Play simple. Formation.

We will forever be full of problems up front if we think that the current mode of defense has no problem. Defense and offense go hand in hand and the integration of both is important to have a potent attack while having a stable defense. We will have to look at the missing link between the two... PUSHING UP!

We cannot look at individual player and say that the defense is generally problem free. On the field, skill is nothing compared to positioning and the positional discipline necessary to maintain it. As with some of our previous matches, the defense camped in to keep out ball after ball, but without pushing up, the opponents strolled their way into our danger zone again and again. The whole situation resembles us being in the wrong end of a training session. It is only a matter of time before we collapse. Moreover, midfielders are rendered merely extra defenders and any counterattack is blunted by the lack of manpower (or rather, men with enough energy left) upfront to launch any meaningful counter attack.

Attackers can certainly rely on being more ferocious to pounce on mistakes made by defenders to score. However, that cannot be the only way to score. Ask ourselves: When is the last time we scored a goal through a meaningful buildup? We cannot rely on plain clearances and slack defending in order to score - we are much more than that.

The defense have to push up and provide support, especially in the area of making any spilled ball in the midfield ours, rather than letting the opponents stroll into our park again.

We are also missing out on the simpler things
>Fighting for first ball. Pushing up without doing so is equivalent to constructing a shuttle- run circuit for the defenders. up...down...up...down and no result. Use your balls and brains together when doing so.
>Shouting "MAN ON" or "TURN". Mark that empty man! Intimidate your opponents! Talk Talk Talk!
>Finding space. This is closely linked to your mental strength. Ask for the ball in a meaningful position. Don't think of clearing the ball up all the time just to get that small rest or because you are too tired to think. The opponents will most likely regroup and attack again anyway. Sweat now or die later.
>Covering for one another. Tiring, but i assure you when you play a good game, the tireness will just go away. Made a mistake? Continue to cover! Don't "oei' don't "wha lau" until the ball is out of play. Then we can all whalau together.
>Personal Competency. Fitness ah!!! Where did you go?!
>Teamwork. Listen to each other's (constructive) suggestions. particularly when defending... please listen to goalkeeper even though he is eng siang or benny. He sees everything. Don't argue over small things like we never aged since we first met.

AJS