Thank God that is over. That Dundalk side may be good domestically but if they want to progress in Europe again, this Peak 6 crowd need to invest a few quid in bringing in players.
I didn't see the game, but was surprised that Kenny didn't really rest anyone Sunday. Did it look like that had an impact at all? 3 games in a week with the 3rd being in this heat at this level is a lot to ask of players.
Considering the depth of his squad that did seen like a bizarre decision ,
Didn't seem to have an impact to be honest as all the damage was done in the 1st 20 minutes when they should have been at their freshest.
It was just a collective ****-show. Larnaca played well in the 1st half in fairness, put together some nice passes, but only had 3 clear chances in the 1st half but they took them all. Most of the dundalk lads had awful nights. Hoare, cleary, Rogers, Benson, Duffy, Conolly were all having shockers. McGrath and shields were the only 2 who performed imo.
What a thoroughly abject performance. A back to square one moment. Dundalk made their exploits in 2016 look like a strange anomaly, rather than it being a launchpad for better things. Been watching LOI in Europe since 1998, and tonight there was no difference in this 4-0 defeat than any other tanking in the past. Looked absolutely light years away from Europe this evening. Crushingly disappointing. They would have lost anyway if it was a soft wet Irish day. Heat can only be so much of a factor.
This is the type of post that is posted when dalk fans are called out on their arrogance and put downs of City. Why not call out dalk fans on their bs. If harps are ever in this position with this kind of rivalry you might understand.
Call it paranoia/envy or whatever, but from a City point of view, Dundalk are put on a pedestal but City rarely get credit. This is down to the contrasting styles IMO. I have often been critical of JC's approach against weaker LOI opposition, but one good season in Europe does not make Dundalk European aristocrats where their way is the only way.
A lot of people criticised our approach to the Legia tie, and claimed they were there for the taking. They are still a fine side despite dundalk fans claiming they have disimproved and opening up against technically superior opposition can be suicide. We still created 3 excellent opportunities at home and if one of them goes in it's a completely different ball game and narrative on here.
This. Both sides, and any other side competing in Europe need to invest in finishing coaches. I watched the Dundalk match with a British Man U fan, and he said Dundalk had to score the limited chances they had. Same for Cork. Both sides go limp in attack at the crucial moment, buckling psychologically under pressure. The Rovers player that missed an absolute sitter against Stockholm that would have won them the tie, as another example.
As for the Cork/Dundalk saga. On the basis of both sides hammerings, it now looks like a battle to avoid being the most shoyt.
Lads the whole world isn't out to get ye, much as the chip on your shoulder, as mentioned previously, seems to think it is. Ye are getting as bad as scousers at this stage. Good luck and all the best against Rosenborg.
As to ourselves today, worst we've played in Europe since BATE or Levski back in the day. Incredibly disappointing and frustrating as simple errors and lapses in concentration creeped into our play, the bane of LOI teams in Europe over the years. Seemed as well a lot of them were either coasting or out on their feet from the get go. SK doesn't rotate much generally but even though was said at the weekend, with hindsight could well have done with resting 2 or 3 players for today. No complaints and the better team over the 2 legs went through.
On the bright side we looked much more coherent and a threat going forward when Fats came on second half, not too many covered themselves in glory today but that's the exception to the rule given the level of performance over the last few years. Disappointing but on to focusing on the league and hopefully we can win it and get the handier route when we do this all again next summer!
It does highlight also the luck of the draw aspect.
Dundalk were seeded in both rounds and got the exact same draw as we got unseeded last year.
We got some of the toughest draws in Legia and Rosenborg. Rovers and Derry both got difficult draws too.
Tough year in terms of draws for the league overall.
TNS going through by the looks of it. 3-2 on aggregate, 1-1 on the night against Lincoln Red Imps.
Which of TNS and Lincoln was seeded?
So I come in from watching an abject performance to see Cork supporters arguing with anyone that Dundalk aren’t as good as people say they are.
We were woeful tonight, no balance in midfield and a terrible performance from Hoare at right back. You couldn’t even blame the heat or a dodgy decision. Larnaca didn’t really have to do too much today to win. It’s very disappointing as I thought we had a great chance to go through.
These ties highlight the almost impossible task of a team from Ireland (or any small league) now making the group stages. The only viable chance now is for the league winners to be seeded in the champions league first round qualifier and to take the breaks and maybe get into the Europa league.
It’s very disappointing tonight but we need to focus and regain the title for a chance to make a decent impression in Europe.
Progres through and play the winners of Domzale/Ufa. Goes to show what a decent draw,followed up by a decent performance can do. They’ll be eying up a play-off spot. Our teams haven’t being punching above their weight the last couple of years, since Cork beat Hacken and Dundalk beat BATE.
Bad day at the office from us tonight, no question. There was no lack of effort from the team but certain players weren't up to their usual standards, most notably Seán Hoare. The important thing now is to focus on winning the league; we stand a great chance of being seeded. in the Champions' League next year if we do.
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