The rise of Fulham
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Europa League 2021/22: Group Stage
A victory is a nice way to start our campaign in Europe but I'm not pleased with the performance. Once again, we had to win it late.
I rested Orlando Loties for this game and started with Yacine Simon instead. Simon justified my decision as he scored in the 38th minute. A series of finely threaded passes inside the Brugge box by Williams and Correa opened up space for the striker to power home a first time shot.
We were quite dominant in the first half and I told the lads to carry on. However, Brugge started to exert pressure in the second half and the players caved. There were a lot more sloppy passes, unnecessary long balls forwards. I was screaming at the top of my lungs at the touchline telling the players to calm down. But to no avail!
Brugge's pressure paid off when Bakkali equalized for them in the 83rd minute. It was no less than they deserved, to be fair. It was a good goal but one that could've been avoided if we kept possession and not gifted them balls in the midfield. I was all but resigned for a draw.
However, the drama wasn't over. Rafael Rodriguez, playing his first ever match for the club scored in the 86th minute to put us ahead once again. Once again, Correa was heavily involved in the build up and Williams got the assist. The players got their act together towards the end and secured the victory.
I wasn't very pleased with the second half and let the players know exactly that. We need to work harder in our training and make sure we finish matches off and not throw away our dominating position cheaply.
A victory is a nice way to start our campaign in Europe but I'm not pleased with the performance. Once again, we had to win it late.
I rested Orlando Loties for this game and started with Yacine Simon instead. Simon justified my decision as he scored in the 38th minute. A series of finely threaded passes inside the Brugge box by Williams and Correa opened up space for the striker to power home a first time shot.
We were quite dominant in the first half and I told the lads to carry on. However, Brugge started to exert pressure in the second half and the players caved. There were a lot more sloppy passes, unnecessary long balls forwards. I was screaming at the top of my lungs at the touchline telling the players to calm down. But to no avail!
Brugge's pressure paid off when Bakkali equalized for them in the 83rd minute. It was no less than they deserved, to be fair. It was a good goal but one that could've been avoided if we kept possession and not gifted them balls in the midfield. I was all but resigned for a draw.
However, the drama wasn't over. Rafael Rodriguez, playing his first ever match for the club scored in the 86th minute to put us ahead once again. Once again, Correa was heavily involved in the build up and Williams got the assist. The players got their act together towards the end and secured the victory.
I wasn't very pleased with the second half and let the players know exactly that. We need to work harder in our training and make sure we finish matches off and not throw away our dominating position cheaply.
I have made only one signing since my arrival at Lyon. Unfortunately for me, Williams has been rather lackluster on the field and after starting him regularly so far, I am considering rotating around a bit.
William's performances have been so ordinary that the fans are starting to wonder whether he'll be a good fit to the club. This is surprising because Williams has been a consistent player for me at Fulham. Unfortunately, he's been rather error-prone at this club.
Could it be the language barrier? Is he finding it difficult to adapt to a slightly different tactic here at Lyon? Or is he fading away in quality? I decided to have a chat with Williams.
"Come in, George. Come in," I said. "I'm starting to get a little worried about recent form. I want to see what's going on and wanted to inquire if there are any issues."
There was a long pause before Williams said, "I don't know, Mr. T. I feel like I am trying very hard on the field but somehow unable to make significant impact to the team."
"I know you're trying hard, mate. But I don't think that's the issue. I feel like something else is the issue. Is it the language barrier? Or are you having trouble gelling with this team or tactic?"
Williams replied in a low voice, "French is not an issue. Marchisio and Tello are helping me communicate as they know English. But I can convey my thoughts without an issue. The tactic is fine as well but I feel I need a little more time to fully deliver."
"OK, George. I'll give you more time because I have faith in you. I believe you can come back to form, just keep working hard. The team needs you, the team needs everyone to be in top form," I said before he thanked me for my support.
William's performances have been so ordinary that the fans are starting to wonder whether he'll be a good fit to the club. This is surprising because Williams has been a consistent player for me at Fulham. Unfortunately, he's been rather error-prone at this club.
Could it be the language barrier? Is he finding it difficult to adapt to a slightly different tactic here at Lyon? Or is he fading away in quality? I decided to have a chat with Williams.
"Come in, George. Come in," I said. "I'm starting to get a little worried about recent form. I want to see what's going on and wanted to inquire if there are any issues."
There was a long pause before Williams said, "I don't know, Mr. T. I feel like I am trying very hard on the field but somehow unable to make significant impact to the team."
"I know you're trying hard, mate. But I don't think that's the issue. I feel like something else is the issue. Is it the language barrier? Or are you having trouble gelling with this team or tactic?"
Williams replied in a low voice, "French is not an issue. Marchisio and Tello are helping me communicate as they know English. But I can convey my thoughts without an issue. The tactic is fine as well but I feel I need a little more time to fully deliver."
"OK, George. I'll give you more time because I have faith in you. I believe you can come back to form, just keep working hard. The team needs you, the team needs everyone to be in top form," I said before he thanked me for my support.
The preparations for this game were intense. We've been conceding too many late goals and our training leading up to the game focused heavily on defense.
Despite Nancy Lorraine being a bottom half side, I believe that the training worked. The lads were rock solid defensively and the Lorraine strikers couldn't find space and time to trouble our goal keeper. And our strikers made sure the solid defensive display didn't go to waste.
Rafael Rodriguez, who started due to his good outing against Brugge scored for the second game running. A corner taken by Cartabia was headed in by the striker. It was a very good leap at the near post and Rodriguez powerfully headed it into the back of the net. 5 mins in, we were 1-0 up. Great start!
The second goal also came from a corner, but it was a bit more indirect. Lorraine defended the initial in swinging corner well but the clearance fell to Cucchi who launched the ball into the box to find Cartabia. Fede Cartabia did excellently to control the ball and then score. It was a really fine goal by the right inside forward.
Before Lorraine had any time to recover, they were hit again. Another corner, another goal! Cartabia took the corner and this time, it was Samuel Umtiti who got the jump over his man and headed it goalwards. The ball hit the underside of the cross bar before crossing the line.
After the 3 early goals, we kept pushing for more but the goals didn't come. I can't fault the players though, as we hit the woodwork 3 times in the next 70 minutes. A win is a win, and this was a good win too!
Here's Cartabia's goal, which I thought was a fine goal.
[video=dailymotion;x2xonax]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2xonax[/video]
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Stade Rennais FC vs. Olympique Lyonnais
Unlike the Premier League or the La Liga, I am not familiar with the Ligue 1 outside of a handful of clubs. So, before every game, I have to look at the club's past league positions and get an idea of what sort of club we'll be dealing with - a top of the League team, mid-table team or relegation contenders.
Stade Rennais FC are a team that the media predict to finish 7th (we are predicted to finish 3rd). And since this is played in their home turf, it wasn't an easy contest. I studied their players and the tactics carefully and figured out a way to stop them from controlling the game.Once again, we concede late! For the third time in five games, we concede a goal in the last 10 minutes and let the opposition equalize. While we managed to sneak a victory on the last two occasions, we dropped 2 points this time.
The first half was a lot of action without anything special. Passing and movement from the lads was good, but the final pass and/or the finishing was absent. Cartabia, who has been in really good form gave us the lead in the 49th minute. He smashed home a free kick from the edge of the area into the top corner. Sweet strike from the Argentinian.
We were looking good....until the 82nd minute. Once again, our midfield just succumbed to the slightest pressure by the opposition. As soon as they started to tackle hard and close down our creative players, the entire team panicked. Lopy profited from a mistake by Ferri and scored from close range.
I was shaking my head on the touchline. And when the final whistle came, I gave glared towards the team letting them know I am disappointed before heading to the dug-out.
Unlike the Premier League or the La Liga, I am not familiar with the Ligue 1 outside of a handful of clubs. So, before every game, I have to look at the club's past league positions and get an idea of what sort of club we'll be dealing with - a top of the League team, mid-table team or relegation contenders.
Stade Rennais FC are a team that the media predict to finish 7th (we are predicted to finish 3rd). And since this is played in their home turf, it wasn't an easy contest. I studied their players and the tactics carefully and figured out a way to stop them from controlling the game.Once again, we concede late! For the third time in five games, we concede a goal in the last 10 minutes and let the opposition equalize. While we managed to sneak a victory on the last two occasions, we dropped 2 points this time.
The first half was a lot of action without anything special. Passing and movement from the lads was good, but the final pass and/or the finishing was absent. Cartabia, who has been in really good form gave us the lead in the 49th minute. He smashed home a free kick from the edge of the area into the top corner. Sweet strike from the Argentinian.
We were looking good....until the 82nd minute. Once again, our midfield just succumbed to the slightest pressure by the opposition. As soon as they started to tackle hard and close down our creative players, the entire team panicked. Lopy profited from a mistake by Ferri and scored from close range.
I was shaking my head on the touchline. And when the final whistle came, I gave glared towards the team letting them know I am disappointed before heading to the dug-out.
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AJ Auxerre are in disappointing form this season and came to Stade des Lumieres hoping to get their first point in the League. And they very nearly got it!!! It's not a Lyon game if there is no drama in the last 10 minutes.
An 89th minute goal from Tello got us the victory. Once again, the passing and movement was good but the finishing was absolutely disappointing. I replaced the striker Loties at half time after he wasted 2 great chances in the first half.
I was all but resigned for a draw until Tello produced a moment of magic to give us the lead. It was a great goal (see below). Umtiti's injury gave me a bit of scare but the physio says he should be fine.
All in all, I had to endure another evening with extreme levels of nervousness in the last 10 minutes. This must stop.
[video=dailymotion;x2xpkzx]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2xpkzx_fm-15-tello-goal-vs-aj-auxerre_videogames[/video]
An 89th minute goal from Tello got us the victory. Once again, the passing and movement was good but the finishing was absolutely disappointing. I replaced the striker Loties at half time after he wasted 2 great chances in the first half.
I was all but resigned for a draw until Tello produced a moment of magic to give us the lead. It was a great goal (see below). Umtiti's injury gave me a bit of scare but the physio says he should be fine.
All in all, I had to endure another evening with extreme levels of nervousness in the last 10 minutes. This must stop.
[video=dailymotion;x2xpkzx]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2xpkzx_fm-15-tello-goal-vs-aj-auxerre_videogames[/video]
After a bunch of narrow victories, we finally win a game with a thumping scoreline! However, we still had to rely on two late goals. It's becoming a regular feature of our games.
Yacine Simon gave us the lead early on. Jordan Ferri did brilliantly to win the ball from Mehdi Lacen just outside the Haifa box and attempted a long range shot. Their keeper could only punch it away but the ball fell to Simon on the right wing, who put the finishing touches.
After that, it was the same old story. Lots of dominance - both in possession and shots, but couldn't convert them to goals. We did hit the post thrice though, but there were no goals until the 84th minute.
Simon made a quick run in from the right flank and was brought down by Guy Kaikov. Penalty! Advanced playmaker Jorge Correa stepped up and coolly slotted away the penalty.
And within a minute, we struck again. Correa attempted a 20 yard strike but their keeper once again punched it away, this time onto Telles' path. Left-back Alex Telles, who made a rare run forward took the glorious opportunity to score with both hands.
Europa League Standings:
View attachment 244448
Time for Re-evaluation
In two days, we face AS Monaco F.C. in what is expected to be a huge game for both sides. The coaches and players have been told the tactic we'll be using, and the training is going pretty good.
Out of nowhere, my assistant Baresi approaches me and asks, "So, what are your goals this season?"
It seems like a simple question, which people have asked me so many times in the media. Of course, it's just a matter of blurting out a bunch of cliches to the media - 'taking one game at a time', 'want to win everything', blah blah blah. But Baresi knows me well - I can't BS to him.
"Hmmm," I responded to which he gave a puzzled look.
I thought to myself - "What ARE the goals?" I had no answer. And that's when I thought it's time to re-evaluate and actually think what my plan at Lyon is. I told Baresi I'll speak to him about this after the Monaco game.
On my drive back home, I was thinking about this. At Fulham, I had specific targets as to which competitions to focus on and which ones are not top priority. That helped me finally win the Champions League in my seventh season.
One of the reasons I joined Lyon was the relatively stress-free nature of the job here. Ligue 1 is not as stressful as managing in the Premier League. Plus, Europa League pits us against the second best to mid-table teams and not the top teams. I still value it, but it's no Champions League. I easily got the job given my credentials at Fulham.
But I need to keep winning regularly to maintain my reputation.
"So, what all to win with Lyon?" I said out loud as I was thinking it in my head.
There are 4 competitions we are partaking in - the Ligue 1, two domestic cups and of course, the Europa League.
We've made a good start to the Ligue 1, so I see no reason why we can't push forward on this aspect. And with three knockout competitions in the mix, I can't focus on all three. May be one of those is winnable?
"May be one of those," I mumbled before exiting my car and heading into my home.
I'm sure Baresi will approach me and wants to have a chat regarding this very soon. I must be prepared!
View attachment 244349
In two days, we face AS Monaco F.C. in what is expected to be a huge game for both sides. The coaches and players have been told the tactic we'll be using, and the training is going pretty good.
Out of nowhere, my assistant Baresi approaches me and asks, "So, what are your goals this season?"
It seems like a simple question, which people have asked me so many times in the media. Of course, it's just a matter of blurting out a bunch of cliches to the media - 'taking one game at a time', 'want to win everything', blah blah blah. But Baresi knows me well - I can't BS to him.
"Hmmm," I responded to which he gave a puzzled look.
I thought to myself - "What ARE the goals?" I had no answer. And that's when I thought it's time to re-evaluate and actually think what my plan at Lyon is. I told Baresi I'll speak to him about this after the Monaco game.
On my drive back home, I was thinking about this. At Fulham, I had specific targets as to which competitions to focus on and which ones are not top priority. That helped me finally win the Champions League in my seventh season.
One of the reasons I joined Lyon was the relatively stress-free nature of the job here. Ligue 1 is not as stressful as managing in the Premier League. Plus, Europa League pits us against the second best to mid-table teams and not the top teams. I still value it, but it's no Champions League. I easily got the job given my credentials at Fulham.
But I need to keep winning regularly to maintain my reputation.
"So, what all to win with Lyon?" I said out loud as I was thinking it in my head.
There are 4 competitions we are partaking in - the Ligue 1, two domestic cups and of course, the Europa League.
We've made a good start to the Ligue 1, so I see no reason why we can't push forward on this aspect. And with three knockout competitions in the mix, I can't focus on all three. May be one of those is winnable?
"May be one of those," I mumbled before exiting my car and heading into my home.
I'm sure Baresi will approach me and wants to have a chat regarding this very soon. I must be prepared!
View attachment 244349
View attachment 244344
And deservedly so!
Tello's goal against AJA was a great strike and it snatched us a victory in the 89th minute of the game. The video for the goal can be found just a few posts above.
And deservedly so!
Tello's goal against AJA was a great strike and it snatched us a victory in the 89th minute of the game. The video for the goal can be found just a few posts above.
That was a great strike, for anyone that missed it. Worth a look!
had a read through this and WOW amazing story pal keep it up
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.
Interesting game, to say the least!
The momentum swung between the two sides and just as one side looked to gain control, the other pushed them back. Perfect see-saw of a game.
We managed to sneak ahead just before the half time through an Orlando Loties goal. AS Monaco were a bit shellshocked by letting that in. Monaco cleared the corner but Marchisio played the ball back into play. A lovely bit of skill and acceleration by Cartabia set-up Loties for a tap in. Loties' first shot was saved but he buried the rebound into the back of the net.
Our lead didn't last long. Soon after restart, Monaco leveled. Ocampos and Illaramendi did well in the midfield and Florenzi played a lofted ball into the box. Moulet controlled the ball well with his head before tucking it into the net. 1-1.
Towards the end, we piled the pressure and for an away side, put on quite a dominant show. However, the scoreline stayed at 1-1 and there were no more goals.
Overall, I am pleased with the result. Not a great result but an away draw against a team of Monaco's stature is quite decent.
League Table:
View attachment 243111
Very close at the top. PSG and Monaco are ahead of us but only on goal difference. There's a decent gap between us and fourth placed Bordeaux. We need to start racking up some wins to push for the top spot!
The momentum swung between the two sides and just as one side looked to gain control, the other pushed them back. Perfect see-saw of a game.
We managed to sneak ahead just before the half time through an Orlando Loties goal. AS Monaco were a bit shellshocked by letting that in. Monaco cleared the corner but Marchisio played the ball back into play. A lovely bit of skill and acceleration by Cartabia set-up Loties for a tap in. Loties' first shot was saved but he buried the rebound into the back of the net.
Our lead didn't last long. Soon after restart, Monaco leveled. Ocampos and Illaramendi did well in the midfield and Florenzi played a lofted ball into the box. Moulet controlled the ball well with his head before tucking it into the net. 1-1.
Towards the end, we piled the pressure and for an away side, put on quite a dominant show. However, the scoreline stayed at 1-1 and there were no more goals.
Overall, I am pleased with the result. Not a great result but an away draw against a team of Monaco's stature is quite decent.
League Table:
View attachment 243111
Very close at the top. PSG and Monaco are ahead of us but only on goal difference. There's a decent gap between us and fourth placed Bordeaux. We need to start racking up some wins to push for the top spot!
5th Oct 2021: Meeting about Season Expectations
Everyone took the day off yesterday after the Monaco game. Today, we train for our next game against Stade de Reims. Baresi approached me to talk about our season expectations. I had all day yesterday to think about this and then, Baresi and I had a long discussion.
We talked about a lot of things and the most important thing was the expectations of this season and what to target in the different competitions.
So, here's the summary with different competitions, board expectation and my personal target.
View attachment 243102
Everyone took the day off yesterday after the Monaco game. Today, we train for our next game against Stade de Reims. Baresi approached me to talk about our season expectations. I had all day yesterday to think about this and then, Baresi and I had a long discussion.
We talked about a lot of things and the most important thing was the expectations of this season and what to target in the different competitions.
So, here's the summary with different competitions, board expectation and my personal target.
View attachment 243102
View attachment 242836CHRISTIAN TELLO!
A magnificent display by Christian Tello secured us victory in a game we were heavy favourites for.
After a calm opening, Tello opened the scoring with a lovely goal. A swift counter attack by us saw Marchisio release Tello on the left flank. Tello dribbled past a defender, covered significant ground before netting the ball. Lovely goal.
Tello then stepped up his game after the break. From the byline, Tello cut inside, went past two players and scored one from close range. His ball control was brilliant. Tello doesn't score simple goals! 2-0
I was asking the players to tighten up and not to get complacent. But it didn't help. We conceded soon after going 2-0 up. Courtet found way too much space very easily to pull one back for Stade de Reims.
That didn't stop us though as Loties and Tello added two more to our tally. Loties' goal was the result of a good counter attack that involved slick passing in the build up and Tello's third goal was a powerful first time shot from close range.
Tello was majestic on the night. His movement, passing and technique was wonderful. We were 4-1 up by the 83rd minute. But just like the last few games, we conceded with minutes left in the game. Once again, our defense switched off and the experienced Nasri made us pay. It was a simple tap-in for Nasri after we failed to clear a cross into our box.
The highlight of the game was Tello. His hat-trick was brilliant. In fact, all four goals of ours were really well taken goals. Here are the four goals:
[video=dailymotion;x2ygu6r]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2ygu6r_fm-15-lyon-vs-stade-de-reims-all-goals_videogames[/video]
View attachment 242755
This is not a good news. Gace and Umtiti are my preferred center-half duo and a breakdown in their working relation could prove costly. The sooner this gets sorted out, the better!
This is not a good news. Gace and Umtiti are my preferred center-half duo and a breakdown in their working relation could prove costly. The sooner this gets sorted out, the better!
View attachment 242577
WE LITERALLY CANNOT STOP CONCEDING A GOAL IN THE LAST 10 MINUTES OF A GAME!!
I made a few changes to this game as we face Bordeaux in our next League game. Anthony Lopes started in goal, Rafael Rodriguez lead the forward line instead of Loties, and Cartabia and Correa were rested in the midfield.
Tello once again proved his class as he volleyed the ball with his left foot into the top corner. His runs into the box, and his ball control are absolutely top class. His recent performances have been top notch.
The next hour or so was fantastic. We dominated possession, pressed Norwich quite a lot. We came close to doubling our lead a bunch of times. Rodriguez hit the post, Simon missed a simple chance.
And Norwich made us pay. Josh Murphy took his chance well to beat Diakhaby (he replaced the injured Lopes) at the near post. And my reaction was similar to the gif above. And for the first time at this club, the players saw me lose it! I yelled at them and told them they need to step up if they want to win things.