Copa del Rey: Tired Villarreal go quietly at Sevilla
by Allen Dodson on Jan 19, 2011 12:49 AM CET
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PrintVillarreal's Copa del Rey adventure is over for another year, as the Submarine went down to Sevilla today 3-0, 6-3 on aggregate. Full credit to Sevilla, who did what they had to do, but tired legs and lack of concentration at crucial moments is what destroyed Villarreal.
Coach Juan Carlos Garrido surprised everyone by leaving Bruno, Ruben, Mario, and Capdevila on the bench, giving Montero, Altidore, Joan Oriol and Cicinho starts and moving Mussachio to midfield with Catalá coming into the back four. Whether this was a sign of surrender or an attempt to introduce some energy into the side with new players was unclear, but certainly in order to have a chance Villarreal needed to keep the score level for as long as possible, and this they failed to do.
An innocuous-looking cross from Romaric, a miskicked clearance from Mussachio that ended up being a perfect pass to an unmarked Renato, and in the sixth minute it was 1-0. More than a hint of offside, I thought, but no matter--Sevilla were in the lead, and knowing that Villarreal needed two goals to progress they were content to string five defenders along the back and let Villarreal take the initiative. This the yellow squad did, and Sevilla has goalkeeper Varas to thank for going into the halftime level. He made a brilliant save on a Gonzalo header from a Borja freekick, stopped Rossi when he had been put in by Altidore, and Mussachio just glanced a header wide from a fine Cucinho cross. At the half, even having given up the early goal, Villarreal fans had to feel encouraged that a goal would come soon and all would be set up for a nailbiting finish.
Unfortunately, Sevilla didn't get a copy of that script. Within a minute of the restart, Sevilla won a corner kick, and Kanoute rose above Joan Oriol to powerfully head home the corner. 2-0 now, and within three minutes practically a carbon copy of the last goal made it 3-0. Again a cross from the defense's left, this time Alexis got between Gonzalo and Mussachio and headed it home. In fairness to Diego López, I'm not sure he could have done much about either one. And that, pretty much, was that. Sevilla held out comfortably, Villarreal couldn't summon up the energy or spirit to raise their game, and will probably be relieved to have made it through the remaining 40 minutes without any significant injuries if nothing else. One wonders what might have been if Villarreal hadn't conceded those two late goals in the first leg of this tie. Oh well.
A few comments about players who haven't gotten much time to date: Montero started out well enough but faded away. He did track back more in defense than we've seen from him before, but still seems more of a threat off the bench for short periods at this stage. Jozy Altidore is definitely a work in progress. He did make a nice pass to Rossi which resulted in an excellent Varas save, but his first touch lets him down too many times. I believe the only shot he had on goal was a weak header, and as a strike partner with Rossi that's not enough of an impact. I really liked Cicinho. He is offensively-minded, so gives us more of a threat down the wing than Ángel. In the first half most of our attacks were coming down the right with Cicinho and Montero involved. Defensively he has experience, but he's not very tall, so not going to help out with the problems our defense has in the air.
Given our current injury situation and the number of matches we've played recently, one doesn't have to look too hard to find a silver lining in the loss-- midweek matches in the next two weeks against Madrid (probably) would have been exciting, sure, but physically draining. As it was, Villarreal looks a tired team in need of some rest--and also in need of some practice time defending free kicks and corners.
The five days before the next match in La Liga will be welcome, welcome too will be the return of Carlos Marchena to bolster the backline. But a disappointing performance tonight. No shame to go out of the Cup, but a tame performance on a night when we needed and hoped for so much more.
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well Koren, you can always give us your take. I can’t figure out what plan garrido had in mind but I don’t think it was running up the white flag; if we had been 1-1 at 60 mins then he could have brought on Ruben,Bruno and Capdevila.
by Allen on Jan 19, 2011 1:14 AM CET up reply actions
here is one Spanish vcf blog’s take on the match
http://elvillarreal.com/copa-del-rey/70277-3-0-sevilla-villarreal-adios-copa-adios
by Allen on Jan 19, 2011 1:49 AM CET reply actions
El mejor: Borja Valero. El centrocampista, en su día pretendido por el Sevilla, fue de los pocos que consiguió poner en jaque a la zaga sevillista. Su visión de juego trazó pases inimaginables que los delanteros, especialmente Altidore, no supieron aprovechar.
El peor: Altidore.
Tenía ante sí una oportunidad para reivindicarse en una cita de altura y la tiró a la basura. Las pocas ocasiones que tuvo, las mandó a las nubes. Se espera mucho más de él, pero nunca llega.
http://elvillarreal.com/copa-del-rey/
70277-3-0-sevilla-villarreal-adios-copa-adios
by Anonymous on Jan 19, 2011 1:56 AM CET up reply actions
sorry altidore fan boys
but here i agree w/allen
Jozy Altidore is definitely a work in progress.
He did make a nice pass to Rossi which resulted in an excellent Varas save,
but his first touch lets him down too many times.
I believe the only shot he had on goal was a weak header,
and as a strike partner with Rossi that’s not enough of an impact.
by jackson on Jan 19, 2011 1:51 AM CET reply actions
Re: “whether this was a sign of surrender…” in the second paragraph. I think it is entirely probable that there was an element of premeditated surrender. VCF is looking to maintain a top four finish in La Liga, and I believe for economic reasons, the club would rather take Europea League more seriously than La Copa. It would be too much of a strain on the team, especially on the core group of players, to have them playing all three competitions as the season progresses. So for better or for worse, Villarreal can start to concentrate on two competitions rather than three.
by alex on Jan 19, 2011 2:50 AM CET reply actions
GARRIDO = SMART, Especially with all the injuries pilling up
Sevilla 3-3 draw @ VCF was bad news
COPA da Rey is not worth it, because Villarreal would have suffered in Liga and Europa
if Villarreal kept playing every 3 days.
======
Acqua @ Copa del Rey says:
01/17/2011 at 02:51
Copa del Rey
Is it worth tiring the players to win @ Sevilla ?
Because I think the squad is thin and could be used better @ Liga and UEFA
We All Know Real MAdrid @ Semi final will be not be easy ,
especially w/tired players and Liga and Uefa could suffer.
The refs will be there to help the RM too.
Reply
28. Acqua @ Copa del Rey says:
01/17/2011 at 02:52
Copa del Rey final will be RM vs Barca
so what’s the point
by Acqua @ Copa on Jan 19, 2011 4:28 AM CET reply actions
well, i suppose so but Sevilla made some changes to their lineup from the weekend too. I said at the beginning of the season the key to our final league placing would be how the back four performed, and Garrido has to be concerned at how our defense has fallen apart once we have started playing the better teams.
Let’s hope Marchena is back at the weekend; that will help, but I don’t think one player will solve our defensive lapses. The disappointment for me was that we were 3-1 up at home with Sevilla on the ropes, then threw it away.
by Allen on Jan 19, 2011 4:47 AM CET up reply actions
As soon as I saw Catala , Montero and Altidore in the starting line up w/Musacchio in midfield , I knew Garrido had given up.
PER ROIG Liga and efa are Prioties, especially w/injuries in hand
You folks should relaize besides injuires, players like Valero , Cani, Gonzalo and Rossi have nearly play 80-90" in each game in 6 games in last 18 days.
NOT POSSIBLE …………………………..COPA is nice but w/Injuries to 6 starters it’s impossible to contniue like this for next month of playing games every 3-4 days.
THIS Team doesn’t travel well against good teams and the 3-3 @ home was VERY bad resultAlso, I have to say (Sorry Altidore and Montero fans) seem to to play bit different from then rest of their teammates.
=
Lopez and Villarreal Defending on Corner kicks. Free kickes and Crossese is awful
I think Villarrel need to work on it/
by Acqua @ Copa on Jan 19, 2011 5:27 AM CET reply actions
I am glad this games every every 3 days *( 6 games in 18 days ) is over.
Back to business in hand , and I hope for Marchena comes back soo, stays healthy hand finds his godo form or VILLARREAL will leak 2-4 goal every game = not good
by Acqua @ Copa on Jan 19, 2011 5:30 AM CET reply actions
1. Allen says:
The disappointment for me was that we were 3-1 up at home with Sevilla on the ropes, then threw it away
Lopez is the tall goal Keeper , why he doesn’t come out on crosses which are a bit front of him is beyond me, knowing villarreal defender are sucking right now.
Today Needed A GRIITY CM in Senne mode.
VCF needs to buy one ASAP
by Acqua @ Copa on Jan 19, 2011 5:32 AM CET reply actions
facts r facts
vcf not going 2 win any titles anytime soon,
unless da defense learns 2 defend
play well on away match
have less injuries & more depth midfield.
fantasty over
by jackosn on Jan 19, 2011 7:25 PM CET reply actions
facts r facts
vcf not going 2 win any titles anytime soon,
unless da defense learns 2 defend
play well on away match
have less injuries & more depth midfield.
fantasty over
by jackson on Jan 19, 2011 7:25 PM CET reply actions
sporting r interested in taking altidore on loan
by jackson on Jan 19, 2011 7:28 PM CET reply actions
I didn’t expect us to go through but the way we went out to three poorly defended goals was disappointing. I am afraid that it was men against boys, Seviila had the experience and desire.
Manzano went for a similar formation to what Emery used and then Mourinho copied. Garrido tried to combat this with a sort of 4-3-3 but this failed with Montero and Altidore being generally ineffective.
I also thought his use of subs was strange, being 3-0 down the tie was lost yet he brought on Bruno for half an hour when he was supposed to be reserving and not risking him. What was the point of bringing on Bruno, Ruben and Capdevilla. Why not give some minutes to Cristóbal and Matilla?
What is clear that we have a good team of 14 or 15 players but not yet a squad capable of competing every three of four days in three competitions. Must move quickly to get some cover for Bruno.
by Kenez on Jan 19, 2011 8:29 PM CET reply actions
What is also clear is that we have a lack of depth at key positions. Specifically, Bruno is our only defensive-minded midfielder at the moment with Senna out. Borja is great, but his strength is as an attacking midfielder, not as a defense-minded pivote a la Senna.
Secondly, apart from Marchena and Gonzalo, we lack experience in the center of defense.
Given that so much of our game involves the left and right backs pressing forward in attack, our inability to consistently win the ball back quickly in midfield leaves the center of defense exposed. When I look at the games (or portions of games) when we’ve played our best, the characteristic that stands out is that we win the ball back quickly and never let the other team attack our defense.
And while Mussachio has had some good games in the center of defense, Catala hasn’t. Gonzalo has generally played well but I think the strain of trying to hold the backline together and the sheer number of games is beginning to tell—he didn’t have a great game against Almeria or yesterday.
No surprise therefore that Lopez is showing signs of insecurity in goal.
by Allen on Jan 19, 2011 8:45 PM CET up reply actions
Spurs have apparently placed an official bid for Rossi:
article states they don’t expect it to be accepted, but maybe a higher bid would be. Not sure about that, also not sure Spurs is one of those teams Rossi wants to go to.
While selling at 27-30 million gives vcf a fine profit, it’s sort of paper profit because you have to then go out and purchase someone to replace him, which is difficult in the January window. Also, I think if we sell him now we are essentially giving up on qualifying for the Champions League. Add that lost money in and it really doesn’t make sense.
I wonder if Spurs is really interested or it’s all involved with the bid for Suarez. Who knows.
by Allen on Jan 19, 2011 8:52 PM CET reply actions
Rossi has stated recently that he’s happy at Villarreal and I can’t see him wanting to go to the PL. Why put in an offer you know will not be accepted and tell everyone about it. I think this is more for local consumption. I think he’ll wait for the right time to move to Italy.
by Kenez on Jan 19, 2011 9:08 PM CET up reply actions
player can always refuse da move, i seriously doubt g.rossi wants 2 go back 2 pl
but suprised @ 22m offer, if true
by jackson on Jan 19, 2011 9:48 PM CET reply actions
I agree with Kenez, Rossi (through his agent) has said he’s happy at Villarreal and is (if he hasn’t already) planning on negotiating a contract extension with vcf. His agent has been pretty diligent at feeding information to goal.com in particular saying “the player would welcome interest from…” and Spurs has never been on the list.
Last I heard Rossi had told his agent to open talks with Villarreal on a contract extension, I think to 2015 (so three more years). I would expect unless one of the big Italian clubs comes in with an offer, that is what will happen.
by Allen on Jan 19, 2011 10:40 PM CET reply actions
Allen
His agent has been pretty diligent at feeding information to goal.com in particular saying "the player would welcome interest from…" </i?
No agent doesn't talk to goal.com, they rehash what is said by his agent on
Radio Kiss Kiss out of Napoli (since his agent has good relations w/ Napoli ) and represnts Dossesna (RB) and Sanctis GK
or http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com
and english site http://www.footballpress.net
by Acqua @ Allen on Jan 20, 2011 4:04 AM CET up reply actions
Allen
His agent has been pretty diligent at feeding information to goal.com in particular saying "the player would welcome interest from…"
No agent doesn’t talk to goal.com, they rehash what is said by his agent on
Radio Kiss Kiss out of Napoli (since his agent has good relations w/ Napoli ) and represnts Dossesna (RB) and Sanctis GK
or http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com
and english site http://www.footballpress.net
by Acqua @ Allen on Jan 20, 2011 4:04 AM CET reply actions
“A future in Naples? It’s an honour to be estimated by [president Aurelio] De Laurentiis, I’m proud that a club like the Azzurri are interested in me,” he said to Radio Kiss Kiss.
“In football anything can happen. One day you’re here and the next you are there. I live day to day. Naples is a beautiful city with a great team and fans that are simply extraordinary. Everyone wants to feel the emotion of taking the field at the San Paolo stadium.
“Do I miss Italian football?
In Spain, in my opinion, they play the best football.
It is pure and I am fine here."
by Acqua @ Allen on Jan 20, 2011 4:08 AM CET reply actions
Radio Kiss Kiss? What a name.
What I find interesting is the headline seldom corresponds to the content. I think the headline for what you just quoted was something like “Rossi welcomes Napoli interest” or “Rossi linked with Napoli” . I read it as Rossi being complimentary of that club but stating he was happy here.
by Allen on Jan 20, 2011 1:13 PM CET up reply actions
The Altidore on loan to Sporting Gijon rumor is gaining traction apparently. I haven’t seen enough of them to say much—when we played them the conditions were awful and the game scrappy and poorly officiated. it does make sense in terms of him staying in the same league, at least, though as with Hull he would be going to a struggling club w/a coach who while liked is under threat of firing at any moment.
Altidore came on for Cani and played the last 20 minutes plus injury time of that match, you’ll remember, so Preciado has seen him firsthand.
by Allen on Jan 20, 2011 1:26 PM CET reply actions
injury update seems to be Marchena should be available for Sociedad this Sunday, Santi may or may not be, Nilmar might return against Espanyol on the 30th but more likely Levante the following week.
But nothing on Senna….Has anyone else seen anything? he showed up at the blood drive last week but that’s the only time I’ve seen him mentioned.
by Allen on Jan 20, 2011 7:16 PM CET reply actions
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