Not really sure why we seem to have a problem with artificial pitches. Is it all in their head? Is it all in our head? Do we actually have a problem?
The zippier surface means that passes have to be direct to feet, any mis-direction on the pass is amplified by the lack of friction on the ball as it travels which could be a problem if our players are rubbish at passing the ball, or are told to play the ball into space in behind full-backs etc. Maybe we as a team don't know how to play on astroturf?
What worries me more about the QotS game is not the pitch, it's whether our lads have the bravery, intelligence and movement to combat their intensive pressing game. I suspect not, and we'll resort to long-ball tactics and play right into their hands.
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Edit: TWG - that patch looks ideal for an outdoor subutteo pitch.
The zippier surface means that passes have to be direct to feet, any mis-direction on the pass is amplified by the lack of friction on the ball as it travels which could be a problem if our players are rubbish at passing the ball, or are told to play the ball into space in behind full-backs etc. Maybe we as a team don't know how to play on astroturf?
What worries me more about the QotS game is not the pitch, it's whether our lads have the bravery, intelligence and movement to combat their intensive pressing game. I suspect not, and we'll resort to long-ball tactics and play right into their hands.
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Edit: TWG - that patch looks ideal for an outdoor subutteo pitch.