Yep -I think recovery is key

I think we'll iterate and improve a bit.

For me getting the midfield balance right is the key. More bite from the shielding two (trybull/Tettey/amadou/leitner, McLean or vrancic...)

Keeping the three attacking midfielders sharp and fresh will be key too.

More than last year I think we'll need to tweak horses for courses.

Emi needs to round out his game as him and cantwell need to do the defensive work too and hold the ball up. Not sure if Roberts is the answer, but I'd like to see vrancic involved more, maybe shift leitner higher up in some matches...

What the games so far have shown is that these guys can work at this level but the blend of their skills and the recovery from individual errors is more important at this level.

The 'recovery' is key for me really - I'd still want them to try stuff and be fearless, but when it doesn't work to take responsibility and ensure they tackle back or are up and providing outlets or closing down options for the opponents.

At this level we really can't afford people checking out at the transitions.

It also means players will be hanging tired, so more rotation in and between matches will be important too.

Posted By: Cardiff Canary, Sep 1, 11:01:15