Fitness

[Grizzly blade]

having watched the game this morning, I can honestly say we shaded the game last night on quality and chances created. I don’t understand the thoughts that Fleck and Coutts were poor, I thought they had a good first half but did have less of an impact in the second with both making uncharacteristic errors.
However, Leeds did do some homework and worked very hard to try and restrict their time on the ball. Christiansen did pay attention to us and realised those two are the hub of the team and restricted us by getting his side running and closing down.

However, in doing that job for the 35 minutes of the second half, they expelled a lot of energy, and our superior fitness meant that at the crucial moment we could execute the right ball that was well weighted and precise to score the winner.
As Fleck laid the ball to Duffy, you could see the Leeds players gasping and struggling to put one leg before the other and get back to prevent the ball to Brooks.

So it’s another hats off to the fitness teams of Physio’s and sports scientists. Tremendous jobs.

 

[A Storm of Blades]

having watched the game this morning, I can honestly say we shaded the game last night on quality and chances created. I don’t understand the thoughts that Fleck and Coutts were poor, I thought they had a good first half but did have less of an impact in the second with both making uncharacteristic errors.
However, Leeds did do some homework and worked very hard to try and restrict their time on the ball. Christiansen did pay attention to us and realised those two are the hub of the team and restricted us by getting his side running and closing down.

However, in doing that job for the 35 minutes of the second half, they expelled a lot of energy, and our superior fitness meant that at the crucial moment we could execute the right ball that was well weighted and precise to score the winner.
As Fleck laid the ball to Duffy, you could see the Leeds players gasping and struggling to put one leg before the other and get back to prevent the ball to Brooks.

So it’s another hats off to the fitness teams of Physio’s and sports scientists. Tremendous jobs.

I think you’re spot on. The first act of second half, Leeds troubled us by upping their intensity. They just couldn’t sustain it. Another advantage to our system is that we operate in relatively close pockets, meaning we can operate a half court press but players only having to close 10-15 yards to force the opposition into another player’s zone. Hunting in packs and high energy isn’t about chasing like an unfocused lunatic, Clarke aside. Our intensity is much more intricate than we’re given credit for, and why teams match us then fade

 

[DronnieBlade]

Interesting observation.

My view in real time was that Leeds came back in to it because we tired, and our intensity reduced !

Which has happened more than once this season IMHO. Gaffers gruelling training regime at full pelt perhaps starting to take its toll ??

I hope not.

UTB