So, what do you think of Sigi's off-season efforts at this point? Yes, yes, the proof really won't come until a few games into the season, but I'm anxious to hear what the Sigi detractors / Sigi supporters have to say at this point. I'm pretty excited about the new blood. Herzog brings experience and the New Kidz bring a badly needed energy into the mix. I think Sigi is doing a good job thus far. What do you think??? Topper
Performance Too early to tell yet. But the youngins are looking great thus far. the acquistion of 1 or both of those brazilians would be awesome. Herzog one assist does not an MVP make, he is the definite X factor though. If he can perform well this could be interesting. The additions are all very positive, but I am still interested in what the subtractions will be.. as we are carrying 24 players now, who will be the final 6 to get cut. This is the question of the day.
It's still too too early to tell. But, pre-season is for the coaches as much as it is for the players: gaging players and combinations, planning season long development of game plans, coming up w/ plans B, C, D, etc. I'd say that it seems that Sigi is off to a better start. Sigi was NOT the man for 2003 G's. He may or may not be the man for '04. We shall see...
Definitely agree that Herzog is the X. If he can control the middle like we're hoping, and help mentor the future (seems like Grabavoy has leapfrogged Memo) then I think they've assembled the talent in front and behind to make it all click. And if it doesn't- then let the fat man's head roll..... Also, I thought we got 18 plus 6 developmental slots (T.I. and P-40) for a total of 24 on the roster. I know that Memo, Grabavoy and Ngwenya take up three of those six spots. So are we actually over the roster right now- or do we only need to cut a couple guys to make space for the Brazilians...
No one can argue that changes weren't needed, I just hope Sigi hasn't made too many changes and it takes until mid-season before everyone is on the same page.
At this point I remain guardedly optimistic. For the most part it appears that essentially there are only 2 changes in the starting 11 compared to last year. On the one hand Herzog and Kirovski should be significant upgrades over Elliott and Moreno. I also suspect that Torres will see more playing time and a couple of the rookies may contribute as well. However, on the other hand, I am not sure enough was done to strengthen the glaring weakness on the field. That being the play of the mid-field, where the Galaxy were outplayed almost weekly. I also have not seen any indication that Sigi is any less infatuated with the extremely limited Victorine, who once again appears to be an automatic fixture in the starting 11. But all in all we should once again be solid defensively and should be able to score more goals than last season.
I was an outspoken detractor of Sigi, but once the man in the big chair said he's to get another chance, there was no use wasting more energy on the topic. I hope Sigi proves that last year was his low and we're back on track again...I really do. We can only do better this year, right? No road wins...that should be a priority from day one to get that monkey off our backs, that and making Vic Street a miserable stop for visiting teams. Preseason doesn't really impress me either way, be it successful or not. I'm ready to give Sigi a reasonable chance to show that he is the man for the job (I'll even look past the first few games which could be a bit chaotic and possibly not encouraging), but if players underperform routinely and don't get benched, or we fall into playing that tepid 2003 style of bore ball, mutiny is the only option.