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Do you think that Cork's progression in the UEFA Cup might distract them from the League???
Or will it give you guys a timely boost???
I think this could be Derry's opportunity to close the gap, what with another 2 big games (at least), Injuries and fatigue.......................mmmm, C'mon Cork (in Europe) :D
You'll tell a lot by how many turn up for the Harps game on Monday and how the players get back into domestic football.Quote:
Originally Posted by Krstic
What I'd really like is for there to be less than three points in it come the final day of the season (and for Derry to win the league in Turner's Cross on the last day of the season - which, now that I think of it, is a bit like what Linfield did in Tolka!)
While of course I hope Derry close the gap (and eventually overtake Cork), I don't want the European run to be cause of it (or even be seen to be the cause of it).
Success in Europe is where the success of the whole league will ultimately lie. I wouldn't want teams such as Cork to say "we won't try too hard against the big boys in Europe because we're afraid it will harm our league form".
[SIZE=1]BTW - I'm in Shannon Airport using their exceptionally useful free wireless internet access. Isn't technology wondeful![/SIZE]
Well our Euro run last year ultimimately cost us the league as it took long for us to recover from it and get back down to earth, and learn to play the "usual" teams again.
I am worried about this happeneing again, though Rico seems to be far more thorough in his approach to games after Europe.
The League is, and must remain, City's primary focus for this season.
btw, I'm really glad that Derry will qualify for Europe. I think Kenny will have learnt from his past, and will have the team properly prepared and their approach to be right for their games next season.
Europe defintely takes a lot out of teams, it hurt shels but its defintely worth it in the medium to long term. I dont think Cork will lose the league this season but I dont know how they will fair next season in the CL qualifiers.
AAAAAHHHHHH stop it stop it stop it, we haven't qualified for anything yet and I hate to count chickens and all that :eek:Quote:
Originally Posted by patsh
I have been really impressed by the Rico treats each game individually & this does seem to have been taken on by the players a lot.
European games do tire the players though with so many 'big' games back to back both physically & mentally. We will need to rotate the squad a bit when we are winning games & in control.
Definite opportunity for Derry to put pressure on us.
I think everyone is just too aware of the situation to let the European thing affect their performances too much. On a positive front confidence which took a shaking in Derry stands solid again. Another point worth noting is that competition for places is a real factor in the players minds. Anyone putting in a less than commited performance may not get to play in Europe. Richardson has shown no fear when it comes to benching players or in not re-instating people after suspensions/ injuries etc. Not playing O' Callaghan from the start at Derry is the type of message that players understand. If you are in and playing, bloody well do your best because there is no garauntee you will remain so. In this way the desire to play and win in these European glamour ties could assist in City in winning the league. The games are not disconnnected.
In a word : no