Javi Gracia- Issues statement

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SG90
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Re: Javi Gracia post Brighton

Post by SG90 »

weasel wrote: Sun Mar 12, 2023 10:30 am I would say the only bargains we have signed were Struyjk, Glehardt and Gnonto. The trest of our signings haven't exactly been cheap. Messlier and Raphinha are both good signings but at £7m Messlier wasn't cheap as a fairly untested goalkeeper, paying £7m for a keeper of that age and experience you would be expecting him to be decent and similarly Raphinha wasn't bought for peanuts.
And we got lucky with Gelhardt and Raphinha, due to Wigan's situation and the French TV deal collapsing, respectively.
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Re: Javi Gracia- How is he doing?

Post by GreennWhite »

Considering what he came into i think he is doing a decent job. I believe he is slowly starting to get players playing with a bit more confidence than they previously were, and certainly we are more organised.
Player confidence always is vital to how any team plays and when your down near the bottom, chopping and changing managers and styles of play it doesn't help.
I just think that maybe he has come in just a bit too late to really get the best out of this team, but I'm always hopeful. The most important thing for now is that it is still in our own hands. When that stops then we are really in the doo doo.
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Re: Javi Gracia- How is he doing?

Post by Tyzy »

I didn't see much of the game but the sitting back and not pressing takes a bit of getting used to.Overall so far we seem more organised at the back which in turn seems to hamper our attacking options.
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Re: Javi Gracia- How is he doing?

Post by mentalcase »

I think we had more attacking threat under JM, all JG has done is made us more boring.
I only hope the little time we have left is to get us to stay up.
I'd hate to see him in the job next season.
As he's a United manager, I wish him all the best .
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Re: Javi Gracia- How is he doing?

Post by Cjay »

I think he has done OK.

Some will get upset about the whole selective pressing rather than charging around like loons after the men or ball.

But that is good tactics if it would suit the opposition. Brighton would have walked through us at will yesterday had we done that, we wouldn't have got near them.

It showed a flexibility that we have definitely lacked in the past.

We don't attack as much as we did under Bielsa and Marsch but we concede less (funny that) and we look a more organised team.

We simply had to change imo, we have been trying high press constant attacking without success for 18months.

We needed more balance and think Gracia has tried to find that.

Is he the man for next season if we survive? No I don't think so

But he has tried to make us more organised, harder to beat, and we do play some nice stuff at times.

Done OK.

Fans need to get off his back regarding the booing when we drop off and press selectively.

It hasn't worked for years

Let it go
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Re: Javi Gracia- How is he doing?

Post by SG90 »

Cjay wrote: Sun Mar 12, 2023 2:49 pm I think he has done OK.

Some will get upset about the whole selective pressing rather than charging around like loons after the men or ball.

But that is good tactics if it would suit the opposition. Brighton would have walked through us at will yesterday had we done that, we wouldn't have got near them.

It showed a flexibility that we have definitely lacked in the past.

We don't attack as much as we did under Bielsa and Marsch but we concede less (funny that) and we look a more organised team.

We simply had to change imo, we have been trying high press constant attacking without success for 18months.

We needed more balance and think Gracia has tried to find that.

Is he the man for next season if we survive? No I don't think so

But he has tried to make us more organised, harder to beat, and we do play some nice stuff at times.

Done OK.

Fans need to get off his back regarding the booing when we drop off and press selectively.

It hasn't worked for years

Let it go
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Re: Javi Gracia- How is he doing?

Post by mentalcase »

I don't think he's improved the defence, it was JM, yes the press isn't as intense and it needed addressing, hopefully we stay up but I don't think he's the one for us in the future, I'm not slagging him off either, I just think we are more boring now, if it gets results then I'm all for it this season.
Hopefully the board have someone in mind and out of contract for the summer........................ don't know why I just put that about the board, they continue to make daft decisions, why would they change now.
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Re: Javi Gracia- How is he doing?

Post by Cjay »

mentalcase wrote: Sun Mar 12, 2023 2:59 pm I don't think he's improved the defence, it was JM, yes the press isn't as intense and it needed addressing, hopefully we stay up but I don't think he's the one for us in the future, I'm not slagging him off either, I just think we are more boring now, if it gets results then I'm all for it this season.
Hopefully the board have someone in mind and out of contract for the summer........................ don't know why I just put that about the board, they continue to make daft decisions, why would they change now.
Did you find Marsch's schoolboy tactics exciting?

Atleast Gracia seems to have a tactical mind and adapts to the opponent rather than stubbornly sticking to his own principles long past the point it worked

Man for the future? No I'd agree

Man for now? Over Marsch? Absolutely
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Re: Javi Gracia- How is he doing?

Post by mentalcase »

Cjay wrote: Sun Mar 12, 2023 3:17 pm Did you find Marsch's schoolboy tactics exciting?

Atleast Gracia seems to have a tactical mind and adapts to the opponent rather than stubbornly sticking to his own principles long past the point it worked

Man for the future? No I'd agree

Man for now? Over Marsch? Absolutely
No.
But also not going to slag him off when he played attacking football because everyone else slags him off, I judge him on my own and don't jump on anyone elses bandwagon.
I've said many times, he wasn't the man for me, but, I personally rhought he would keep us up, then would be the time to get rid, not 5 weeks ago.
It's a results business, therefore JM simply had to go, I also thought he'd sorted the leaky defence and we were about to get some good fortune with players coming back, it was a matter of time before we started scoring again, yesterday apart, and who expected 2, I don't see where the next goal is coming from never mind the next win.
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Re: Javi Gracia- How is he doing?

Post by mentalcase »

Also will add, we used to be a team that had most possession, under JG we have nowhere near that, whats gone wrong ?
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Javi Gracia pre Wolves

Post by Cjay »

Tyler Adams blow
"As you say, Tyler is injured. In this moment, he's with a specialist and we will see how long he is out of the team.

"We have other players. All of us know Tyler is a key player for us but we have to manage with the squad we have. We have all the players ready for the next game.

More on Adams
"He is different than others - there is nobody like Tyler. Other players are different. In this case, we have all the players ready.

"As you can see in the last games we played, we started with Tyler and Marc. The game before, Tyler and Weston. We have other players waiting for their chance - maybe this is their moment. I'm sure all of them are ready to compete at a high level."

On Liam Cooper
"Liam has been out of the team for some time, now he is with the team. He can do many things on the pitch but he is very important out of the pitch. His personality can help us. He's ready

Wolves challenge
"All of my expereince against Wolves, there were always really demanding - very demanding - games. This time will be no different. In my opinion, they are playing well, a well-organised team with good players.

"I expect a very demanding game but, at the same time, I want a good result for us as well
Difference in preparation?
"Every game is different. We knew the way Brighton were playing and, in this case, the same with Wolves. They can manage different shapes and players. The team has worked well this week and prepared very well again."


On Patrick Bamford
"The last game, I had to contol the minute Patrick was on the pitch, with the same way I did with Rodrigo.

"What I saw from Patrick was good. He helped the team, scored a good goal, with good movement up front and gave chances for other players. I expect the best from him for the rest of the season."

On Bamford and Rodrigo
"It's something I have to speak with the doctor tomorrow (whether they can play 90 minutes). they are improving, but I cannot tell you exactly."

Stuart Dallas progress
"When I arrived, there were players like Stuart out of the team. They are working to recover but they are working out of the team (setup).

"Of course, I want all of them ready as soon as possible but, in this case, I'm not sure the time needed for them to be back in the team.


Rasmus Kristensen's international snub
"I understand perfectly, you have to be disappointed but, at the same time, I have to tell you his attitude is an example for other players.

"Always smiling, always trying to help the team. When we played Fulham and didn't have centre-backs, he was the first to offer. He said 'I will do it, I only have one target, that is to help the team.'

"It is something I value and I want everyone to know how professional he is."


On frustration at Brighton setup
"What I can tell you is I understand someone was frustrated because we only got a point. The way we did it is something, for me, the players deserve credit.

"They did it really well. In some moments, when we were losing, some people, me as well, thought 'we need to press higher and be more aggressive' but I know what happens when you press these teams high.

"After watching many games and studying the team a lot, we decided to do this. For me, what is important is how the players follow the plan until the end. They were faithful until the end.

"I believe in these players. We are going to do what we think is better for the team. I like to see my players pressing high, I like to see my players recovering balls in the opposite half - but we need a balance."

Stress of relegation battle
"I don't relax. I live stressed! I feel the stress inside. The best way for me to help the players is (by giving them confidence.

"They need the callmness to play the best way. I won't help them if I'm shouting and getting stressed a lot. Inside, for sure, I am stressed, but I try to give my players what they need.

"In this moment, they need confidence and support. They are showing me every day their quality and commitment."
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Re: Javi Gracia pre Wolves

Post by JoeDenver »

Usual presser from Javi without conceding much. I think you can read between the lines and rely on a Roca and McKennie pairing in midfield. Thought it was interesting he mentioned Gray as a substitute option. Was thinking of Greenwood and Gyabi as the likely subs so it’s interesting he mentioned Gray. Maybe something he’s showing in practice.

Other than that, nothing we didn’t already know before.
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Javi Gracia post Wolves

Post by Cjay »

Gracia's here - how big?
Today we got a very, very good win. Our players did an amazing game and they deserve the reward because we showed a very good display


Back five?
First score the goal and after try to defend better. In that moment we tried to defend better. Adama on the left tried to be more compact. We were winning and I decided to try to be more aggressive defending. Defend better this side. Junior with a yellow card as well. 5-3-2 and then 5-4-1.

Centre-backs?
Robin as usual played really well. All the defensive line was very well. All the players who started and then they deserve these three points.

International break plans?
Next training session we have maybe 10 players with us and the rest are with different national teams. We try to work well. My players deserve some days to recover. Many players with different pains.


How difficult to compensate without Tyler?
Weton and Marc played very well in those positions. Today, both played in my opinion at a very good level. If today we got this win it was because of the players playing well.


What was today like stress-wise?
It never changes. You always try to work and keep the calm. There are some moments like today it's normal to feel the stress. Now I have the time to recover and enjoy the points.

Rodrigo
Has always been a key player for this club. Now, we are trying to recover his best condition because he needs to work. Only part of last week and this week. Day by day he will improve, but you can see the quality in playing even 30 minutes.


Rodrigo for Arsenal?
Yes, we need him. One of our targets across the next two weeks. I cannot tell you if he will play 90 minutes at Arsenal, but he will be better

Kristensen - happy?
I am especially happy for him because ass I said this week, Ras deserved that reward. Always working with a smile on his face. Always helping the rest of the team. Like a manager, you are happy with these players because they are generous and thinking of the team rather than himself.


Harrison
Happy with Jack because he can play in different roles and always plays well. Always at a high level. Kind of player we have to take care of because they are the present and future of the club.

Like a cup match?
All the games are important for me. You know the points are important and you need them. All the games are like a final. My way of living the games is always the same.
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Re: Javi Gracia- How is he doing?

Post by Cjay »

Fair play to javi

Does what he feels he has to to win.
Switching to a back 5, taking off Gnonto, playing on the counter.

His subs and selection can be odd.

And some will moan about the lack if pressing.

But his willingness to adapt to an opponent could be vital in the run in.

And what's that, 7 points in 4 games?
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Re: Javi Gracia post Wolves

Post by BGwhite »

And if you believe all that twaddle more fool you.
We got the points that's all that matters.
Let's not dress it up like we played them off the park though.
Let's face it we are not that good but things went for us today which doesn't happen to often.

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Re: Javi Gracia post Wolves

Post by andrewjohnsmith »

Mr. Boring in the press conferences

But to be honest, I love it. Better than that arrogant twat that was always tooting his own horn at press conferences. Javi downplays everything and gives full credit to his players. Plus he's Calm and Humble. Love this guy and hope he gets a long term contract with us.
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Re: Javi Gracia- How is he doing?

Post by andrewjohnsmith »

Cjay wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 6:24 pm Fair play to javi

Does what he feels he has to to win.
Switching to a back 5, taking off Gnonto, playing on the counter.

His subs and selection can be odd.

And some will moan about the lack if pressing.

But his willingness to adapt to an opponent could be vital in the run in.

And what's that, 7 points in 4 games?
Seems a lot more intelligent, flexible, and willing to make changes than the previous dickhead

Seriously. I think Javi is doing an excellent job. He's a little boring. But we need a boring guy after getting out of a chaotic relationship.

Players don't necessarily fit his style. He's bringing in a different style and you can see players are slow to adjust. But he's making positive progress and picking up points. 4 games 7 points. A 2 week break. Several players coming back (lost Adams but many more are back fit again).

Javi is doing a good job. Exactly what we need. And hope he gets a long contract.
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Re: Javi Gracia post Wolves

Post by weasel »

Was a strange performance. In the first half we were shocking in possesion and rode our luck but did get ourselves back into the game, performance wise rather than result wise with us being in front. Second half and felt it was the wrong decision to take Gnonto off, he was our real spark and the one player who didn't simply lose the ball. Despite us getting the 3rd goal straight after the substitution I felt the change of formation put us into a defensive mindset, and Wolves obviously buoyed by their 1st goal got right back into it. After Wolves second though I did feel we adapted well, helped by their red card, and looked more likely to score on the break than Wolves did.

Not really sure what to make of Javi's performance today. I feel he set us up to play counter attacking and we could have really hurt them but for our woeful passing and decision making. Probably right tactics but we just played poorly or we could have had a bucketload.
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Re: Javi Gracia- How is he doing?

Post by weasel »

I put on th press conference post - I felt his tactics were right but that we played poorly, awful passing first half and poor decision making by the players. The win was probably far more down to the manager than the players.
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Re: Javi Gracia post Wolves

Post by andrewjohnsmith »

weasel wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 7:05 pm Was a strange performance. In the first half we were shocking in possesion and rode our luck but did get ourselves back into the game, performance wise rather than result wise with us being in front. Second half and felt it was the wrong decision to take Gnonto off, he was our real spark and the one player who didn't simply lose the ball. Despite us getting the 3rd goal straight after the substitution I felt the change of formation put us into a defensive mindset, and Wolves obviously buoyed by their 1st goal got right back into it. After Wolves second though I did feel we adapted well, helped by their red card, and looked more likely to score on the break than Wolves did.

Not really sure what to make of Javi's performance today. I feel he set us up to play counter attacking and we could have really hurt them but for our woeful passing and decision making. Probably right tactics but we just played poorly or we could have had a bucketload.
Definitely something going on with Gnonto. Doesn't rate him defensively? For me, I would have had Aaronson off in that switch. But it was really notable that Javi was hugging Gnonto in the celebration after the Rasmus goal. He obviously likes him and wants to maintain his morale. But he obviously doesn't fully trust him tactically. Who are we to judge. Javi's method is working so far.
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