TOTAL FOOTBALL? . . .more like a total mess
FRANK DE BOER is trying to get Crystal Palace playing total football. at the moment, it’s a total mess.
Three games, three defeats, no goals scored, six conceded — already the alarm bells are ringing at Selhurst Park.
The players do not know if they are coming or going. De Boer has inherited a group of players who had grown used to direct, long ball football under Sam allardyce and he has tried to implement a complete change of philosophy in a few weeks.
Palace have a good group of players who are more talented than their league position has suggested in the last two seasons. But are they bestsuited to wide, expansive football?
Christian Benteke was brought in to be direct. He wants the ball on his chest or his head to feed the players around him, not balls to feet.
The centre halves do not want to be splitting to receive the ball from the goalkeeper. Scott Dann does not want to be playing out from the back.
every manager has their own belief in how the game should be played but De Boer must realise he lacks the personnel to achieve his vision.
Palace have not had a great summer in terms of recruitment. They have only brought in three players: defender Jairo Riedewald from ajax, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tim Fosu-Mensah on loan. if De Boer is not able to bring in the players he needs this week, he should compromise and play to the strengths of those he already has.
De Boer lasted only 14 games at inter Milan last season. if he doesn’t turn things around quickly, he could be heading for the exit even sooner.