6 weeks on from the first match of the season and things are looking quite good. I know ICT aren't a severe test but some of the football last night was excellent. I like the looks of Emilio, Big Danny, Juarrez, Ledley and Hooper. On top of that the others, excluding Glenda, all played well last night.
I think I can see why Lennon is sticking with Loovens. A settled central defence is key to a winning team. Lennon thinks that Loovens has something (what?) and just needs the confidence that comes from winning and losing few goals. I think he is right as far as the SPL is concerned.
I had a great seat last night in the front row of the Upper Main Stand and could watch Lennon going mental at Loovens, and turning to Mjallby as if to say "get this sorted". I think the fact that he didn't bring Rogne on for the last 15 minutes is all about building Loovens' confidence.
Danny was a good captain last night, shouting, bullying and organising. It's a real pity that Brown was given the captaincy by Lennon; a hasty decision for 2 reasons. One, it makes it hard to drop Brown (the football is better when he isn't playing) and two, he isn't captain material.
Come on Juventas, you know you need Brown.
I saw the Hearts game and enjoyed it. It's good to see some decent football after a few years of pretty sterile fare. Not the finished article and the real tests lie ahead of them but at least it's entertaining football. BTW Nils Lofgrin is playing Glasgow: http://www.glasgowconcerthalls.com/whatson/event/101221-Nils-Lofgren-Acoustic-Duo
ReplyDeleteI agree with nearly all Diggy's comments especially around Loovens - he's bombscare material but keeping a partnership in central defence is key and for the most part he'll get away with it in central defence. Although I'm not a Brown fan and would definitely take the money given a reasonable offer I think he has been reasonable this season and as with Loovens I can see Lennon's thinking. By giving him the captaincy I think he's looking to channel his aggression and take on a bit more responsibility. Time will tell but for the moment I'm happy to go along with it.
ReplyDeleteI think Lennon is well on his way to establishing some early goals - getting rid of some deadwood, signing his own players and starting the process of gelling them. As a bonus he's doing this with some attractive football, in my view the best since about the 2003/4 era. His next big test for me is winning a match that really matters - so far he hasn't managed this and the next big test for this is beating Rangers on 24th October.