Albanian Football Forum

artan wrote: ↑Thu Apr 01, 2021 7:02 pm So another set of matches and yet not much has changed. Offensively the team looks lost with no identity and balance. The lineups still doesn't have much width, pace and creativity. Many of us were saying this before but the nations league was a huge failure for us despite winning the group. We struggled in a terrible group where we barely got by and fooled ourselves into thinking some players like Manaj or Cikaleshi are viable options because they scored tap ins. I don't even think Cikaleshi is a terrible player but the amount of praise him and Manaj would get for being in good form is laughable. We kept the same old coach and his same old tactics and it's clear this strategy isn't working nor has even considered changing it.

artan wrote: ↑Thu Apr 01, 2021 7:02 pm So another set of matches and yet not much has changed. Offensively the team looks lost with no identity and balance. The lineups still doesn't have much width, pace and creativity. Many of us were saying this before but the nations league was a huge failure for us despite winning the group. We struggled in a terrible group where we barely got by and fooled ourselves into thinking some players like Manaj or Cikaleshi are viable options because they scored tap ins. I don't even think Cikaleshi is a terrible player but the amount of praise him and Manaj would get for being in good form is laughable. We kept the same old coach and his same old tactics and it's clear this strategy isn't working nor has even considered changing it.

I don't think playing with a back three is the problem but when we play such a defensive style where the wingbacks can't get forward (nor do they really have the quality to do so) and where the midfield doesn't have the ability to hold possession or camps us deep in our half and our lineup ends up looking like a 5-3-2. The midfield is poor technically (with the exception of Bare) and doesn't have the ability to hold possession or push the attack forward resulting us being pinned deep in our half. The wingbacks are maybe the most important position in a 3-5-2 but I wouldn't say we have natural wingbacks. Hysaj is a good fullback (especially his defensive qualities) but offensively he's subpar. He can work as a wingback because his motor is so high that alone can create width but when paired with our imbalanced defensive lineup he struggles.. Lenjani had a good run with the NT but his time is up and it's clear that he doesn't have the same pace/dribbling he used to have. Since the wingbacks aren't comfortable going forward they're usually tucked in as additional defenders. And having two holding forwards is just useless when playing with a 5-3-2. When we do get possession everything is so compact because the spacing is non-existent with no outlets or counter attacking threat resulting in rugby style of play. Atleast put in a pacey forward to threaten the defense with long runs to give some sort of outlet. Our backline is relatively good but not good enough to with hold for 90 minutes. I think they're best qualities is aggression and tackling and not so much with the reading of the game so playing a more up tempo style can be good for them.

Reja should play a winger in one of the wingback spots (and not Roshi) who can provide pace and width. If Bajrami isn't allowed the midfield spot next to Bare needs to be an attacking minded midfielder or box - box midfielder. The forward pairing needs balance. Both forwards can't be holding forwards who don't have pace or any redeeming qualities. Maybe Reja should switch to a 3-4-3 which might fit better. When Macedonia plays with a back 3 they look so much more up temp and fluid compared to us. I know there attacking talent is better but they seem to have found balance in their lineup. Alisoki is so good as a wingback for them as he provides so much width and creativity on the wing, elmas and bardhi push the attack forward and offensively they're a legit team.

I hope to see new players get tested in the June friendly. Now is the time to experiment.

Plako wrote: ↑Thu Apr 01, 2021 8:15 pm

artan wrote: ↑Thu Apr 01, 2021 7:02 pm So another set of matches and yet not much has changed. Offensively the team looks lost with no identity and balance. The lineups still doesn't have much width, pace and creativity. Many of us were saying this before but the nations league was a huge failure for us despite winning the group. We struggled in a terrible group where we barely got by and fooled ourselves into thinking some players like Manaj or Cikaleshi are viable options because they scored tap ins. I don't even think Cikaleshi is a terrible player but the amount of praise him and Manaj would get for being in good form is laughable. We kept the same old coach and his same old tactics and it's clear this strategy isn't working nor has even considered changing it.

The main problem is the midfield who are not able to provide any service to our forwards. This is probably the worst midfield I've seen in the last 30 years. Our main threat in the last 3 games has been Hysaj.