06 Sep 2026 11:50:36
Interesting point from McInnes about wanting ball carriers and wingers to run with the ball, not just pass backwards because they're scared to lose it. I said last year that most teams in the SPL, whilst not technically brilliant, are strong and well drilled. It's difficult to break those low block defences down if they all do their jobs right, so the only way to break them down is to either pass through them Barcelona of old or to drag them out of position and free up space for others.
That's exactly what gassa has been doing, going past defenders (think how many have been trying to pull him back over the last few games) and this pulls other defenders out of position and creates space and allows us to create more chances. This is a very positive move by McInnes and is something that's been lacking in recent years (think of the wingers we've been playing high up the pitch and glued to the touchline, with fullbacks unable to overlap them). Positive signs but early days
06 Sep 2026 12:36:48
Yip, I posted during preseason that we'd see a different Gassama under DM as he has no interest in ball retention.
He wants his attacking players to take risks in the final 3rd.
What I will say is that recoaching players who have had ball retention drilled into them isn't easy, so I suspect there is a lot more to come from Gassama and the rest of our attackers.
It's also what he's doing with Drago, who I have seen many question his lack of minutes. He's working hard with him to help him understand the demands of playing in a midfield 2 vs midfield 3.
There's a lot more to come from this side.
06 Sep 2026 12:38:31
I wonder if we will try sign James McPake next summer btw.
06 Sep 2026 12:38:58
Josh* (my CTE) Sorty, lads.
06 Sep 2026 12:42:14
Excellent post and excellent from McInnes wanting to play direct and, dare I say, exciting football. I know it's been a slow start, but we are getting better each game as the players understand more of what he's wanting to do.
06 Sep 2026 12:52:34
That's what it's all about now, Dado, players understanding their teammates far better, will only improve more going forward.
06 Sep 2026 13:06:34
I think having Penrice behind Gassama has helped him immensely, but he does have to have more end product. We need more than cutting inside onto his right foot and having a wild shot every time. I actually thought Curtis and Penrice were really good together on the left yesterday when Gassama went off, good combinations and decent delivery at the end of it.
06 Sep 2026 13:40:37
Love to see players grow under a different manager, although he's not a household name, I think McInnes has something about him that players will want to do well for him.
06 Sep 2026 16:09:24
It's his biggest strength imo, Boy blue.
06 Sep 2026 18:21:06
Wslgers4ever, Gassama, by taking on his opponents and weaving past 2 or 3, creates space for others, my friend, so nothing aimless for me as this is surely what we want him to do on the left wing. 🤔 He's proved several times when he first came to us he's more than capable of cutting inside, beating opposition players and scoring, and for me is starting to get back to that under McInnes.
👍 Our manager gives him the instructions to do that instead of getting the ball and passing back. 🤔 🇬🇧 He's playing well under McInnes. 👌