Champions League - Match Day 1

[Teacake]

Surely Strachan got his team selection/tactics wrong? I didn't see the game but looking at the side it looks a bit too attack minded for a tough Euro away game. Effective in the SPL but a bit too open in Europe without Lennon sitting giving the back 4 a bit of protection.

Don't need to worry about Walter doing that, we are putting out one of the most defensive sides in our history tonight

I think people criticising the team selection are going by hindsight. It's the same startin 11 that drew away to Moscow so prior to last night there was no evidence to suggest that line-up couldn't do a similar job in Donetsk.

The first goal was just an individual mistake that could have happened if you were playing 4-4-2, 4-3-3, or 4-5-1 etc... The manager is totally blameless for the 1st goal.

I haven't really heard many people criticise the selection its the formation thats being questioned. Even then its only with hindsight because they haven't seen Shaktar play since the last time we played them. I would like to think that the manager & the coaching staff were familiar with Shaktars set up & adjust accordingly but Strachan can be pretty stubborn. Also Shaktar are not Spartak Moscow & have a different style so what worked in Moscow wasn't necessarily what would work in Donetsk.

I agree with you about the first goal though, managers can't account for basic mistakes like that.

[Scottish Dave]

shaktar far too good for pot 4

too true mate, but you must remember the coefficient thingy is taken for the past 2 year, and they just spent £40Million during the recent summer to strengthen throughout, so by next year they could be halfway up (if not near the top) of pot 3.....

....everyone knew prior to the draw, shakter were the main team everyone wanted to aviod, looks like we will need to win all our home games this year again, unless they learn from last night before the benfica away!