I'm not declaring that he's undergoing a philosophical conversion from game to game

simply that the set-up has been much more pragmatic in the last few games than earlier in the season - when it was a bit naive and optimistic. Playing two defensive midfielders and two wingers - as we did yesterday - is very different to how we set up away to Fulham and Villa for example. And seems a clear reaction to conceding 8 goals in two games. I agree the Burton game was a bit different because of the opposition - but I think the way we set up was still much more defensive than a similar game against QPR earlier in the year. It seems clear that the priority has shifted to tightening the defence since the hammering at Millwall.

I think its also a bit naive to believe that Farke isn't massively learning on the job at this stage. It's a huge step up from coaching Dortmund reserves - both in terms of quality and in terms of the importance of results. Pragmatism was not needed at Dortmund (in fact probably discouraged) - in the Championship it is very much required. Something that I think Farke has learnt - and learnt quickly - following the Villa and Millwall games.

Posted By: Mecagoenti, Sep 17, 09:48:21