19 is the number of matches which Lokomotiv played at home without ending on the losing side. This remarkable record, which iniated long way back in 2008, was brought to an abrupt end with an unexpected defeat to the hands of a very organized Saturn Moscow region side. Nevertheless I believe that it was Lokomotiv's lack of cohesiveness in attack which made an ordinary defence look inpenetrable. Sychev lacked service, Odemwingie after a good start faded, Torbinsky looked out of his sorts, Maicon was substituted early on and Smolnikov, well he is quite young to drive a whole team on his own. In poor words, the team was poor. It was poor to the extent that tonight I am in no mood to write a report on the match as Lokomotiv, in 90 minutes, at home, against a side which apart of languishing at the foot of the table played against Zenit with a one-man down for 75 minutes on Sunday (that is Lokomotiv were suppose to be fresher), Lokomotiv created relatively nothing. Aliev tried, so did Glushakov, while Sychev put a little effort, but clearly this Lokomotiv cannot go on this way. I believe that time is rife for Semin to scrap his 4-2-3-1 to a formation which suits better Loko players. Such example is the 4-3-1-2. Moreover our father should relegate to the bench those who are fully commited to our sacred shirt!! Better an unexperienced young player who gives his all rather than a bunch of wage-seeker!!
The first man which I will surely drop is Odemwingie. In his first minutes, the Nigerian showed some glimpses of quality, glimpses which eventually he shown just in the opening minutes. This means that the Nigerian is capable - but CLEARLY he does not want to!! Really tragic. Truly this was too much. We fans love Lokomotiv - if you dont want to play for us just LEAVE or hand in a transfer request. I assure you that with such abmysal performances no club in the world would be ready to sign you!! But, well everybody know that you aren't that type of player. As I already said, you are capable, but you do not want to! Remaining on the attacking department, I must point out that Lokomotiv lacks that player which gives Lokomotiv some much needed height in attack. Another important fact to underline is that from all the 3 so-called strikers, it's only Sychev that found the net...from a penalty, too. This sums up Lokomotiv's attack.
Traore was given his chance, twice, so I agree with Semin with his decision to drop him. Sychev, it's true that he spills some chances, but today he got the ball only ONCE, and from a difficult angle he couldn't do wonders. Unfortunately true that however, he isn't agile as he was... Another option is Minchenkov - last season he did quite well when given the chance. Moreover his centimetres would make wonders for Loko's cause. Finally with regards to Maicon, I believe that he is the best striker or forward we have.
Bizarrely, another, and eventually the ultimate option is, Marko Basha, yeah the central defender. With Rodolfo nearly back to the first squad, the big Montenegrin will probably be relegated to the bench. So I ask, why not taking the risk and playing him in attack? Today, although he did the mistake which lead to Saturn's goal he was one of the best on pitch in all respects. Actually I believe that with his composure, decent technique, and his length, the Montenegrin can give Lokomotiv's attack a new dimension. Apart of the chance of playing as a target man and lay ball to the others, I am adamant that the big defender is more than capable to finish off some actions, as truly, from the way he plays the ball out of the defence and his movements, the defender has the composure which our attackers currently lack. PS, against Saturn the centre defender was the man which troubled the most the young Saturn keeper...Same against Terek.
Currently we can do nothing. All we Lokomotiv fans can do is just hope that the current players rediscover their form and for the speedy return of Wagner - or other lay our hopes on Aliev, Glushakov and Maicon.
Best Regards
a hurt die-hard Lokomotiv Fan
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