Thread for Steve P

[devNull]

Originally Posted by Ray Salt Lake

I'm not saying he needs to belittle them, but at least shout some encouragment. Show he cares. Lead by example. It seems the last several games the team has played without alot of passion. And that starts at the top...

I'm also not trying to make this an uncomfortable place for Mr. Pastorino. I really appreciate his willingness to speak with the fans. Please forgive me! I'm just very upset over what has transpired. On paper the team is great! But why isn't it translating on the field??

Okay, sorry for taking your comments a bit out of context. I still argue that Coach E isn't disinterested, but he has a different style of coaching that doesn't involve getting overly up or down and yelling during the game. It is just his style.

Why hasn't the team that looks good on paper been good on the field? I am sure that there are plenty of theories here. My opinion is that there are a couple of reasons. We haven't had much consistency in the line-up which I think hurts us. Coach E's hands have often (but not always) been tied with respect to putting the same starting 11 on the field consistently. I don't think this is a major reason for us not winning though as other teams have played through an everchanging starting 11. I think that team chemistry/attitude plays a big part in the team winning as well. I feel that the coach can do a lot to improve the chemistry/attitude. I think that Coach E may not have realized how certain personalities would work or not work together coming in. I would presume that we will see some changes in the off season to try and work on these problems. That said I think that the coaching staff and front office are very well aware of the areas that need improvement and are working on fixing these areas. This is evident to me based on recent acquisitions. I think that they have been quite good and trust that things will continue to improve.

[SoccerPrime]

Originally Posted by Ray Salt Lake

I never said I wanted the CRAPIDS coach, but at least his team is in the post season.....

I am not saying you are. I am not convinced that Clavijo is a good coach. That is what I am saying.

The Ellinger Experiment will continue next season, I am sure Mr. Pastorino will agree.

[Rocky J Squirrel]

In coaching soccer bench "control" is about non-existant!
1) The players can't (sometimes won't) hear you! Even in a quiet park with only 20 parents on the sidelines the grass kills the sound. Though I have heard some coaches 2 blocks away "instructing" a game of pointy ball,
2) If the preparation is not done before the game, coach behavior won't help. Remember it was only about 15 years ago that FIFA legalised coaches giving instruction from the "technical box". Maybe a coach can hand signal some placement intructions but not much more.
3) The game is player controlled, unlike Baseball and American Football. In 18 years of coaching I sent in ONE play, on a stoppage, that worked. Chris Agnello sent in the same play for the Blitzz and it worked. Players develop leadership by leading on the field, not by being yelled at even in encouragement.
4) Do you really want a Hugo Sanchez type coach?

[clarette]

We once had to sit in the goal at halftime so we could grasp the concept of the ball going into it. That pretty much worked.

[Scilaci]

Originally Posted by Rocky J Squirrel

In coaching soccer bench "control" is about non-existant! ......

I think you bring up a really good point. In basketball and pointyball (sports that are also popular locally) the coach is almost always calling the play, sending in the play, or talking to his players about certain plays. In Soccer, that connection isn't there during the flow of the game.

I think that really sets it apart. Hockey is in the same boat right? I guess the weight of leadership, decision, and motivation depends solely on the players. They don't have a timeout or huddle to get a pep talk from the coach. Only at halftime.

Anyhow, Mr. Squirell, I just thought I'd echo your interesting point.

[noxum]

I agree, the coach can only prepare them for the matches. However, there are times where he can change the tactics to better fit the opponent. IE, when a team goes more defensive to hold on to a lead or the other team has a weak wing, so he has his quickest wing switch sides to expose the weakness. However, because this is an RSL forum, let's discuss the issues facing the squad. One of the biggest problems, and Pope even pointed this out, is that the players seems to give up on defense when they lose the ball. Meaning, every player out there has to follow a runner, or double down when they can, and many other aspects of defense. The game against Dallas (the one we actually won) is a prime example, they all did their part. I could go on, but if we don't have the ball, how do expect to score, let alone create those chances. One more thing, Countess is an excellent ball stopper, but why doesn't he take command back there. After the mistakes those in front of him make, he just looks up. He should be in their face, demanding better from them. Nolly has the same issue. I don't know if it is a fair comparison, but when a defender screws up, (gives the striker an open shot) in the EPL, every vein in the keepers head is popping out from yelling at that defender. Anyway...maybe next year.

[Aerick]

Originally Posted by noxum

I agree, the coach can only prepare them for the matches. However, there are times where he can change the tactics to better fit the opponent. IE, when a team goes more defensive to hold on to a lead or the other team has a weak wing, so he has his quickest wing switch sides to expose the weakness. However, because this is an RSL forum, let's discuss the issues facing the squad. One of the biggest problems, and Pope even pointed this out, is that the players seems to give up on defense when they lose the ball. Meaning, every player out there has to follow a runner, or double down when they can, and many other aspects of defense. The game against Dallas (the one we actually won) is a prime example, they all did their part. I could go on, but if we don't have the ball, how do expect to score, let alone create those chances. One more thing, Countess is an excellent ball stopper, but why doesn't he take command back there. After the mistakes those in front of him make, he just looks up. He should be in their face, demanding better from them. Nolly has the same issue. I don't know if it is a fair comparison, but when a defender screws up, (gives the striker an open shot) in the EPL, every vein in the keepers head is popping out from yelling at that defender. Anyway...maybe next year.

Countess used to always yell and scream at the backline. I've noticed that he doesn't seem to do that anymore - at least the last half of the season. Not sure why.

[Jim Umber]

To get back to Steve P...

I would like to see more physical conditionning. I could be wrong, wouldn't be surprised at all, but it sure has looked to me like the players run out of gas before the game is over a little too often. And couldn't that be one reason why they seem to give up on occasion?

Just some thoughts.

I support all you've done, and whatever you decide in the future.

[noxum]

Originally Posted by Jim Umber

I would like to see more physical conditionning. I could be wrong, wouldn't be surprised at all, but it sure has looked to me like the players run out of gas before the game is over a little too often. And couldn't that be one reason why they seem to give up on occasion?

Sure, conditioning would definitely help, but so would having all field players stepping up on defense.

[rslfan]

Originally Posted by Jim Umber

To get back to Steve P...

I would like to see more physical conditionning. I could be wrong, wouldn't be surprised at all, but it sure has looked to me like the players run out of gas before the game is over a little too often. And couldn't that be one reason why they seem to give up on occasion?

Just some thoughts.

I support all you've done, and whatever you decide in the future.

I agree..it would help too if the players were restricted from drinking alcohol during the season. That will take a toll on the body.