apart if he comes off the field. Hopefully the promise Martinez showed will encourage Dolo to use him as a sub for Olivera to at least challenge the opposition backline to have to make some kind of adjustment.
Beyond Olivera I just scratch my head at Dolo’s resistance to making subs. Bit ironic that on the opposing sideline stood a coach with a similar philosophy. Maybe it’s an old school coach thing. I do feel like managers who are willing to use subs freely (Wilfred Nancy the obvious name that comes to mind) benefit in the long run, by both giving reserves confidence that allows them to produce when needed and allows players who may not shine on the training pitch to show their talent in game.
Off topic, but how do potential loan returns effect LAFC ability to add players. I checked on Stipe Buik and Mario G, neither seems to be shining in La Liga 2, and neither seems to be on a club prime for promotion. I would imagine LAFC would swallow the financial loss on Mario G, but I can’t see them doing the same for Stipe. Should we expect to see Stipe back in black and gold this summer?
The bench is both very thin and not fit. The thinking seems to be to get the first 11 to full fitness while the bench guys catch up.
Patience is a virture...it will be rewarded.