"There are some people who might have better technique than me, and some may be fitter than me, but the main thing is tactics. With most players, tactics are missing. You can divide tactics into insight, trust, and daring." - Johan Cruyff
Interesting thought, if Longstaff keeps pushing for a starting spot, what happens to Osorio? Unless constantly rotating the midfield partner to Flores or regularly switching between a false 9 and a true striker or both is the plan, it’s starting to seem like Osorio might be the odd man out.
Longstaff's quality was evident, albeit in a small sample size. He could very well be a starter in short order.
Oso is being played as the attacking mid of the 3 - Longstaff's role is the string puller & link to the attackers.
Listening to Herdman, he had Coello in for his height - I suspect we will see Coello more when we play big banger forward sets.
I think Coello is in a rough patch as opposed to totally defunct. Sure, if we had a functional roster he’d probably not be starting but I think it’s fair to say he’d at least be coming off the bench.
I’m not trying to infer that he’s not safe, I doubt he’d be captain if he wasn’t. My thought was more based on the conundrum Herdman faces if Longstaff and Owusu work better in the lineup. Kind of echoes the MB situation from a few years back. I’m hoping the solution is a team with a couple of dependable lineups that change depending on the opponent, a luxury that seems impossible a few months ago.
I didn't see it this way. The 5 mins before the changes we were already on the front foot, and that continued when they new players came in. Good subs for sure, but for me they didn't change the game, just maintained the momentum.
Ran into Matty Longstaff a couple hours ago on King West.
Welcomed him to the city and the club, and let him know how well he contributed in the game yesterday.
I could see on his face and hear it in his voice, he's really happy to be here.
It seems the most positive off season roster change was the removal of Michael Bradley from the field and the dressing room. I wonder if Herdman told Manning that he will only accept the TFC job on the condition that Bradley leaves.
Bradley left the team very quietly with no recognition or fanfare from the club. It felt like management wanted him out badly.
Last edited by NK Toronto; 03-10-2024 at 12:31 PM.
Let's wait out a bit before we get too excited.
This team is one Flores and Long injury away from going back to being mediocre.
The depth guys haven't been really tested under Herdman system yet
“Years have gone by and I’ve finally learned to accept myself for who I am: a beggar for good football.
I go about the world, hand outstretched, and in the stadiums I plead: ‘A pretty move, for the love of God.’
And when good football happens, I give thanks for the miracle and I don’t give a damn which team or country performs it.”
-Eduardo Galeano
In Manning We Trust
He is building a legacy that we can get behind !!!
Remember The Man, The Legend, The Goal 5-12-07 and All That #9 Left On The Pitch, Thanks For The Memories !!!
A long way to go in everything except the team ‘culture’ close to the pitch… which was the first thing desperately needed. We have turned a sharp corner there. I’m going to enjoy Herdman and his people while they’re here.
Otherwise, after Galeano, we’ve had a few miracle moments (Insigne first, Johnson second) to be grateful for.
I ran into Insigne today in Yorkville and thanked him for yesterday. He has a very nice smile and seemed genuinely pleased.