Will be hard pressed giving Akbari a run considering he's now signed with Victory! 

“I reckon we are gonna get smashed“ ... we got smashed in the first half by Glory, but not in the second half where we dominated all the stats bar the important one (goals).

We look vulnerable to good runners - easy to fix but man, that should have been sorted preseason. .

Waz. I watched that second half and the ONLY thing we dominated was the stats. Perth looked far more likely to score a third than we did to get a goal. The penalty was out of nothing. 
Bottom line is we had one shot on target (the penalty) in 95 minutes.  Not sure how easy that is to fix?

Young;
Hingert, Pepper, Avraam, Bowles;
Mikkelsen, TK, Lopez, Bautheac;
Wenzel-Halls;
Taggart.

Surprised Nigro didn’t make the cut but I still recon that one of the full backs will get the chop.

Lopez pushed back to his holding position. And a wild card Wenzel-Halls-Halls in behind Taggart.

Hence the crying face... duh!

Thought W-H was an out and out striker, so this would be more likely to be a straight 4-4-2?

I believe I read he can play anywhere in the front third. 

My bad! It didn't format properly for me so I couldn't see what it was. 

I don’t want to open up the “he can’t coach” stuff again (but) if we don’t keep a clean sheet tomorrow it will set an unwanted club record for number of away games without a clean sheet.

The last time we did it was 11 months ago, a 2-0 win away at ..... WSW.

Not great when we have one of the best shot stoppers in the league. Says a lot about our defence (or lack of). 

Regarding the "Aloisi can't coach" discussion (sorry Waz, you've opened it up again), I think he can coach. But I think he only has one game plan, and he can't adapt it on the fly, so when another coach successfully implements tactics to counter his system, we don't have a chance of winning. This was highlighted in the game against Perth, where the system (crossing into Taggart and Henrique) obviously wasn't working, but Aloisi didn't have anything else to go with, so we just persisted. 

I think that is why we will have a (very) occasional game where we look quite good, because the other coach hasn't been able to counter Aloisi's system. 

I agree with some of the other comments that Aloisi is an okay coach who is capable of recruiting well (although I have no idea how much of the scouting he does), but is tactically limited and probably only ever going to be good for mid-table finishes (unless he has an absolute star like JMac to rely on). I think if another coach (Popa or Arnie for example) had our current squad, we would definitely be set up better defensively and be challenging teams a lot more. 

I really really want to see what DWH can do as he absolutely ripped the NPL up and looks like he has more technical ability than most of the NPL recruits (llooking at King Kenny here). But i think playing him in behind Taggs is not the option as it may end up like last week where we dont have a creative player in the front 3rd so we look good bringing the ball out of the back to the midfield but no-one can create anything in the front 3rd. it is asking a bit much for someone making their aleague debut to be the creative drive of the team. 

it is like playing daggers or ricky there. it is expecting too much for these players to be the creative outlet. that is not what they are good at. 

further to this, something has to happen with our defensive line. we have simply conceded to many goals and not looked anywhere near composed enough at the back. People have been slateing the left and right backs but i think it has more to do with the CB's i want to see a change there. we cant keep conceding like we have been. 

“I really really want to see what DWH can do as he absolutely ripped the NPL up and looks like he has more technical ability than most of the NPL recruits“

Yeah, but remember he came through the Roar system as well

DWH is probably not the answer in the AM role.

Can we not push Lopez into that role and have Matty and TK holding?

It's early days yes with 3 HAL games but weren't there also 10 preseason games before then?

So 13 games on and several months of training and coaching later and this is the best he could do?

I'll bet my house we'll waste our season again if he doesn't get the bullet soon.

In the first half of the first three games we have looked vulnerable in defence.
J even complained himself on tv,that there was too much space between defence and attack.What he didnt expalin was how all that would translate into scoring goals.
The defence is clearly worried about keeping a high lone in defence.Justifiably.The midfield struggles to cover ground on turnovers and if the fullbacks are high up the pitch ,the poor cb's are left chasing speedy wingers,because TK and Mikelsen aren't any help.
The overall structure,players and approach by the coach contribute to the problem.
You compare what we have and do with SFC.They rarely get pulled out of shape.They have fast mobile DM's.Fast back tracking full backs.A universal press and its like a well oiled machine.
After a long preseason Roar still look disjointed and loose.
J.A may be able to find decent players .But i wonder if he knows how to find players for his system or whether his system is sophisticated enough.
The best coaches seem to be able to get a good press going and a strategy on how and when to press.From what I have seen of Roar.They are void of any pressing strategy.

@BRFC

That’s what they did last week, Lopez got dropped back in the second half and Roar started to control proceedings (but lacked penetration - probably because Mackay was pushed forward instead)

I'd like to see Nigro given a chance in midfield with Lopez and Mauk. Obviously he has played at fullback before, but from everything I have heard, he is a DM.
I'd also like to see Jack given a game off for his terrible performance last week. 
I'd like to see Devere come in for Pepper to see how he pairs with Papa. There isn't anything we can do about having a slow backline, but I think Devere has more defensive smarts than Pepper and may be able to compensate better for our lack of pace. 

HOW TO BEAT: Brisbane Roar
November 9, 2018Articles#WSWvBRI, brisbane roar, Season 2018/19, Wanderers, WSWJoshua Shepherd
Welcome to this week’s ‘How To Beat:’ – a weekly tactical preview of Western Sydney Wanderer’s opponent and how they can be beaten.

This week – Brisbane Roar. Let’s get right into it.

OPPONENT

Brisbane Roar – Round 4 – Saturday 3rd November 5:35pm (Glen Willow Sporting Field – Mudgee)

GAMES ‘ANALYSED’

HAL Round 2 – Brisbane Roar 0 – Wellington Phoenix 0
HAL Round 3 – Perth Glory 2 – Brisbane Roar 1

WHAT HAPPENED?

HAL Round 2 – Brisbane Roar 0 – Wellington Phoenix 0

Brisbane Roar had it tough playing out from the back against Phoenix’s front three. In the first ten minutes of this match; the Phoenix were very well organised and defended compactly when they get men behind the ball. Brisbane had it tough trying to find players to get in Phoenix’s final third.

For the first 30 minutes of this match, the Phoenix were relatively comfortable. Brisbane were forced to pass sideways in possession trying to penetrate in to the opposition half and found it difficult to find midfielders available to pass too. Though, Brisbane did eventually figure out how to penetrate the Phoenix; countering with speed.

This match went from a relative comfortable pace to one that was quite frantic and end to end. It was risky for both sides as Phoenix are strong on the counter too.

Where Brisbane found success in this match is by penetrating centrally and getting in behind Phoenix’s front third. Taggart did have joy at times at pulling players out of position but was ultimately unlucky at being unable to turn and shoot with precision.

Bauthéac enjoyed the right wing to explore and cut in at the 18 yard box to use his favoured left foot to cross or put a through ball in. We must force Bauthéac to stay wide and to use his right foot; we can isolate him in this match and stop him from linking up with McKay & Kristensen.

What is also of note in this match is the distribution from defenders on the halfway line. The Roar were bypassing the press of the Nix’s front third and were trying to get a quick ball over the top to catch the Nix from setting up defensively. This seemed to have a better effect.

I spoke quite extensively of this match in the previous weeks How to Beat that can be found here.

HAL Round 3 – Perth Glory 2 – Brisbane Roar 1

Defensively, Brisbane show a similar shape as to what Wellington Phoenix do. Whereas Wellington want you to attack their wings and avoid being countered; Brisbane show a bit of weakness down their wings. Quite a few times, Perth were able to penetrate by going down to the byline and cutting back or crossing early to find Keogh available.

Perth under Popovic enjoy using their width – they have so much pace and quality in players like Davidson, Ikonomidis, Franjic, etc. that they can get in behind Brisbane’s defence and cut in via the byline or they cross early by finding Andy Keogh with enough space to take some chances.

Brisbane lack a bit of organisation in defence – Keogh is able to pull players out of position with ease. Brisbane also look like they lack communication in defence. They’re also susceptible to a press. Perth did well to close their channels when trying to play out.

Offensively, Brisbane in possession, are forced wide by Perth. This puts a lot of pressure on Bauthéac & Henrique to beat their man and cross – typically a low chance opportunity to score. Eventually in this match, Bauthéac is forced to play a little more centrally to get something working for Brisbane but this also exposes the space available to Davidson in a counter.

It’s interesting as Perth aren’t giving space to allow Brisbane to cut in earlier to connect with Taggart. Perth were playing with two defensive midfielders who both stay back to protect their back line and dominate the centre of the park. This makes it difficult for Brisbane to build up play and create opportunities.

In this match, you will notice I talk a considerable amount about what Perth are doing. I think that is quite telling in itself. Brisbane lacked ideas in attack and discipline in defence in this match. If Brisbane come out like this against the Wanderers and we continue our winning form; it should end in a similar result.

WHAT WE NEED TO DO

The front line rotation we exhibited against the Nix in round 3 will be of good use in this match. Rotating the players along with changing up the direction of runs and passes will pull Brisbane’s defence out of position and create opportunity. If Riera has the same success as Keogh did in the Perth game, we could see some opportunities come our way.

Again, like last week against the Nix; we can’t concede any fouls near our box. Bauthéac has the quality to test Janjetovic in a set piece.

DEFENSIVELY

Wanderers will need to be conscious of the space that Kristensen, McKay and Bauthéac occupy when we are defending with numbers behind the ball. If Bauthéac is coming in a little more centrally; he will link up with Kristensen & McKay. Those three together create an extra man versus two holding midfielders (of which is a current weakness of ours).

Together, those three plays like to penetrate centrally and find Taggart who will try to drag a centre back out of position and allow the likes of Henrique to get through on goal.

The Roar against Perth didn’t seem to be quick in their build up – they tried to be a bit patient and see which of the opposing players will fall out of position to penetrate. Whereas, when the Roar played the Nix in round 2, they exploited pace on the counter to get Nix out of their shape.

Given our weaknesses in defence, we need to be conscious of which tactics the Roar will exhibit against us. I dare say given the lack of structure in our defence when we try to build out from the back, they may want to pressure our centre backs and win the ball in the midfield to create that counter.

OFFENSIVELY

As mentioned earlier, more of the same from last week against the Nix. Baumjohann truly shined in that match and having the pace of O’Doherty behind him gives Baumjohann the opportunities that he desires. That along with the efforts of Roly Bonevacia & Bruce Kamau will ensure that our front line will sing.

What may be of value is having Oriol Riera stay as the lone target man who pulls players out of position for Baumjohann to put that decisive through ball to an attacking player and create a 1v1 opportunity against Jamie Young.

Pace on the counter will also catch Brisbane out of position and conceding fouls inside their own half.

IN SUMMARY

Brisbane Roar won’t enjoy the travel to Perth last round and then to Mudgee in this round. We must also ensure that we are fit after the travel across the Tasman last round also. The more we can tire out Brisbane; the more effective we will be. Make the ball work and continue that lovely first touch and one-two passes that we exhibited against the Nix in this match will help us in forcing Brisbane to chase this game.

We also have Ruon Tonyik & Tass Mourdoukoutas available along with some players who missed starting against the Nix after copping some niggling injuries as a result of the Sydney Derby.

This is a game we can win against a team who is finding it difficult to find rhythm and the ability to break down the opposition. Here’s hoping this is the game we get our defensive structure just right.

NEXT WEEK: Newcastle Jets – Round 5 – Friday 23rd November, 7:50pm – Spotless Stadium

https://www.aroundthebloc.com.au/how-to-beat-brisbane-roar/

As I have heard it, Aloisi has a plan/tactic/strategy for every situation and the players are meant to know them and apply them.

To me that is the problem and it was mentioned by someone earlier. The players have too much structure and too much of a system to react to anything that changes how a situation is building or against a player who simply does something unusual.

We are vulnerable through the middle to any player that can run with the ball at us. Our defensive play is to continue to back away because it makes a stronger defence on paper to narrow the channel and tie up the goal mouth - but we play strongest when we can stand close and put pressure on the ball carrier and their passing options. We have some great defenders, but this last year (end of last season and start of this) it appears that their individual actions based on their feel for the game and their experience is being replaced by a system that has them either scared to engage or instructed not to engage unless they have 100% certainty of success. If we have chosen defenders for their experience and proven capability then I would suggest the strength in defence should be based around them having a general understanding of a plan - but to do what they think they should in any situation. 'Knowing' when to come out of the line and when not to is built by experience and I think Aloisi has structured the freedom out of defenders to do what they think they should in favour of playing the learned system. It appears to me this is depriving us of that experience and producing a cookie-cutter defence that has players always running back rather than engaging and disrupting building danger.

Our attack can be stifled every time by someone simply running fast enough to get in front of our player with the ball - and what I am guessing to be a systemic response is to apply the 100% certainty of maintaining the ball by passing back and being patient rather than taking on the opponent one on one in what might be a 60/40 chance (our way). We see a promising run shutdown by an opponent simply running into a position ahead of the attacking player far too often for it to be anything other than 'the plan'. We seem to have lost our key strength of previous years in having players in support for simple and fast one-two plays to force more defenders to come in before we look to pass back and round.

Overall it looks to me that the creativity of our good players is being stifled by structured responses and actions both in attack and defence - and that it is not that Aloisi is unable to coach, but that the systems he has in place are too limiting. I would suggest that having structure and systems that create more uncertainty are better than a plan to break through in attack. Players will then improve how they operate together to achieve results that are much better over time than they can be by everyone following a playbook.

I agree we do seem to rigid at times and I think that's JA's way. When do we see anyone do anything out of the ordinary, basically never, and I include last year year in that also.

Now it's good to have set plays, static or dynamic and imperative to have a game plan but with players like Lopez, Bautheac and maybe Mauk, they have to be given freedom to play as they see the play unfolding and anticipate or gamble on an outcome.

Order is easier for defences to read. You don't tell everyone to do whatever but give freedom to your playmakers to play what they see as they see it.

No changes to the starting line up. Big call John, Big call.

Sorry, just realised Ricky out for Mikkelsen.

McKay is playing #10
Has literally never been a creative player - would've been great to still have Akbari 😔

Why have a guy who specialises in recycling the ball with backpasses and has been a turnover machine for 3 seasons play #10?
Change the system to suit the players at your disposal, John!

Roar looking awful.
In defence they look shot to pieces.
2-0
This could get ugly.

Looks like an Aloisi coached team

Johnny be Bad.

Two weeks in a row, we haven't turned up!

At least we are consistent.How many games without a clean sheet away?
Compare the speed of play of WSW when they get to the attacking third and Roar.
WSW have faster younger legs who ar erunning everywhere.Brisbane look like garden gnomes.