Yoshida's concern over Saints' defensive problems (From Daily Echo)

Yoshi boy, there are 32000 concerned about the goals we are conceeding.

Honesty is the best policy as they say, I'm no expert either, so what to do about this is down to the training, my son said that we are a premier attacking side but a league 2 defensive side, tactic change at the back me thinks. but having said this I have faith that we will pull through and stay up. COYR'S

What the Cherries (silly name) are ahead of us in the goals conceded table? Come on lads, try harder!

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote:
What the Cherries (silly name) are ahead of us in the goals conceded table? Come on lads, try harder!

Oh no, it's Wimbledon and Oxford. Silly Seed.

Yoshida seems to be saying quite a bit lately. Is this a poached set of comments or an exclusive echo interview? Seems unusual as Saints players do not usually get quoted so quickly especially when it criticises our perfomance. His comments are fair though and I share his view that the problems will be resolved.

It's nothing the fans didn't already know. But the true Saints faithful have belief that we will improve at the back.

After the euphoria of last week it is a bit of bump this week and now we have the statistics geeks standing by with their knives sharpened. Same old same old...

We will be fine, but the ride is going to be bumpier than I would have preferred. But thats football.

bumpy rides are more exciting

I am no expert but may be 343 is the way ahead

Jose Maya Jos

Nath and Fox as wing backs

Spider and JWP as defensive mid

Gaston Rickie and Adam up top

Would cover all options .......... COYR

Wonder what Adkins response will be in light of Mancini's rant at Joe Hart when he aired his views re his teams' performance.

Saints were lightweight in defence, the guy with the big hair was just too strong for them.
On the brighter side, once Saints started to push up in second half, they looked dangerous and played good football.
The young kiddie in midfield for Saints looks a useful.

Good times, difficult times, ups and downs. What a great thing it is to be a Saints fan.

Lots of happy smiles to come folks.....

I love my team.

SaintinCanada wrote:
Good times, difficult times, ups and downs. What a great thing it is to be a Saints fan.

Lots of happy smiles to come folks.....

I love my team.

Somes it up perfectly , we have been through worse than we are now , the team is still learning and they are not doing to bad for a team that was playing third tier football two years ago . It could be far worse ! So let's just stay behind the team and MANAGER.

Alicesdad wrote:
Yoshida seems to be saying quite a bit lately. Is this a poached set of comments or an exclusive echo interview? Seems unusual as Saints players do not usually get quoted so quickly especially when it criticises our perfomance. His comments are fair though and I share his view that the problems will be resolved.

It's nothing the fans didn't already know. But the true Saints faithful have belief that we will improve at the back.

After the euphoria of last week it is a bit of bump this week and now we have the statistics geeks standing by with their knives sharpened. Same old same old...

We will be fine, but the ride is going to be bumpier than I would have preferred. But thats football.

I can envisage Yoshida being made captain of the team sometime soon.He appears to have leadership qualities,and despite Adam being a great player and very loyal to the club,I would question whether he has much influence as a captain,any thoughts?

long memory wrote:

Alicesdad wrote:
Yoshida seems to be saying quite a bit lately. Is this a poached set of comments or an exclusive echo interview? Seems unusual as Saints players do not usually get quoted so quickly especially when it criticises our perfomance. His comments are fair though and I share his view that the problems will be resolved.

It's nothing the fans didn't already know. But the true Saints faithful have belief that we will improve at the back.

After the euphoria of last week it is a bit of bump this week and now we have the statistics geeks standing by with their knives sharpened. Same old same old...

We will be fine, but the ride is going to be bumpier than I would have preferred. But thats football.

I can envisage Yoshida being made captain of the team sometime soon.He appears to have leadership qualities,and despite Adam being a great player and very loyal to the club,I would question whether he has much influence as a captain,any thoughts?

That thinking is a bit naughty, but is exactly what I was also thinking.

Alicesdad wrote:
Yoshida seems to be saying quite a bit lately. Is this a poached set of comments or an exclusive echo interview? Seems unusual as Saints players do not usually get quoted so quickly especially when it criticises our perfomance. His comments are fair though and I share his view that the problems will be resolved.

It's nothing the fans didn't already know. But the true Saints faithful have belief that we will improve at the back.

After the euphoria of last week it is a bit of bump this week and now we have the statistics geeks standing by with their knives sharpened. Same old same old...

We will be fine, but the ride is going to be bumpier than I would have preferred. But thats football.

Mostly quoting what he said on the OS.

I did not expect us to get a result at Everton based on the fact we never have, how many of you remember the 7-1 drubbing, they have on many occasions in the past really damaged our goal differrence so a minus 2 could be seen as a fair day at the office

The fact is that after six games, no improvement in our defensive play has occurred. When will Adkins realise that shipping 3+ goals per game is the way back to the Championship? Message to you Nigel - you need to score more than the opposition to survive!! Everyone - from the knowledgeable pundits to the rank amateurs - has been crying out for the procurement of Premiership class defenders. All NA has done is bought strikers - good ones I admit, but they are not capable of scoring 4 goals every Premiership game.

I admire NA for what he has achieved in two years at Southampton, but I still believe he's out of his depth at this level. He still persist with the line that he will not change the way the team plays. Great - then keep losing and shipping an average of 3+ goals every game Nigel!

Serious questions need to be asked and addressed - soon.

Strasbourg Saint wrote:

long memory wrote:

Alicesdad wrote:
Yoshida seems to be saying quite a bit lately. Is this a poached set of comments or an exclusive echo interview? Seems unusual as Saints players do not usually get quoted so quickly especially when it criticises our perfomance. His comments are fair though and I share his view that the problems will be resolved.

It's nothing the fans didn't already know. But the true Saints faithful have belief that we will improve at the back.

After the euphoria of last week it is a bit of bump this week and now we have the statistics geeks standing by with their knives sharpened. Same old same old...

We will be fine, but the ride is going to be bumpier than I would have preferred. But thats football.

I can envisage Yoshida being made captain of the team sometime soon.He appears to have leadership qualities,and despite Adam being a great player and very loyal to the club,I would question whether he has much influence as a captain,any thoughts?

That thinking is a bit naughty, but is exactly what I was also thinking.

Indeed. Not sure Lallana is a leader. Could be wrong though. Time will tell.

OSPREYSAINT wrote:

Alicesdad wrote:
Yoshida seems to be saying quite a bit lately. Is this a poached set of comments or an exclusive echo interview? Seems unusual as Saints players do not usually get quoted so quickly especially when it criticises our perfomance. His comments are fair though and I share his view that the problems will be resolved.

It's nothing the fans didn't already know. But the true Saints faithful have belief that we will improve at the back.

After the euphoria of last week it is a bit of bump this week and now we have the statistics geeks standing by with their knives sharpened. Same old same old...

We will be fine, but the ride is going to be bumpier than I would have preferred. But thats football.

Mostly quoting what he said on the OS.

OK thanks. Didn't see that. I need to look around more !!

I'm sure Nigel was aware that the defence needed to strengthen but perhaps the players he wanted were not available or their demands were unacceptable. No point buying for the sake of it.
How many times in the past have we brought in players no better than what we already had?

frenchvic wrote:
Yoshi boy, there are 32000 concerned about the goals we are conceeding.

ts not just 32000 in stmrys there are prob milions worldwide who agree with you

Egomaniac wrote:
The fact is that after six games, no improvement in our defensive play has occurred. When will Adkins realise that shipping 3+ goals per game is the way back to the Championship? Message to you Nigel - you need to score more than the opposition to survive!! Everyone - from the knowledgeable pundits to the rank amateurs - has been crying out for the procurement of Premiership class defenders. All NA has done is bought strikers - good ones I admit, but they are not capable of scoring 4 goals every Premiership game.

I admire NA for what he has achieved in two years at Southampton, but I still believe he's out of his depth at this level. He still persist with the line that he will not change the way the team plays. Great - then keep losing and shipping an average of 3+ goals every game Nigel!

Serious questions need to be asked and addressed - soon.

Serious Questions Coming Up:

1) Do you honestly believe NA will do nothing about this?
2) Do you not believe that NC will fully support the above?
3) Do you just rely on statistics, or can you look at the bigger picture?
4) Do you not think that our defence, midfield and forward line will continue to improve and believe together?

There we are, I've said as little as you with less words.

Alicesdad wrote:

OSPREYSAINT wrote:

Alicesdad wrote:
Yoshida seems to be saying quite a bit lately. Is this a poached set of comments or an exclusive echo interview? Seems unusual as Saints players do not usually get quoted so quickly especially when it criticises our perfomance. His comments are fair though and I share his view that the problems will be resolved.

It's nothing the fans didn't already know. But the true Saints faithful have belief that we will improve at the back.

After the euphoria of last week it is a bit of bump this week and now we have the statistics geeks standing by with their knives sharpened. Same old same old...

We will be fine, but the ride is going to be bumpier than I would have preferred. But thats football.

Mostly quoting what he said on the OS.

OK thanks. Didn't see that. I need to look around more !!

Not surprised the OS site is so difficult to navigate.

To lowe esteem - what a clever little smart a**e you are! I am as entitled to an opinion as you without the sarcastic response. But since that's what you like, then open your blind eyes.

Adkins has down nothing about the defence. Six games in and shipping an average of 3+ goals per game - fact - not statistics! There has been no improvement whatever over those games, despite Adkins continually saying he will address the problem. He has not addressed it and insists he will continue with the same methods.

Cut your crap about believing together - in NA we trust brigade. No I do not believe under his management at present the defence will improve. My opinion and I'm entitled to express it.

There, have I explained it in few enough words for you, and plainly?

Puddletown Saint wrote:
I am no expert but may be 343 is the way ahead

Jose Maya Jos

Nath and Fox as wing backs

Spider and JWP as defensive mid

Gaston Rickie and Adam up top

Would cover all options .......... COYR

i totally agree.do you fancy the managers job if NA gets the chop.

During the back to back promotions we relied on scoring more goals than the opposition.
It worked a treat, but it will NOT work in this league.
Stop the goals going in and we do not lose, sneak a goal and we win.
Simple this football management game :-)

Nigel has done a great job for us but I
do have to question some of his tactics this season. We have a team with a
fair amount of talent but not the ability
to play attacking football with our defensive weaknesses.This is where I
question NA's tactics.Prem football is
won by having a tight defensive - as
shown by Hoddle.It may not be pretty
but it is effective.Unless Nigel "wises up" to this we are doomed and he will be on his way.

Well said saintmac. My views entirely, so if you are reading this, lowe esteem, I am not the only one with these opinions.

Have you any sarcastic comments for saintmac as well? No, I thought not.

Sothe gut reaction is to want to change players or managers. To mee many of the goals we leek come because of the link between midfield and deending. the first everton goal is a classic example, where the goal scorrer ran from deep, wasnt picked up by a midfielder, ran into the box and scored.

Tracking back and defending is a key part of the midfieldes job. We need to do this better.

dont forget what a tough run of games we have had. Compare out six games and West hams. had we swapped oppoents I think we would be half way up the table and west ham down below.

No panicking now :)

I think the current defenders are good enough however I believe the flaws come in from a background staff lacking in a proper defensive coach. If you look at what Steve Bould has done with an unchanged Arsenal defence you can begin to appreciate how much can be reaped from good coaching.

All we need is someone to take the defensive teams off and work on positional cohesion and discipline. Include Schneiderlin in a few of these to help build the link up play (our biggest problem in my opinion, though not through a lack of talent).

Francis Benali is Southampton through and through, a qualified coach and a centre back that kept us in the premiership with a much less talented squad. I'm sure he'd love to offer his experience to the squad.

Benali was average at best, even if he was a good player that doesn't mean he would make a good coach.
Saints need the highest quality.
Under Hoddle, Saints had the best defensive record ever, bring him in as an advisor to NA, before it's too late for him to make a difference.
NA has done well but his time with Scunthorpe and Saints in lower Divisions doesn't count for much in the Premier League.
If NC doesn't support NA in his hour of need, which is NOW, then NC will end up sacking him, which will start another turbulent period in Saints history, some thing I don't want to see again.
For God's wake up now before it's too late -- the road to relegation is paved with good intentions and let's wait and sees!
We don't want to be a one season wonder!

saintmac wrote:
Nigel has done a great job for us but I
do have to question some of his tactics this season. We have a team with a
fair amount of talent but not the ability
to play attacking football with our defensive weaknesses.This is where I
question NA's tactics.Prem football is
won by having a tight defensive - as
shown by Hoddle.It may not be pretty
but it is effective.Unless Nigel "wises up" to this we are doomed and he will be on his way.

i agree totally.3 points out of a possible 18 is a poor return.look at where west ham are in the table at the moment..last season we were better than them in most departments.but this time round they have got it right so far and NA and co have got it badly wrong.the 64000 dollar question is who will blink first and fire their manager.Fernandez at QPR,DELIA SMITH at norwich or NC at SAINTS.I think that a managerial premiership bloodbath will be put in motion pretty soon.hopefully that big bad shark harrry R will not be swimming up Southampton water in the near future.

Look, we have to remember that pretty much all of these players have never played in the PL before. Football is football wherever you go. Same rules etc. But the quality of football differs and it's certainly that much better and harder in the PL. The opposition we have played are too good. They've been there for years and the players know what they are doing.
Our players are learning. Ok, they don't get much time to learn from one game to the next but I am sure they will improve.

Adkins has never been in the PL as a Manager so it's understandable that he will take time to find his feet and adjust. What you will find though is that his players respect him and they know what he's about. He's brought out the best in many of the players who have proved week in week out in last 2 seasons.

There isn't a lot of time in the PL for Managers these days but if NA has brought us up 2 seasons respectively, then I trust this guy to carry on bringing positive results.

Our defence was never that good in the Championship to be honest, just that we got away with more there but we certainly knew how to score!
We are also scoring in the PL which is a good sign, so now we just gotta work on the midfield and defence more.

I trust we'll come through and we will find our feet more as a team and create the St Mary's fortress that has been in recent years and make it hard for teams to play there.
The fans will do their bit too!

COYR - Onwards and upwards!!

Barcelona Saint makes some very good points and is supportive of NA as am I.
Barcelona Saint rightly states that Saints defence was never that good in the Championship, he could see it, I could see it and 20,000 other unblinkered Saints fans could see it.
It's much easier never to get in to a hole than to try and drag yourself out of one.
Saints management should have strenghthened the defence in the close season and they didn't,we're stuck with it, so where do we go to from here?
A good coach like NA doesn't become a bad one overnight.
NA is now managing in probably the best league in the world, a totally different environment from what he has been used to, where the top players are paid £220k a week and have egos as big as their wages.
NA needs managerial support now, in my view, someone like Glenn Hoddle who has all the experience, at the highest level, should be drafted in now, on a temporary contract to help NA tighten up the defence.
In business a first class employer will recognise when an employee, who may have been promoted and is taking on a more taxing job, is struggling, probably long before the employee recognises it or admits it himself and will step in to help him before the employee's struggle adversely affects the performance of the business.
A good employer will back him, not sack him and help him develop the necessary skills that may be lacking. Most employees will respond and come good, particularly those with a previously great track record.
NC could do much worse than appoint Glenn Hoddle, under whose management, Saints had their best ever defensive record, as mentor and confidant to NA during his first year in the Premier League.
I quoted what a first class employer
would do, I sincerely hope NC backs not sacks!

Puddletown Saint wrote:
I am no expert but may be 343 is the way ahead

Jose Maya Jos

Nath and Fox as wing backs

Spider and JWP as defensive mid

Gaston Rickie and Adam up top

Would cover all options .......... COYR

Bit of a topsy tervy upside down mix is that one puddles ! you sure you aint related to that mob from your place that got sent down under ?