14 May 2026 15:50:58
EHL if you're there, I've been thinking about this and wondered your thoughts.
When I watch us play, when we have the ball there is barely any movement from players off the ball to disrupt the other team.
Do you think this is tactical from Rohl or should the players be creating more movement but they aren't carrying out directions?
Do you think there will be patterns of play within the team next season if Rohl stays? I haven't seen anything to suggest there will be.
14 May 2026 16:52:51
Blue, I will leave the undoubted expert opinion to EHL, but last night for the first time I actually saw our midfield move away from the person who had the ball, even perhaps to the extent they were trying to get beyond our forwards. In every other game our MF look to move towards the ball and aren't progressive enough.
I always thought that was down to us not having a MF who did that; sort of prime Scott Arfield. The pass was never made, granted, but that might be as the team don't expect it, so don't do it.
14 May 2026 16:56:08
Blue89, Rohl wants to play with a high defensive line and he wants the ball moved from front to back as quickly as possible - that's his ethos and we've seen nothing like it on the pitch (other than some early glimpses in short bursts).
Are we not seeing it because Butland, Djiga and Fernandez do the complete opposite? I.e. they all prefer to drop deep and are 'programmed' to keep the ball. Or is Rohl unable to implement his style due to a fundamental inability to prepare a team?
A couple of things that stand out to me are the goal we lost against United (I think), where Fernandez delays passing the ball for so long that Raskin has actually made 3 movements to receive the pass without getting it, turns his back to move up the pitch, and then Fernandez eventually passes it to a United player.
Also, against Hearts in the first half, I thought Olsen and Chermiti's movement off the ball was incredible - however I could count on one finger how many times the ball was actually played into them as we were messing about at the back.
To me, I'd be keen to see what Rohl can do with a fresh squad and a preseason - but at the same time, I think a lot of the questions and concerns are valid.
14 May 2026 17:01:49
Fair assessment, EHL. I am unsure on Rohl, but if he's to stay the leadership group needs gutted and I'd only be keeping a few current players around - Manny, Rommens, Chermiti, Naderi, while keeping Chukwuani, Barron, Sterling, Kelly as squad options.
14 May 2026 17:18:40
I'm also on the fence, Ehl.
I do think he deserves a chance with his own players and a pre season. However, that being said, with the squad we have, we shouldn't be losing like we have been recently.
14 May 2026 17:23:39
I totally agree, Ehl. Lots of faffing about at the back. Indecisiveness by Djiga. Showboating by Fernandez. Too, too slow. Chermiti's feet are very good. Excellent without the ball, too. Problem is at the back and includes Butland.
Poor with the ball at feet. Can't seem to keep it in the park while kicking upfield. I'd change Butland and give Fernandez a quiet rocket. Getting too big for his boots already.
14 May 2026 18:08:22
Think Fernandez thinks he is better than he is, thinks he is now a superstar. He's 23 if I am correct, so getting him to change should be possible, but if not, sell him as at present, going by Ehl, his current style does not suit Rohl's way of setting up.