Everton Banter Archive June 06 2014

06 Jun 2014 20:52:50
Hi Ed,
Fellow Evertonian's, I have just seen that Red Star Belgrade have been kicked out of the champions league next year for owning money to employee's and a few more things. They have 10 days to appeal the verdict.
Ed with this happen and if result stands does that mean by any chance Everton could take their place?
I hope so fingers crossed.
Antonio

{Ed003's Note - Partizan Belgrade would get the place as they finished runners up to them.}

06 Jun 2014 09:26:00
Just an observation. Every world cup we start this process of pre tournament friendlies and every time we lose one of our key players through injury. Ox Chamberlain was looking real good and it was only a matter of time before he, Wilshire or Barkley got crocked. I understand that the manager has to assess players, but surely he could see that game was a bit physical and those 3 players in particular were getting targeted? I would have taken all 3 off at half time and tried others. I know people did not like Sven taking the whole team off at half time and replacing it, but these games are designed exactly to be player assessments, then the press and supporters turn them into competitive games? Why? It was obvious that Ox Chambers was the best player after 20 minutes. He should have been taken off then. The manager has to be more in control and do what HE wants for the best of the team. Not what we and the press want.a great England performance, lots of goals. oh and a few injuries to key players!!

{Ed025's Note - to play devils advocate degs, maybe he needed to see if these players could cut it in the humidity and heat that they will face in brazil, and be able to play for a sustained period mate..

06 Jun 2014 10:31:03
Sorry Ed, but I don't buy that. You could see he was in top form. You could also see he or one of the 3 I mentioned were likely to get injured. I was honestly expecting it. With regards to fitness and stamina in heat, firstly the weather was not that hot in Miami. Secondly, that is exactly the sort of monitoring you can do in training. You do not need the risk of ligament damage from tackles flying in. We do this every boomin world cup. Then play our group games hoping someone will recover in time. I know injuries are part and parcel of the game, but you would not arrange 3 friendlies before say the FA Cup final to assess the fitness of players or to see if they can cut it. I am not the manager and have very little experience compared to him. I will bow down to his knowledge. But if I was talking to him, I would let him know my feelings on the subject! Maybe that's why I irritate Swan?

Degsy, there is training and there is game time. They are both very different. You can't gauge true fitness from training sessions. And Ox did need game time, as does Wiltshire. I wasn't in the stadium so couldn't tell whether it was humid or not. They were taking on water quite early though.

It was unfortunate the lad got injured but that could have happened at any time. On a positive it may mean Ross gets more opportunities to play.

Well he ain't going to get it now. That's for sure. IMHO it was obvious he looked good and I understand all the stuff said about game time etc. Ed's point about playing in the humidity is probably closer to the truth, but even the commentators were saying that the temperature had dropped and it was much cooler and not like it will be in Brazil. No I think his injury proves my point. As have previous injuries in world cup warm up games. 3 is too many and like I said in the previous post, mass changes at half time to avoid pulls and tears due to tiredness/fatigue.

Degsy, all the World Cup teams are playing 3 friendlies prior to the tournament. I guess above the climate, match fitness and everything else is just the players getting to play with each other rather than rocking up as 23 strangers. They need to learn their teammates games. Obviously injuries are a risk but the Ox or anyone could get injured in the 1st minute against Italy so ultimately what is the difference?

Then were do you draw the line maybe we should stop playing England players 3months before a World Cup aswell, I agree the ox looked sharp but you need 11 players on the pitch and there will always be a risk and the ox and Wiltshire both had little game time lately.

Last one on this Svenny. it is starting to get a bit boring. Yes I know that all the other teams are playing 3 friendlies. I also know that this morning I read that Germany have probably lost Klose and France have probably lost Ribery to injuries. Yes it is traditional for teams to play these friendlies. and perhaps there is no other way? But until someone says maybe there is another way of attaining fitness and knowledge of team mates, nothing will change and all teams will continue losing players prior to the world cup. Those who embrace change can make strides forwards. (or backwards I know!).

In every World Cup preparatory games are needed to gel the squad together and as in this year's competition, to acclimatise players to the intense heat and humidity. There is always a chance that someone can become injured. Thank The Lord Leighton survived that challenge last night when that Honduran was the sent off. All the best to our lads - Jags, Ross, Bainsey and young John Stones.