Preseason - March 13 - Chicago

I don't think anybody is being harsh about simple mistakes. But we do want to see certain things like experimenting, trying to improve their individual style of play some how. For example, Sands noted he wanted to work on being able to play forward more and do so more accurately. He seemed to try that more in this game and that was nice to see. Even if he messed up a lot and gave the ball away, just knowing he was trying to improve is great.

It is preseason, so they should be trying things. I'm also ok with Ronny trying players are different positions. Better now than a Wing Ring situation in the middle of the season. Crooks said Isi was the #10, but it seemed like Medina was to me. Wasn't paying full attention though.

These first few preseason games are moreso to get the legs warmed up and for younger guys to show their stuff a bit. I expect to see more organization in the last 1 or 2 preseason games with an actual starting XI.

It's just nice to see our boys playing again!

Right, so the thing with haak at CB, I think it's fine to let Deila try new things during preseason!
 
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Sands and Gray are natural CBs. Deila is a fucking idiot.
Where did Gray play today? Did he get some run as a RB?

no one could finish and no one could create, huh? Sounds like a fun year.
 
I don't think anybody is being harsh about simple mistakes. But we do want to see certain things like experimenting, trying to improve their individual style of play some how. For example, Sands noted he wanted to work on being able to play forward more and do so more accurately. He seemed to try that more in this game and that was nice to see. Even if he messed up a lot and gave the ball away, just knowing he was trying to improve is great.

It is preseason, so they should be trying things. I'm also ok with Ronny trying players are different positions. Better now than a Wing Ring situation in the middle of the season. Crooks said Isi was the #10, but it seemed like Medina was to me. Wasn't paying full attention though.

These first few preseason games are moreso to get the legs warmed up and for younger guys to show their stuff a bit. I expect to see more organization in the last 1 or 2 preseason games with an actual starting XI.

It's just nice to see our boys playing again!

They also just started training on Tuesday. Not much time for anything to get instituted. This game was definitely more about conditioning than anything else.
 
Sands and Gray are natural CBs. Deila is a fucking idiot.
Where did Gray play today? Did he get some run as a RB?

no one could finish and no one could create, huh? Sounds like a fun year.

just preseason. not a true starting xi... it is the time to be trying things out. what's wrong with playing gray as a RB to potentially be an anton backup? He looked pretty comfortable playing RB to me in both defense and going forward. he might not be super skilled dribbling, but that's something he can work on.

again, still just preseason. i share your concerns about finishing though. i feel like our forwards often shoot just to shoot. there is little thought to where the keeper is and where to put the ball to best have a chance of scoring. it's just a blast the ball and hope for the best, which is OK sometimes from distance, but at close range, it needs to be more clinical. these guys need to do real life fifa shooting drills with targets and moving walls. lol.
 
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Amazing people getting freaked about Gray and Haak being played “out of position.” It’s not like gridiron football where you would never have a 400 lb offensive lineman play cornerback. News flash: some of these guys will change positions as team needs and their career growth dictate. FFS, Clint Dempsey started his pro career as a RB!
 
just preseason. not a true starting xi... it is the time to be trying things out. what's wrong with playing gray as a RB to potentially be an anton backup? He looked pretty comfortable playing RB to me in both defense and going forward. he might not be super skilled dribbling, but that's something he can work on.

again, still just preseason. i share your concerns about finishing though. i feel like our forwards often shoot just to shoot. there is little thought to where the keeper is and where to put the ball to best have a chance of scoring. it's just a blast the ball and hope for the best, which is OK sometimes from distance, but at close range, it needs to be more clinical. these guys need to do real life fifa shooting drills with targets and moving walls. lol.

sorry. I’m actually a fan of Tayvon at RB and think that’s where they think his long term position is.
Haak? Not a CB. Play Gray there or Sands. Or get a CB.
 
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I'm less concerned at what position they are playing in preseason than how they look at game speed. I thought Gray looked stronger and more composed than he has in the past. In fact, he often looked frustrated that they weren't going down the right side with him more and it was justified. Jasson looked active and good, which at his age, just looking like you belong on the field is a good sign; he should get minutes this season.

I was never down on Gudi as many....but he does continue to look overmatched. Lack of pace is most dangerous if you don't seem to recognize it yourself. Malte can't get here soon enough.

The Academy kids looked active. Gotta appreciate their hustle, but none seem to stand out as someone who looked like they belonged in a pro-game. As others have mentioned....no crime in that considering how young they are.

DiRosa looked slow and overmatched....but it's his first scrimmage and he was going against some top level strikers. He was drafted with the hope of him developing into backup depth at the position. No reason to be too worried right now, but I wouldn't be completely surprised if he instead went to USL for a while.
 
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