05 Aug 2026 13:25:36
A few notes from the first half with Juventus. Obvious disclaimer of a preseason game, so can’t think too much.
If Sanchez is in goal for the start of the season, we 100% aren’t playing out from the back. If Wes in also in the 11, I’ll join up with you lot after changes are made. Jamie Gittens looks sharper, but still clearly a headless chicken. He ruins our press fairly consistently and allows teams to meander out from his flank. Thankfully we have Rogers as first choice, as can’t go another season wondering if Garnacho/Gittens/Neto will start on the left.
Some positives were Palestra seemed a little sharper. Better combinations and runs. Great to have Moises back controlling the middle and the youngster playing next to him will learn a lot. Quenda hasn’t offered much but I’m sure he will grow into the season. Joao has been our best attacking outlet but seems to play on a different frequency to those that started.
05 Aug 2026 14:34:31
Haven't been able to see any of the game - though have heard it was ultimately won by a v good Juventus goal - so good to get your comments on the first half, Melbourne. What, apart from the Juventus goal, stood out for you in the second half? Any reasons for concern, or CFC players that impressed?
05 Aug 2026 14:45:47
Stevo was the bright spark in that game; he looked very lively. Palestra is going to be a fantastic signing. Lavia is pure gold, and, as Tom says, will be our player of the season if he stays fit. Penders should have saved their goal for a man of his height.
Other than that, it was all a bit of the usual pre-season fitness training, with so many changes. A lot of fans out there, all wearing shirts, showing just how big our fanbase is.
05 Aug 2026 14:50:11
We all see games differently. In my opinion, we looked ok, and had control for periods of the game, but we still look like a team reliant on "moments" rather than constant pressure.
I thought Gittens was ok and Palestra was also good.
Despite rumours coming out of Portugal, I can't see us signing Costa (unfortunately), so I think Sanchez will start as Alonso's No1.
05 Aug 2026 14:53:16
Second half wasn't great, JBS. Estevao was good when he came on, Jackson was better than Welbeck, but was starting fights, as usual, and will always be a red card waiting to happen.
It felt like we had more of the ball, but created very little, and Juventus were decent on the break.
Yildiz looked amazing, as usual.
Overall, nothing to be worried about as we weren't close to full strength, so hard to judge a central defence that, hopefully, sees no minutes during the season. We do look very fragile on the break, which will need addressing as Caicedo can't do it on his own.
05 Aug 2026 17:19:11
Thanks Melbourne, EbW, and Tom for additional reports, and I agree that we should not get too worried about results in these preseason friendlies for reasons posters have already mentioned.
05 Aug 2026 18:00:51
I put such little stock in this stage of pre season, other than getting mins in legs. Very few of the players who started will be starting our first EPL match, and mass substitutions also spoil any flow in the game.
In the last couple of pre season matches, you want to see the team looking more prepared and together.
05 Aug 2026 21:49:08
Agreed, J.