Wynalda on the Nowak - Kovalenko dynamic :: MLSNet

[Knave]

Dema is a more complex issue. I know this kid better than most because I sat next to him for an entire year with the Chicago Fire (he was No. 21 and I was No. 22). Peter Nowak was the best at keeping him focused for 90 minutes, which is difficult. The thing is, Peter used to be able to do it from the field because they were standing right next to each other. When Dema is next to Peter these days they are sitting on the bench, which is, in my opinion, a bad thing for United.
http://www.mlsnet.com/MLS/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20040423&content_id=785&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp

OK, so I've read that and the paragraphs that lead up to it a few times now, and I'm really very unclear about what exactly Wynalda is trying to say. Anyone care to translate?

[tmas]

No idea. I personally don't really think that article is one of Wynalda's best.

[Cantankerous]

http://www.mlsnet.com/MLS/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20040423&content_id=785&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp

OK, so I've read that and the paragraphs that lead up to it a few times now, and I'm really very unclear about what exactly Wynalda is trying to say. Anyone care to translate?
I believe he's questioning Nowak pulling Dema from last week's match. He says that Dema needs to play and stay focused. Nowak used to be on the field next to Dema to keep him focused. Now, if Dema is next to Nowak, he's on the bench, which is a bad thing.

I tend to agree. I haven't heard if Dema picked up a knock. If not, last week's substitution was a tactical one. If so, it failed, IMO.

[Knave]

I believe he's questioning Nowak pulling Dema from last week's match. He says that Dema needs to play and stay focused. Nowak used to be on the field next to Dema to keep him focused. Now, if Dema is next to Nowak, he's on the bench, which is a bad thing.
Ok, I saw all that but isn't he also saying that Dema tends to lose his focus as the game goes along, and somebody has to reign him in. Nowak used to do that on the field when they were playing for Chicago, but now at DC United Nowak isn't on the field and so has to sub Dema out when his focus fades. It's like Wynalda is saying there's some sort of impasse, or a dilemma with Dema that Nowak used to be able to resolve on the field but now ... it's different.

[sch2383]

I think he was saying that Dema needs to be on the field and Nowak was good at keeping Dema's focus when they were on the field together, but this current dynamic needs time to be worked out. I think he was also going for the fact that Esky needs to be on the field as well.

I do like the swipe he took at Guevara.

[banbaseball]

"This is a good thing: Nobody has thrown a towel in the general direction of Amado Guevara yet."

good stuff. he's getting funnier.

[tmas]

I tend to agree. I haven't heard if Dema picked up a knock. If not, last week's substitution was a tactical one. If so, it failed, IMO.

I don't think it completely failed, considering his sub, Gros, got the assist on Adu's goal and served in quite a few dangerous crosses from the left.

[Atouk]

http://www.mlsnet.com/MLS/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20040423&content_id=785&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp

OK, so I've read that and the paragraphs that lead up to it a few times now, and I'm really very unclear about what exactly Wynalda is trying to say. Anyone care to translate?I read it as:
Dema needs help keeping focused for 90 minutes and that's not an easy task.
Nowak was "the best" at doing that.
Nowak was previously able to do that while with Dema on the field with him.
Now, if Nowak has to be with Dema to keep him focused, Dema would be on United's bench.
Dema on the bench is bad for United.
Thus, Nowak needs to adapt and figure out a way to keep Dema focused from Nowak's new role (rather than prematurely taking him out).

[Cantankerous]

I don't think it completely failed, considering his sub, Gros, got the assist on Adu's goal and served in quite a few dangerous crosses from the left.
he did, but we also stopped closing down the Metros midfield as quickly, and with more time on the ball, they took over the second half.

[lkeniston]

I think you guys are being pretty generous to Wynalda here... :)

Basically, he's saying Nowak made a goof in the subbing last week & Adu's hype-media pressure circus is likely skewing Peter's judgement. I agree & think it is.

I like Freddy too, but the team & the team game has to come first. Subbing Adu in when he isn't needed is bad & won't even be good for Freddy's game.

Recommend:
- MLS & the front office get off the coach's back to play Freddy
- MLS & the front office cool on hyping Freddy
- Coach Nowak just concentrate on winning games
- Let the team exeute the coach's game plan