19 Oct 2025 10:59:24
As you know from my previous posts, friends, I have long derided Pat Nevin as a pundit, mainly because I don't understand a word he says. I have compared him to Rowley Burkitt QC the Paul Whitehouse character. Like him Nevin always sounds "ver. ver drunk".
However, he did make some good points in a BBC interview, fortunately transcribed in print, about Postacoglau's attacking pressing philosophy.
The gist of it was that it suits teams with limitless wealth able to support big squads of immensely talented and expensive players like Manchester City, Barcelona and Klopps Liverpool. Because the style causes exhaustion and injuries both in training and matches. It's high intensity and players are expected to run themselves into the ground.
This is generally ok with the players whilst they are seeing results and success. But they quickly become risk averse if the rewards don't arrive.
Even in a match, if you can do it for 60 minutes to the point of being dead on your feet, you might be 4 nil up by that point and game over. Then rotation comes into play.
I saw Forest players quickly losing faith with Ange with each defeat. He isn't a fool and tried to be more pragmatic with a back 5 against Newcastle and yesterday but too late to save him.
I remember Bielsa s Leeds teams coming to grief towards the end of a season using this physically punishing style with first choice players injured and no money for adequate replacements.
Anyway, it's a good read and analysis.
By the way, it's no coincidence that Nunos squad had very few absences through injuries throughout his time in charge. Under his system ( and Dyche if appointed) players run many fewer miles and with less intensity. It's about energy conservation, patience and discipline plus good team spirit where everyone knew what they were doing, unlike the shambles under Postacoglau.
19 Oct 2025 12:31:06
100% correct, when your players are only of a certain standard low block is how you stay in games.
19 Oct 2025 12:43:39
I heard Nevin on the radio talking about this and it appears there is a trend we have seen in his short chaotic spell that we collapse in the second half. May not be a lack of fitness but definitely a lack of mental fortitude. Whether that has been down to Angeball who knows. I think it was telling that Murillo liked the post saying Ange was a gonner.
19 Oct 2025 12:47:31
If the players took there chances yesterday, it could have been a stay of execution for Postecoglou, who ever is employed next has to tell the players some home truths, if they want to play international football giving 100% for Forest is paramount. Posted that Dyche would be nowhere near my choice for coach, like putting a white flag up saying we are in a relagation battle, although there's still plenty of the season left!. But am now intrigued to see how it would pan out?, would after spending Millions would Marinakis see avoiding going down by two points a success, after competing for Europe previously?.
19 Oct 2025 14:33:08
Good post Mossy. ( By the way I have posted a reply to your Lennon McCartney post on Discussion mate.
We are actually in a relegation battle, the table doesn’t lie. We might as well start early by recognising it and appointing Dyche to steady the ship because we are in a death spiral atm even though it early days.
19 Oct 2025 15:34:07
Dyche I'd rather support the rams. really is that what a massive last season as boiled down to scraping tge bottom of a barrel with dyche don't think Mr m will do it he wants more than a relegation battle. the first thing the big man should do to sort this mess out is fire edu simple.
19 Oct 2025 15:55:48
Mate, whether Mr M wants a relegation battle or not, he’s got one. Have you looked at the table this morning?
19 Oct 2025 16:26:49
We have a squad that can get us out of that easy stokey just need the right manager in charge and that's definitely not dyche.
19 Oct 2025 18:22:55
Have to agree skegs, think the relegation battle fears are definitely abit premature. Couple of wins and we'd be midtable. ?.
19 Oct 2025 21:20:47
Couple of wins Red? We’ve only won 1 all season ( and preseason) mate? ??.