He had an injury after that right? But he's been fit for a few matches I think so that's hardly to blame. Oddly there's been very few questions asked of Rafael in the press and such, he just generally gets listed in those "X players to allowed to leave by Manager Y".
I thought Rafael was still hurt? Maybe he isn't playing because we have one fit enough to start at LB.
Was fit and on the bench for both Villa and Everton, yet can't even get on the pitch as a late substitution.
so LvG said he is using the 352 because he doesn't have fit fullbacks. Rafael is fit, so presumably it is because Shaw, Rojo and Blind all fell apart at the same time. He also said he's not sure what Di maria's best position is. That seems silly. Di Maria's best position is as a midfielder.
What do you all make of Evans? I personally feel that he hasn't really done enough this season. He's not young anymore and relying on him to stay fit and perform consistently is probably asking too much.
I actually think he has been fine so far this season. He might be able to thrive more if partnered with a more capable and senior center back.
The thing that pisses me off is the fact that I don't see why Rafael can't be tried as RWB? He's quick enough to get back and forward, he's better defensively than Valencia and honestly half the time better offensively, can put in a good cross, 2 footed, can cut inside and shoot etc etc. If anything he's more of a RWB than a RB, since really when are Brazilian fullbacks not? If anything Fabio would have been perfect (assuming he'd not had all the injuries and was developing) except for the fact than LvG wouldn't have played him because he's anal about left footedness.
Apparently we are one of only two clubs not training today. Cue a sluggish start and conceding an early goal or three.
Correct. Despite his injuries he still has 250 odd senior appearances. If he cannot transition from promising youth to established senior player then he needs to be flipped to a lesser club. Central defence is not an area we can afford to dick about with particularly given our myriad of issues there. If Evans cannot cope then he can ******** off.
Finally a direct mention of Rafa! And perhaps something pretty reasonable from LvG that hopefully hints that we will soon return to a back four "Yeah, but as wing-backs and not as full-backs," the manager replied when asked how pleased he has been with Young and Valencia. "Now I am more or less obliged to play with wing-backs because the real full-backs, Shaw and Rafael da Silva, were not fit enough and that is not good. I have to select what I want but now I am forced to select. For a manager, that is not so good."
and yes no training today. van Gaal wants the players to spend time with family and friends. nothing wrong with that
Also to add one other thing that I have to respect LvG more is that he's been physically forcing players to acknowledge and care about the fans that turn up to trainings and matches etc. Story is that he got Falcao off the team bus to sign some autographs after training. He should make Rooney do kids birthday parties and school show and tells too with how much he's being paid
I think it's a good compromise with a lot of the foreign talent we've brought in, obviously they have to suck it up and deal with there not being a winter break but one key day is nice, especially for players with young children. De Gea nicely put it that the Christmas period matches are to acknowledge the fans who have been working all year and to let them enjoy some exciting football at the end of the year. Which tbh it really is, I love this period myself.
The players should be keeping fit instead of a long day stuffing their faces with food and booze. I'm looking at you Wayne you fat ********.
Players won't be unfit, but I do wonder about their minds. A lot of preparation goes in during walk-throughs. Other side of the coin, it could (hopefully) be a warm break, mentally.