Inspire played top of the league Wolfhounds 'A' on Tuesday at Zayad Sports City. With Colin suspended for 1/4 of the season for shouting and Alex and Dominic and Saif all injured, Inspire must of felt the whole world was against them.
The match started with Wolfhounds showing their maturity with over 1 year playing together by spreading the play wide and dominating possession. Wolfhounds looked dangerous on almost every attack especially on set pieces getting many bodies in the box. Inspires only real chance of the 1st half came in the 1st 10mins with a counter attack which seen a solid stop from the Irish GK. The breakthrough came shortly after with a soft free kick given on the edge of the area. The ball was delivered deep into the box which was met by a free glancing header from the Irish CM. Goalkeeper Stephan could of done better but was stranded on his line for what was potentially his ball to punch away. The action remained the same until the break.
At half time coach knew that the wind was fairly consistent and we had to play against it. Long ball was an absolute NO against this team and the team was changed to 4-4-2 to try and be more offensive and take more risks.
The second half seen a completely different Inspire with nothing to loose and everything to gain by attacking. Maradonna was brought into attack and made an instant impact tricking his was past the Irish defense. Inspire must of had 60-70% possession of the ball throughout the entire half proving yet again we are one of the strongest amateur teams in A.D. The Irish teams left back an American is notorious for his violent play attempt to elbow Charlie in the face. He was sent off rightly sent off. What was silly was with a potential 10 men to beat Thierry made the silly error of using foul and abusive language (towards the aggressive center back) ,which with a referee, who likes to use his cards sent him straight off also to make the match 'equal'. Maradonna came close twice finding space in the box but shooting was very poor. Dannie also had a fine chance which was hit well but right at the goalkeeper who positioned himself well.
The game finished 1-0 to the Irish Wolfhounds who where very lucky to take 3 points in the end with Inspire dominating the 2nd half but regardless of performance we pay the price for poor finishing.
The improvements must be made in attack as movement off the ball and shooting is poor. Central defense and central midfield are panicking and kicking the ball away far too much. This is a support play problem and a confidence problem. Inspire on the wings look razor sharp and beat the Irish team at their own game in the 2nd half.
Man of the Match: Charlie- he played almost flawless keeping the wide Irish attacks at bay in the 1st half and really looked like a threat in the 2nd half.
Numpty of the Match: Thierry- for needlessly being sent off during the match when we had complete control.
Note:
I have had a serious conversation with our chairman Moe who has seen what we have gone through. Inspire are now under the microscope from the league as a problem team which is unfair but that is the way it is. We have had 3 terrible matches, where everything has gone against us with referees and bans etc, but we must be professional from now. The next match is very important that we maintain our focus during the game. Even if we receive silly tackles, I promise you every 50/50 will go against us. Assistant Coach and Vice Captain Nico who has helped me build a team over the past 13 months, will lead the squad against the bottom team who have one or two good players but on the whole we should beat them if we play our game. Only Nico's voice will be the one you can hear on the pitch and it had to be this way for the next few games. I must stress this again....from the players on the pitch only Nico will be talking. In training I have had two many arguments and this cannot continue even with myself and Nico. The teams management is:
Chairman: Moe
Coach: Colin
Assistant Coach: Nico
Captain: Thierry
Personally I think when things calm down we can still finish at, or near the top in this league. Yes its now an uphill battle but we have to play the Dons and Wolfhounds again and they will also take points of each other, along with Saracens and Etihad and even the Ready mix who all capable of beating each other and turning this league on its head. We all know our potential and if we get this together we will a solid Abu Dhabi team for years to come. Equally if we continue to have these intrinsic and extrinsic arguments this season could fall apart. Its up to myself and the whole team to raise our games and start enjoying our football. In turn the results will come.
C.T
