Denco,
you are right I am on the bandwagon here, and its a bit cynical of me to talk with hindsight.
. However, with hindsight (to be honest, I too were a bit distressed with Zala and Biri substitution at that time), Lippi's tactics did help us to win the game in my opinion. I personally reckon that decision to switch Thuram, to the centre, and bring on Birindelli made our defence a much more solid. Although Barca had majority of possession, and virtually camped in our half in the extra time, I can't recall a decent chance they had after Xavi scored beside Kluivert's effort. Also, I think there is no shame in admitting GK played well. After all, GK is part of the team and game.
Although we did not create chances after Davids sending off, the reason we were able to score was that Barca attacked too much and left defence exposed. Ok, it was only once, but Barca fan would probably feel the effect of that only one. If anything, I give full credit to our players who took the chance.
Now let's turn our attention to Man U and Real game. Man U had a bright start and seemed intent on scoring from early on. I give them my applause for such refreshing attitude. However, did they had to attack so valiantly from the beginning because once they conceded that goal they had to score 3 to just force the game into extra time. Did Man U had to score 4, when they could just hold for 2 and let Real not score? This is not criticizing Fergie, who in my view took very gutsy decision, and showed delightful attitude towards attacking, however, I can't get the taste off my mouth that Man U were a bit naive.
What Lippi did against Barca was indeed cynical but in the end, we wend through.
The reason I criticize Lippi for the first leg is not because we drew but we did not play like a homeside, and realistically at that time, attacking was our best option. Second leg, on the other hand, as Zizou correctly mentioned, we were on the back foot, and always looked second best in terms of possession. My belief is that there is no point scoring 4goals if you are going to conceded 5.
However, I do admit that I may have little hyped Lippi up, since there is little what coach can do but I do think that he made many critical decisions which proved to be right.
you are right I am on the bandwagon here, and its a bit cynical of me to talk with hindsight.
. However, with hindsight (to be honest, I too were a bit distressed with Zala and Biri substitution at that time), Lippi's tactics did help us to win the game in my opinion. I personally reckon that decision to switch Thuram, to the centre, and bring on Birindelli made our defence a much more solid. Although Barca had majority of possession, and virtually camped in our half in the extra time, I can't recall a decent chance they had after Xavi scored beside Kluivert's effort. Also, I think there is no shame in admitting GK played well. After all, GK is part of the team and game.Although we did not create chances after Davids sending off, the reason we were able to score was that Barca attacked too much and left defence exposed. Ok, it was only once, but Barca fan would probably feel the effect of that only one. If anything, I give full credit to our players who took the chance.
Now let's turn our attention to Man U and Real game. Man U had a bright start and seemed intent on scoring from early on. I give them my applause for such refreshing attitude. However, did they had to attack so valiantly from the beginning because once they conceded that goal they had to score 3 to just force the game into extra time. Did Man U had to score 4, when they could just hold for 2 and let Real not score? This is not criticizing Fergie, who in my view took very gutsy decision, and showed delightful attitude towards attacking, however, I can't get the taste off my mouth that Man U were a bit naive.
What Lippi did against Barca was indeed cynical but in the end, we wend through.
The reason I criticize Lippi for the first leg is not because we drew but we did not play like a homeside, and realistically at that time, attacking was our best option. Second leg, on the other hand, as Zizou correctly mentioned, we were on the back foot, and always looked second best in terms of possession. My belief is that there is no point scoring 4goals if you are going to conceded 5.
However, I do admit that I may have little hyped Lippi up, since there is little what coach can do but I do think that he made many critical decisions which proved to be right.
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