Now that is some serious excrapolation, right there. That's what my math teacher called it when extrapolating from one or two data points.... well, OK.... that's what she should have called it!
According the Poch news conference this week, he is looking for 3 characteristics. 1. ability to perform consistently for 3 games in a week 2. Talent level (of course) 3. A drive to play. always trying to prove they deserve a callup no player should believe they are entitled
I was going to say, the criteria explain my omission, but not Scally’s. Fit, talented, driven - Scally checks all three boxes.
Scally starting for miserable last place Gladbach against Freiburg. Reyna not in the squad with an injury. ESPN+.
baby steps today, holding Freiburg to a draw and not vomiting goals all over the field. I only saw about half the game, but they may even have been the better team. Scally went 90 as usual.
Scally comes off the bench today in a friendly against Preussen Munster in the 63rd minute. Joe came on for Netz, making it seem possible he played LB. Match report says it was a back 4 and doesn't mention anything about Scally. Reyna held out nursing his injury.
1. ability to perform consistently for 3 games in a week - already proven at BL1 level 2. Talent level (of course) - an automatic starter (on both sides) in BL1, so already proven 3. A drive to play. always trying to prove they deserve a callup - so he's lacking in this dept??? It's possible that he's lacking on the 3rd score but where's the evidence. I mean, it's not possible for a guy to win a starting place at top level without constantly showing "a drive to play. always trying to prove they deserve a [place]." Why not just say that you don't fancy him, at least in comparison to the other options, and have done with it
I wonder if there is some locker room stuff with Scalley and USMNT? He has been solid for years with BMG and it seems odd he is not so involved more with the Nats. He’s not a standout to my eyes at BMG, but he is an experienced and solid pro at a high level. Our Nats are certainly not above that (yet).
Probably more an issue with Poch. What he's looking for in his defenders or maybe donuts in a golf cart.
I think a lot of him not being called up is down to Poch switching to a back 3. Scally has plenty of experience with that at club level, but in that lineup he's been played all over the place: sometimes at RCB, other times at RWB and quite a few times at LWB. That makes him versatile but also stops him from being the best in any position. Meanwhile, guys like Weah, Dest and Robinson, as well as Wes, offer quite a bit more going forward than he does. He has a lot to offer, but Poch is going down a road that may not suit him very much at this stage
Seems to me that Arfsten and Freeman have been the two guys Scally is competing with for a call up. Poch seems to like those guys, and with every camp they are gaining more experience and confidence. Personally, I think I'd have Scally on the roster, but it appears it might take an injury at this point for his inclusion.
Gladbach have five matches - four league and one cup - before the next international break. Happily, their first match is tomorrow (Friday), so we'll soon have new information to discuss. Scally is a probable starter tomorrow. Fri Oct 17 @ Union Berlin (T-10th) Sat Oct 25 v Bayern Munich (1st) Tues Oct 28 v Karlsruher (DFB Pokal - 2nd Round) Sat Nov1 @ St Pauli (T-10th) Sat Nov 8 v Köln /Cologne (6th) *** International Break *** From Bundesliga.com on tomorrow's match ... Friday 17 October Union Berlin vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach (2:30 pm Eastern) {Probable starters}: Nicolas - Scally, Diks, Elvedi, Netz - Reitz (c), Sander, Engelhardt - Neuhaus, Castrop - Tabaković Out: Chiarodia (adductor), Hack (knee), Kleindienst (knee), Ngoumou (Achilles) Doubtful: Reyna (thigh) Coach: Eugen Polanski
If we want a back three as an option, Scally's ability to be a competent backup at multiple spots should be a significant asset. Our most versatile guys in my perceived top 30 are McKennie, Weah, Scally, Pulisic, Richards, and Sands. Some of those are extremely likely to be on the World Cup roster if healthy, and the ones who aren't might really help ensure appropriate depth at all positions.
So far. That's because the sacking of Seoane was accompanied by the departure of the Sporting Director and they weren't going to appoint a long-term coach until the new Director is in place to lead the search and/or negotiations. By their standards, Gladbach have spent a decent amount of money over the last 3-4 seasons in order to become a force in BL1 again and it hasn't worked. They need to get both appointments right and now that Rouven Schroder has been recruited (from the Red Bull stable) to head the FO, Polanski is likely to be in place until the next international window.
Schröder was full of praise for Polanski but there are no timlines, guarantees etc presented to the public everybody in the club and more or less everybody outside want Polanski to manage the turnaround... he currently is more a big hope than a placeholder still Gladbach desperately need wins (we already wasted 4 of our home matches and the fifth is against Bayern) and if the wins don't come, sooner or later an experienced coach will be signed new 'head of sports' (not a translation) Schröder pointed out that defence is short staffed and will be strenghtened in winter which of course could affect Scally
Scally starts! Reyna is on the bench. Gladbach (T-17th, last) visiting Union Berlin (T-10th). Of note, Scally now has his manager's permission to shout out on the fly, "Back 3!" or "Back 4!" This will allow Scally to play RCB, RB, and RWB in the same match, depending upon how Scally is 'feeling the flow.' Should make for interesting viewing.