Arena: "I don't know the first 11"

[cpwilson80]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=370179&cc=5901

[Beech]

Good for him. Keep the boys hungry and fighting, keep the opponents guessing.

[TimB4Last]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=370179&cc=5901

Is he looking for advice and suggestions? If so, just steer him our way. I'm sure most BS posters would be only too happy to help.

[Hed7181]

Good for him. Keep the boys hungry and fighting, keep the opponents guessing.

I think I disagree. At this point in the game, I feel at least the players should know who's starting on June 12th. It allows them to prepare and possibly get some exclusive practice time with their fellow starters. Sure, I see the whole competition aspect, but the uncertainty can also take it's toll, i.e. Beasley.

This is almost getting ridiculous. I love the guy, but he's had a full month now to look at the players. If he hasn't made up his mind yet, what does he need?

(This stupid tournament just needs to start. It's not good for my health)

[seeds]

I think I disagree. At this point in the game, I feel at least the players should know who's starting on June 12th. It allows them to prepare and possibly get some exclusive practice time with their fellow starters. Sure, I see the whole competition aspect, but the uncertainty can also take it's toll, i.e. Beasley.

This is almost getting ridiculous. I love the guy, but he's had a full month now to look at the players. If he hasn't made up his mind yet, what does he need?

(This stupid tournament just needs to start. It's not good for my health)

I think I disagree with your disagreement. First, Beazer's comments were taking out of confidence yesterday. His clip on Studio 90 pretty much shows that he answered honestly (I would rather know my status, but that's how Bruce runs things so we just deal) and that any "irritation" was mild at best.

Second, Bruce used a lot of players last time around, and he may have to again. Injuries and suspensions happen, and we'll need fresh legs in this group. Bruce wants all 23 players thinking they may start or be subbed in at any time, so the whole group is mentally ready if they get the tap on the shoulder.

Staying flexible and focused as a group. It's a good approach. If we don't do well it won't be because our first 11 (as if we really have one) didn't spend 2 or 3 more training sessions pretending JOB was Pavel Nedved.

[giffenbone]

I think I disagree with your disagreement. First, Beazer's comments were taking out of confidence yesterday. His clip on Studio 90 pretty much shows that he answered honestly (I would rather know my status, but that's how Bruce runs things so we just deal) and that any "irritation" was mild at best.

Second, Bruce used a lot of players last time around, and he may have to again. Injuries and suspensions happen, and we'll need fresh legs in this group. Bruce wants all 23 players thinking they may start or be subbed in at any time, so the whole group is mentally ready if they get the tap on the shoulder.

Staying flexible and focused as a group. It's a good approach. If we don't do well it won't be because our first 11 (as if we really have one) didn't spend 2 or 3 more training sessions pretending JOB was Pavel Nedved.


I agree with your disagreement to the other guys disagreement :D

[dcole]

What did Arena mean by "We're playing with 15 players"?

Does that mean he has narrowed his possible starters down to 15 guys, or what?

[scoonie45]

mine as well start the first 11 projections--I cant find another thread with them (though please feel free to point out where they are if I'm wrong). Anyway, I'm going with the assumption that O'Brien is not healthy, so:

Keller
Dolo Gooch Lewis
Mastroeni
Dempsey Reyna Beaser
Golden Boy
McBride Johnson


Reasoning: Obviously this is a shot in the dark (it's only fun that way). I think Pablo and DaMarcus provide the defensive cover necessary to allow a three-man back. I just think he has to put Dempsey in there: young, fearless, and he'll keep his temper in check when he needs to. Besides, he's one of the only American players that can really go at someone effectively.

[Davids26]

mine as well start the first 11 projections--I cant find another thread with them (though please feel free to point out where they are if I'm wrong). Anyway, I'm going with the assumption that O'Brien is not healthy, so:

Keller
Dolo Gooch Lewis
Mastroeni
Dempsey Reyna Beaser
Golden Boy
McBride Johnson


Reasoning: Obviously this is a shot in the dark (it's only fun that way). I think Pablo and DaMarcus provide the defensive cover necessary to allow a three-man back. I just think he has to put Dempsey in there: young, fearless, and he'll keep his temper in check when he needs to. Besides, he's one of the only American players that can really go at someone effectively.

Playing with Dolo and Lewis both in a 3-man backline is stupid as hell.

[scoonie45]

Playing with Dolo and Lewis both in a 3-man backline is stupid as hell.

Starting two 19 year-olds against Portugal was stupid as well. Obviously, I'm not saying this is the lineup he goes with. I'm looking at it from this perspective: I think the Gibbs injury hurts more than people realize, because I really dont think Pope can play 90 minutes in the world cup. he's not as bad as Agoos was, but he's at least a step too slow. So, no Gibbs, and in my opinion, no Pope. Berhalter doesn't have a chance. So, we're left with Albright and Conrad. I'd rather Mastro plays as a quasi-defender, with Beasely providing cover on the left, and Reyna playing in a deeper role. Your thoughts?

[Chowderhead]

Keller
Dolo Gooch Lewis
Mastroeni
Dempsey Reyna Beaser
Golden Boy
McBride Johnson




No way. You need another central defender.

[appoo]

I think I disagree. At this point in the game, I feel at least the players should know who's starting on June 12th. It allows them to prepare and possibly get some exclusive practice time with their fellow starters. Sure, I see the whole competition aspect, but the uncertainty can also take it's toll, i.e. Beasley.

This is almost getting ridiculous. I love the guy, but he's had a full month now to look at the players. If he hasn't made up his mind yet, what does he need?

(This stupid tournament just needs to start. It's not good for my health)


he did the same 4 years ago

[scoonie45]

No way. You need another central defender.

Fine. Who?

[GoDC]

Fine. Who?

Agoos

[MtMike]

What did Arena mean by "We're playing with 15 players"?

Does that mean he has narrowed his possible starters down to 15 guys, or what?

It's the only way we could beat Angola

[VOwithwater1]

Good for him. Keep the boys hungry and fighting, keep the opponents guessing.

I think he doesn't know who is going to be healthy when the first game starts that has to be part of it.

O'Briean and Reyna are question marks aren't they? To fill in other players in their spots will change who is playing in other spots.

I think Beasily status and Johnson status is also not set. So other players might have to fill in their spots which could mean other changes in other spots.

I guess he will decide at the last minute which could have an effect of other players pushing themselves in practice to help Arena make those decisions.

So I don't think Arena is lying.

[JRstriker12]

What did Arena mean by "We're playing with 15 players"?

Does that mean he has narrowed his possible starters down to 15 guys, or what?

He meant it was just a practice match - 11 on the field and 4 subs.

[VOwithwater1]

mine as well start the first 11 projections--I cant find another thread with them (though please feel free to point out where they are if I'm wrong). Anyway, I'm going with the assumption that O'Brien is not healthy, so:

Keller
Dolo Gooch Lewis
Mastroeni
Dempsey Reyna Beaser
Golden Boy
McBride Johnson


Reasoning: Obviously this is a shot in the dark (it's only fun that way). I think Pablo and DaMarcus provide the defensive cover necessary to allow a three-man back. I just think he has to put Dempsey in there: young, fearless, and he'll keep his temper in check when he needs to. Besides, he's one of the only American players that can really go at someone effectively.


Three backs again don't post that anymore it is not going to happen.

[Bonz]

What did Arena mean by "We're playing with 15 players"?

Does that mean he has narrowed his possible starters down to 15 guys, or what?

I think it's about getting multiple guys ready for multiple roles. Arena likes versatility, and though we here on BS are trying to pin down a (single) starting 11 that will remain fairly consistent throughout the three first round games, my guess is that Arena doesn't see it that way. He seems unconcerned with the supposed importance of settling on a starting 11.

Given all that, here's one possible interpretation: Arena expects at least 15 different players to start one of the three opening round games. Injuries and suspensions are obviously a factor, but even if we assume everyone is fit and available, I think we will see changes in the starting 11 from game to game.

[m vann]

You guys are kidding yourself if you believe Arena doesn't know his starting XI for the CR. Arena ALWAYS says what the media wants him to say and he ALWAYS lays one card down at a time. It keeps the media guessing. The players I'm sure have some sort of clue but probably are instructed very strictly about not tipping the hand. Take yesterday for instance, he and USSF played in the warm-up tops to avoid Angola knowing which players were who. That's a clear sign he's not budging for anyone. He knows who'll be out there. He's one if not the most prepared manager in the Cup and knows our team and our group backward, forward,, sideways, upside down, inside-out, you name it, he knows it.