Atlético Madrid Match & Post-match

[wiw]

Torres hits the post

[Mattshark]

I know it's only a friendly, but we look way off the pace ffs - very disappointing.

We have no recognised first team CB on the pitch. That is the issue.

[Venton]

On the plus side both of our full-backs can cross the ball.

[BobTheCharmer]

this game is crying out for babel and spearing.

[ronanm]

We have no recognised first team CB on the pitch. That is the issue.

True - No CB doesn't help - but there is little coming from our midfield either - only GJ, SG and FT look like they know what they're at

[BobTheCharmer]

we have the best best full backs we had at the club for many a year.

[JohnDoe]

On a positive note, Johnson and Insua are absolute quality going forward and they've done quite well defensively considering who's playing at CB. I love them at full back.

I really don't understand why Kelly isn't on the pitch, he was by far, our most impressive young defender and he's actually got pace. Poor San Jose and Ayala are about as quick as Hyypia.

Hope to **** Carragher's okay. We should consider playing Johnson at CB next week if he's not.

[Mike]

Ayala has been poor, san jose is getting stuck in but we need Kelly.

Lucas MOM so far....

[Guest]

Ayala did badly for the first goal but his general play has been good. Both are rookies thrown in at the deep end against a team of the quality (and players - Aguero) such as Athletico it's normal there would be teeeeeething throblems.

Not a bad match, Lucas looking promising with his runs and passing, he just needs to assert himself a little bit more. On the whole a good workout.

[Reece]

I wonder if we could kidnap Aguero...

[JohnDoe]

Oh and Lucas had a good game today, which will be important for his confidence.

[Venton]

I watched Ayala a bit in the reserves last season. Every now and again he gets drawn towards the ball rather than marking up and he spends too much time on the deck. He's not ready yet.

[cream]

I'm sure I saw Rafa write 'must sign Aguero' on a piece of paper. Anyone else see that?

[Guest]

On a positive note, Johnson and Insua are absolute quality going forward and they've done quite well defensively considering who's playing at CB. I love them at full back.

I really don't understand why Kelly isn't on the pitch, he was by far, our most impressive young defender and he's actually got pace. Poor San Jose and Ayala are about as quick as Hyypia.

Hope to **** Carragher's okay. We should consider playing Johnson at CB next week if he's not.

Always having a rant mate. Rafa calls the shots, he may have the idea of giving experience to his young players, not a bad thing. Result is irrelevant.

[JohnDoe]

Always having a rant mate. Rafa calls the shots, he may have the idea of giving experience to his young players, not a bad thing. Result is irrelevant.

I'm not against giving experience to young players, just don't think he's picking the right ones, sorry!

Pre-season is a good time for ranting, mate. Then the season starts and there's this getting behind the team thing.