Training Focus

Hi guys,

I hope by the 2nd match everyone has already realised that the factors for poor performance isn't a one-off thingy. I am sad but not shocked at the losses. But with a new influx of players, we will need time to gel together, so we can only improve from here, if everyone shares the same belief as me.

I understand everyone worked hard and felt aggrieved at losing a 2-0 lead taken early into the game. Tactics-wise, we have always depended on one or two players to lead the attack while the defenders defend. Somehow the long balls seemed to have made the midfielders seem obsolete. Our centre-mids are friendly and not that aggressive for the ball. Besides, I agree with Seng Yew that once we concede, the originally progressive agreed passing tactics go haywire.

For myself, I have been "super-sub" for a long time - either due to injury, commitments, poor performance, fitness or because I'm the most convenient substitute. There are those who complain about not having enough playtime, if knowing the fact that my attendance vs playtime ratio is the "best" is one form of consolation, I hope you will feel slightly better hearing this.

There are those who complain they are played out of position and do not know what to do. I can only say for some of you, be prepared to play as backup for another position. We'll play for each other. I will be challenging everywhere (but not anywhere) for the permanent slot that has eluded me since 2 years ago.

Gameplay is simple. We don't need so many words. Only mutual understanding among us and it takes time. Changes can't take effect overnight. I may not have fully grasp everyone's playing style but there are some notable things that I wish to let the others (esp. the new guys) to take note.



Defenders
Chuan Ji is the one to command the defence. Without him, do not play offside traps. But being the skilful defender, he has the tendency to frustrate (and entertain our fans) the opponents with his juggling in defence. Do watch out though, be prepared to cover him when he gets slightly distracted by some girls winking at him and loses possession. haha..

Randy seems accustomed as a striker nowadays as he seems to have lost his aggression as a defender. Jiun Wei also seems distracted, I hope it's not due to the late night cage session prior to the game.

Chris is strong and aggressive. He is good at the right and equally adept as a backup centreback. He is a much better player when he gets serious and jokes less. (yes, frequent clubbing is fine but not on Friday nights)

Centre-mids
Needless to say much. We are losing possession in the midfield. Soft on the tackles but the creative force of Seng Yew, Barry and not forgetting Kee Siang, (if/when he comes back to us with the same fitness as before) are our best strengths. Wei Jie is a good ball winner. And Chin Yuen can command the midfield once he fully recovers from his nosebleed. haha..


Wingers
Amir prefers to take shots from tight angles (and I think he scores more from the sides rather than from the front). You may want to wait to pounce on the rebound rather than go deep into the box for him to cross.

Whereas for Chung Wei and Jerome, would normally stop the ball (then switch to their right foot if they are played on the left) and make the cross. It is advisable if you are confident at it, to make the cross while you are on the move (even if it means using your weaker foot), we may lose the counteroffensive advantage by that one or two seconds delay.

And yes, please let Darran run more. He's eager for ball all the time. And I think he deserves the attention.

Attackers
Ah.. many potential complaints from them. They always complain they don't get the ball or the long ball is too far to chase. I think either we make a short pass to their feet or let them run onto the ball. Our strikers are just as fast (if not faster) than our own number 11 - the legendary Giggs! But yes, I agree with Midzi that our first touches.. have room for improvement, but it all boils down to individual skill, which the training I'm about to propose, may not help much.

The new training programme will be focused on defence and headed by Chuan Ji. Like what Chuan Ji said, even if we can't win, we should at least not lose. Here are some details of the proposed training:

Where?: Sembawang Primary School (Click for the list of all free-to-play fields)*
When?: Sunday morning 9am (timing TBC, don't be late coz need to "chop" field)
Who?: YOU. Compulsory for the first team (optional for second team members)
What?:Defence Training. (What else? Look at our leaky defence.)

*The hours of operation are from 3.00pm to 7.00pm on Saturdays and 9.00am to 7.00pm on Sundays.