Larsson's Overview
As I watched over the training, I had a pretty good idea of what my first team would be. I look at the two training teams, and start running through a series of tactics that would be suitable. In the end, I settled with this;
A back line of
Goalkeeper
Craig Gordon
Right Wing Back (Defend)
Mikael Lustig
Limited Defender (Cover)
Dedryck Boyata
Ball-Playing Defender (Stopper)
Charlie Mulgrew
Left Full Back (Attack)
Emilio Izaguirre
I chuckle to myself as I realise that the best thing to do would probably be to let Efe Ambrose go. He's too prone to mistake, and provides nothing that Jozo Simunovic already doesn't. Tyler Blackett may aswell be sent back to Manchester, because I have no plans on developing another club's players for them.
-------------------------------------------
A Midfield trio of...
Ball-Winning Midfielder (Defend)
Scott Brown
Box-to-Box Midfielder (Support)
Stefan Johansen
Advanced Playmaker (Support)
Nir Bitton
I'm content with the midfield as it stands just now, although depending on interest shown, I may get rid of Ronny's golden boy, Johansen. He's a good player, but doesn't quite fit the system. I'll offer him out for 5 or 6 million, but He'll do for now. As back up, we have Scott Allan, Stuart Armstrong, and possibly Kris Commons, depending on whether I decide to play him in an attacking role. Tom Rogic will most likely leave on loan, as will Derk Boerigtter, so midfield may be somewhere I buy in.
------------------------
A front three of.....
Attacking Midfielder (Attack)
Kris Commons
Complete Forward (Support)
Nadir Ciftci
Advanced Forward (Attack)
Leigh Griffiths
A very formidable front three, where Leigh Griffiths and Nadir Ciftci are bound to grab goals. Kris Commons takes up the attacking midfielder position, so I definitely need to strengthen the midfield. As rotation options, we have an abundance of attacking midfielders in Gary Mackay Steven, Ryan Christie, James Forrest and Callum McGregor, as well as having Carlton Cole and Anthony Stokes as back up for the striking position. May consider buying a striker for depth alone.
-----------------
I'm looking to play a mentality of football that allows us to CONTROL the play, and be FLUID. I'm looking for us to do the following also:
Retain Possesion
Play with a Higher Tempo
Play with a Balanced Width
Push Slightly Higher Up
Use Tighter Marking
Pass Into Space
Exploit the Middle
Look for the Overlap
Work Ball into Box
Roam from Positions
Be More Expressive
------------------
The training finishes. I take a small group of players including Efe Ambrose, Stefan Johansen, Derk Boerrigter, Tom Rogic and Anthony Stokes aside and tell them their futures may lie elsewhere. Secretly, I'm keen for Stokes to stay, but I want him to up the ante slightly, he's lost all form that Lennon had him in. The rest, well, they may find futures elsewhere.