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Breidablik look a well-coached side more so than another level in terms of ability of physicality. They have their drilled patterns of play that keep finding space for themselves in dangerous spots, know how to press etc. Rovers will need to wake up sharpish.
They dont look like coughing up too much even if Rovers were on song. Ball over the top to Gaffney is the only possibility on that 45 and they will be wise to that now. Didnt like how static Rovers were for that last free, some arguing between players and then a cross field punt shadowed out for a throw in. Bit bleak so far, but a rollicking at HT, move the ball a bit quicker, use Byrne as a bit of a decoy as he looks to be the only one really wanting the ball, try and break the high press. Breidablik already lookig the fitter side and covering a lot of ground again maybe late on they could run out of steam and Rovers can have a go but.....
Why is anyone surprised, this is the typical abysmal performance that Rovers dish out annually only this season they have managed to hit a new low if that was even possible. But the usual suspects will deflect and pretend these lads Rovers are playing are good (they really aren't, there's a reason they have to go through pre qualifying) and claim its okay if Rovers embarrass themselves year in year out in Europe because they've won the cup and league again, absolutely no ambition and absolutely no ability to deal with adversity, happy to just win a league and cup every year that they ought to be winning given how big a club they are and the amount of resources they have but as soon they play in Europe and they actually have to dig deep they get exposed. Lets be honest, who's surprised Rovers havent shown up tonight? The only surprise for me is just how bad they actually have been.
And Rovers as per usual look the exact opposite.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack B
When you think Rovers are normally very strong at home, that was a battering. Could have been 2 or 3 down at H/T. Good side Breidablik but confirmation that this Rovers team is in decline.
Good point actually. I mean, everyone will have a home advantage but Rovers looked very poor in Bulgaria and Hungary last year, but then won at home (albeit dead legs). Ditto two points at home in the groups but nothing away from home. Fairly big difference between home and away formQuote:
Originally Posted by ger121
Big 45 coming up here.
VAR in effect here apparently?
First time at an LoI ground? Not sure how that'd work at some of the smaller grounds you see in Europe?
Game in Malta is currently suspended - Hamrun Spartans v Maccabi Haifa. Israelis throwing flares about and have burned the pitch and some of the seats I think. They'd 2-0 up but would probably lose 3-0 if it's abandoned
Edit - back underway after a delay of I think 40 minutes or so
We hear a lot about Rovers' superior training facilities and conditioning, and yet they are getting outmuscled all over the pitch here.
Rovers much better this half though without really threatening.
Breidablik seem to be tiring
25 minutes into the 2nd half and we are starting to see that these Icelanders aren't actually that great and Rovers just made them look great like they usually do.
I see Klasvik drawing 0-0 against Ferencvaros with not long left to go. They could be no pushover either in the ECL.
Ballkani 2 up on Ludogorets.
It never ceases to amaze me just how bad Rovers are in Europe and that Kavanagh shot just sums them up, how is it possible to put a shot that far wide?
The losers to play the losers of Rovers v Breidablik in the Europa League of courseQuote:
Originally Posted by ger121
Whoops, another terrible loi result in Europe!
Europa Conference League. They won’t have that parachute if they don’t go through in this tie.Quote:
Originally Posted by pineapple stu
Well that's fantastic, hopefully the Iceland lads finish the job next week
Entertaining second half but Rovers just dont seem to have real leaders on the team. Still doable though
Well all do a bit of Rovers bashing but I think youve made your point - you are not impressed and not surprised, just totally amazed....Quote:
Originally Posted by CSAD
How can you have a side as ancient as this and not have leaders!Quote:
Originally Posted by pateen
But but but they'll win the FAI cup, who cares that they lost at home to a bunch of part timers who made them look like a pub side.
I'll ignore the troll, but that was really poor, hard to see us getting out of this they could have scored a couple more. Farrugia back next week and a fitter jack might make a difference....there's hope. I suppose
Disappointing, but not totally surprising either. Rovers, and the prem division have been below par this year.
Thats true and the fact we are top while playing awful for long spells shows it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Philosophizer
Bizarre talking point here on RTE that Rovers are struggling in Europe cause they're not getting competitive football week in, week out. You'd think they were miles clear in the league this season.
Yes because Rovers have looked brilliant in Europe all the previous season.Quote:
Originally Posted by sbgawa
That was an embarrassing display for the league.
When we were winning leagues pulling up, we were well able to compete in EuropeQuote:
Originally Posted by RealJohn91
Exactly, likewise with Michael O’Neill. The difference being Bradley is just a poor manager.Quote:
Originally Posted by dundalkfc10
Think it's cited as a reason Spanish clubs win so many Euro club finals - decent sides but there's not as much strength in depth in La Liga as in England/Germany in particular, so they haven't had as hard a season, so have that bit extra left in the tank come May
It really was. The part timers were the better team. I wonder did they just take their foot off the pedal once they got ahead? After the 1st half it looked like it could be a cricket score.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kiki Balboa
Look if you score first then it is game on. That home performance in the 1st half was like an away performance last season.Quote:
Originally Posted by sbgawa
If Rovers want to progress in Europe yearly they need to rebuild that team by spending a few quid and bringing the cream of this famous academy through. Otherwise, you’ll just be like how Linfield were for years. Happy to do well domestically and pocket the money from winning the league but bang average in Europe.
I'd say there's truth in that. While the longer winter break means they're a bit fresher when they get to the "business end" of Europe i.e. the knockout stages from February onwards. Last season notwithstanding, Real Madrid certainly seem to come alive in the second half of theirQuote:
Originally Posted by pineapple stu
European campaigns, by which time if La Liga isn't already won, it's usually only another 2 or 3 games vs Barca or Atletico which will decide.
Meanwhile, other decent sides like Sevilla and Villareal know they're never going to challenge for the league title, so don't even try. Meaning they have become European specialists, with Coaches to match, such as Emery or Lopetegui.
But even then, I wonder whether this might be coming to an end, seeing as those two have moved to the EPL, and not for Top Six clubs either?
Interesting results tonight:
Klaksvik 0 - 0 Ferencvaros
Ballkani 2 - 0 Ludogorets Razgrad
Well very clear after tonight that this Rovers side needs to broken up….. as the team has gone ‘flat’ and new blood needed to bring back energy…. So despite us not being anywhere near our levels of last few seasons , I expect we’ll just about retain the league …. And then Bradley needs to make some major changes to the squad…. A difficult task but doable….
people will laugh but derry will have a tough tie over there. its very hard to get a result in faroes, wouldnt surprise me at all if they lost.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kiki Balboa
All good teams have their time. You’ll probably win the league but then time for a major rebuild.Quote:
Originally Posted by Calcio Jack
Just rewatching the goal and its a good strike but its nearly in the middle of the goal,Pohls not up to the level at all....
Back from Tallaght. Rovers are a predictable side at this point and they were well read by their opponents tonight. Very stale. We haven't really seen Breidablik under big pressure though.
Brdaley hanst really shown that he can build a side in a transfer window or 2, he a long term project man. Its not a total rebuild of course but I think you are right though, Rovers have seemed stale this season.Quote:
Originally Posted by Calcio Jack
What is the story with Graham Burke? Surely he should be one the 1st names on the Rovers team sheet. Why does he seem to be on the bench as much as he starts games?