First of all, let me define Europa League syndrome as a condition afecting teams who aren't used to European Football, following a successful season. You can take Everton 14/15 as an example.
Southampton's defensive fortress was one of their main strenghts last year. Furthermore, they relied a lot on the offensive threat brought by their full backs (Clyne and Bertrand). The first one is gone and the second is injured. Add to that the departure of Alderweireld and Schneiderlin and you can get an idea on why they are struggling in this season's start.
If they qualify to the Europa League, I think they have a rough season ahead of them. That said, I think their squad is still pretty decent but not enough for the amount of games they'll face.
From a trading perspective, they are a very interesting to follow this season for the aformentioned reasons!
So, what do you think? will they be up for the task?
Southampton - the next victim of Europa League syndrome?
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Elcapitan10
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Thu Aug 20, 2015 1:55 pm
Ahah, I really know how to make an entrance... 
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Elcapitan10
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Thu Aug 20, 2015 1:55 pm
Could only watch 10/20 minutes of the match yesterday, but I would guess deploying Yoshida (CB) at the right-back position didn't help Southampton's offensive dynamic.
Also, in Midtjylland goal, if you pause the action when the ball is on the left and the player crosses, you will spot a massive hole in front of Southampton's defense (Schneiderlin missing?). Midtjylland crossed instead of picking the unmarked player but the ball eventually gets there after Fonte's clearence.
Still, I hope my first topic in this forum continues to make sense after the second leg!
Also, in Midtjylland goal, if you pause the action when the ball is on the left and the player crosses, you will spot a massive hole in front of Southampton's defense (Schneiderlin missing?). Midtjylland crossed instead of picking the unmarked player but the ball eventually gets there after Fonte's clearence.
Still, I hope my first topic in this forum continues to make sense after the second leg!
That's exactly how I read that goal last night.Elcapitan10 wrote:Also, in Midtjylland goal, if you pause the action when the ball is on the left and the player crosses, you will spot a massive hole in front of Southampton's defense (Schneiderlin missing?).
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Elcapitan10
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Thu Aug 20, 2015 1:55 pm
I didn't watch today's game but the starting lineup puzzled me when it was announced, as Southampton played with 7 defensive minded players.
It also rang a bell, so I'll share a story: 10 years ago Koeman was managing my club (Benfica) and we played against Lille for the Champions League. He fielded the following team: Quim; Alcides, Anderson, Luisão, Ricardo Rocha; Nelson, Petit, Beto, Leo; Miccoli and Nuno Gomes. You probably are not familiar with the players so: the defense was composed by 4 central defenders; Nelson and Leo are full-backs and they played on the midfield; Beto and Petit are two pure defensive midfielders. Finally Nuno Gomes and Miccoli are two strikers.
Our build-up play was hilarious and as you may guess the match ended 0-0. Was it similar today for Southampton?
It also rang a bell, so I'll share a story: 10 years ago Koeman was managing my club (Benfica) and we played against Lille for the Champions League. He fielded the following team: Quim; Alcides, Anderson, Luisão, Ricardo Rocha; Nelson, Petit, Beto, Leo; Miccoli and Nuno Gomes. You probably are not familiar with the players so: the defense was composed by 4 central defenders; Nelson and Leo are full-backs and they played on the midfield; Beto and Petit are two pure defensive midfielders. Finally Nuno Gomes and Miccoli are two strikers.
Our build-up play was hilarious and as you may guess the match ended 0-0. Was it similar today for Southampton?