"High football IQ"

[Leitherhibs]

Lee Johnson has mentioned this a couple of times post match, what is high football IQ and is it quite damming to talk about bringing in players with high IQ to replace those who he has decided to bench? Not sure I'd want to be described as a low IQ player.

[cameronw-hfc]

Lee Johnson has mentioned this a couple of times post match, what is high football IQ and is it quite damming to talk about bringing in players with high IQ to replace those who he has decided to bench? Not sure I'd want to be described as a low IQ player.


Think its relatively common to mention IQ/intelligence of players. For example, Thomas Muller. Pretty poor footballer, not a good passer, dribbler, not particularly good at anything really, just an insanely intelligent footballer that knows where he needs to be on the park at the right times. Whereas Youan would be a good example of poor IQ. Tons of talent, consistently makes the wrong decisions though.

[Alex Trager]

Think its relatively common to mention IQ/intelligence of players. For example, Thomas Muller. Pretty poor footballer, not a good passer, dribbler, not particularly good at anything really, just an insanely intelligent footballer that knows where he needs to be on the park at the right times. Whereas Youan would be a good example of poor IQ. Tons of talent, consistently makes the wrong decisions though.

You canny possibly be saying that Muller is a poor football player

[cameronw-hfc]

You canny possibly be saying that Muller is a poor football player

I mean in comparison to the players around him. He's obviously a good player, but compared to other world class players in his role, he's pretty average at everything technically. He's just insanely intelligent and knows how to pop up in the right places at the right times.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Think its relatively common to mention IQ/intelligence of players. For example, Thomas Muller. Pretty poor footballer, not a good passer, dribbler, not particularly good at anything really, just an insanely intelligent footballer that knows where he needs to be on the park at the right times. Whereas Youan would be a good example of poor IQ. Tons of talent, consistently makes the wrong decisions though.

Thomas Muller from Bayern Munich?

He’s an outstanding footballer.

[B.H.F.C]

Just a posh way of saying we had better players back on the park than previous selections, for me.

[cameronw-hfc]

Thomas Muller from Bayern Munich?

He’s an outstanding footballer.

It's poorly worded from me, I don't mean he's a poor player. I mean for his role, an attacking midfielder he's not really a technical wizard. He's an intelligent player that used good positioning to exploit team's spaces. He even jokes himself and says he's got his own position and it's just to find pickets of space that other players don't find.

I shouldn't have said a poor footballer, I should have said he's not as technically gifted as other attacking mids, instead he uses his intelligence to find space and cause problems that way.

I'll have a look for the article later, but there's an interview where he jokes that compared to the rest of the team people sometimes ask what he's actually good at because he doesn't seem to have any stand out attributes but seems to be more effective than some better technical footballers than him.

Another good example is Inzaghi. What was the quote about him, something like "he can't actually play football he just scores goals".

Obviously Muller is a better all round player than Inzaghi but you get my point. He's not got any real stand out technical attributes compared to other forwards/attacking mids, but he's exceptionally intelligent and knows how to cause problems by being in the right place at the right time.

Think Muller described his role as a space interpreter, or Raumdeuter.

[greenlex]

It’s coach speak bull****. That’s what it is.

[Is It On....]

You canny possibly be saying that Muller is a poor football player

That made me laugh as well (although I know what he meant) 🙂

[cameronw-hfc]

That made me laugh as well (although I know what he meant) 🙂

It's early, excuse the poor wording I'm still half asleep😂.

[leith lynx]

It’s coach speak bull****. That’s what it is.

Fair comment!

[HibsGW]

It’s coach speak bull****. That’s what it is.

It’s a pretty familiar concept in all sports except football, all it really means is decision making and positional sense

[cameronw-hfc]

It’s a pretty familiar concept in all sports except football, all it really means is decision making and positional sense

Yeah not sure why some think it's coaching bull. It's a legit skill some people have and some don't.

[Brightside]

Lee Johnson has mentioned this a couple of times post match, what is high football IQ and is it quite damming to talk about bringing in players with high IQ to replace those who he has decided to bench? Not sure I'd want to be described as a low IQ player.

What you can't do is say players don't have the IQ one week and then magically have the IQ a few days later.

[Is It On....]

Yeah not sure why some think it's coaching bull. It's a legit skill some people have and some don't.

Peter Schmeichel (father of ex Falkirk goalkeeper Kaspar 😂) also said something similar in that respect; essentially, the better goalkeeper, the fewer spectacular saves they make because they are invariably in the right position to make the save easier 🙂

[Hibbyradge]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/dec/22/what-is-football-intelligence-can-players-develop-it

[BoomtownHibees]

What you can't do is say players don't have the IQ one week and then magically have the IQ a few days later.

You can if talking about different players

[cameronw-hfc]

Peter Schmeichel (father of ex Falkirk goalkeeper Kaspar 😂) also said something similar in that respect; essentially, the better goalkeeper, the fewer spectacular saves they make because they are invariably in the right position to make the save easier 🙂



Yep. Look at Alisson for Liverpool(besides his mistakes the other night). Very rarely makes worldie saves as he's technically a great keeper with footwork and positioning usually.

A counter example would be Lloris. Probably the best reflexes and agility in the world, but his lack of positioning and decision making means he's always making worldie saves or letting in howlers.

A bit closer to home, Bodgan. Didn't make any exceptional saves but was a very assured and well positioned to make easy saves a lot. Macey being the opposite. Poor positioning meant he never seemed to save anything, despite being technically a solid keeper. (when I say solid, I mean his general GK shot stopping technique was pretty good, he just didn't have the footwork or positioning to get to a lot of the shots he should).

[Brightside]

You can if talking about different players

So who in the Motherwell game who didn't play in the hearts game had the IQ that LJ is looking for? McGeady an obvious one, but does that then assume that the rest still have the same IQ? Ive no issue with people talking about football intelligence but the guff he comes out with doesn't help anybody.

We lose goals due to lack of effort from front to back when we lose the ball. Fix that basic issue first and then worry about the IQ stuff.

[Scooter]

Footballs IQ to me would be what Porto done from the free kick. Seen the pass early and Set on Youan to set up Nisbet

[cameronw-hfc]

So who in the Motherwell game who didn't play in the hearts game had the IQ that LJ is looking for? McGeady an obvious one, but does that then assume that the rest still have the same IQ? Ive no issue with people talking about football intelligence but the guff he comes out with doesn't help anybody.

We lose goals due to lack of effort from front to back when we lose the ball. Fix that basic issue first and then worry about the IQ stuff.


Magennis, Porto(on the ball).

[Hibbyradge]

So who in the Motherwell game who didn't play in the hearts game had the IQ that LJ is looking for? McGeady an obvious one, but does that then assume that the rest still have the same IQ? Ive no issue with people talking about football intelligence but the guff he comes out with doesn't help anybody.

We lose goals due to lack of effort from front to back when we lose the ball. Fix that basic issue first and then worry about the IQ stuff.

I don't think the two things are mutually exclusive.

[hibsbollah]

I agrée that it’s an annoying expression. It can any number of things or nothing at all :greengrin

[Murphys Touch]

Josh Campbell perfect example for the Motherwell goal yesterday. Slightly ahead of the defensive line which meant he was completely in the wrong position (body position and defensively) and then should have headed it ANYWHERE rather than try and slide and get his foot on in.

Numerous "Football IQ" errors there

[Hibernian Verse]

Think its relatively common to mention IQ/intelligence of players. For example, Thomas Muller. Pretty poor footballer, not a good passer, dribbler, not particularly good at anything really, just an insanely intelligent footballer that knows where he needs to be on the park at the right times. Whereas Youan would be a good example of poor IQ. Tons of talent, consistently makes the wrong decisions though.

Youan has that bad a footballing IQ that he manages to be in the right position to assist quite regularly.

[Broken Gnome]

Dunno why people get so worked up about what he says.

It just means football brain surely, in a more jargony modern way. It's not ammunition to mock or disregard him.

[cameronw-hfc]

Youan has that bad a footballing IQ that he manages to be in the right position to assist quite regularly.

Youan gets himself into those positions because he's physically an animal, most of his assists have come from him beating his man for pace then lifting his head.

How many times does he just cross aimlessly? That's poor IQ, but poor IQ doesn't mean someone is ineffective or a bad players it just means they often make the wrong decision, or might need 6/7 attempts at something that a lesser player might get in less because they take their time more.

A lot of the time IQ can be developed with more game time and good coaching.

Look at Boyle when he first came to us then now, hes a good example. He was effective, but in his own words he was a speedboat with no driver, now hes got a bit better football intelligence he gets into better positions and makes better decisions.

[AgentDaleCooper]

Inzaghi was a great example of it. Positional sense, work rate and finishing ability were more or less everything he had in his locker, but he had those abilities in spades.

[Willis1875]

Having guys like Magennis and Nisbet back in the team who both quite clearly have great footballing IQ in the box 😬 has definitely been a positive for Youan

[RyeSloan]

Dunno why people get so worked up about what he says.

It just means football brain surely, in a more jargony modern way. It's not ammunition to mock or disregard him.

Absolutely. I didn’t see anything wrong in what he said and thought it was pretty obvious what he was referring to.

[Willis1875]

Will it be a new shout at games when somebody shows some stellar footballing IQ…..”Get in there Newell son that’s some IQ you showed there”

[Hibernian Verse]

Youan gets himself into those positions because he's physically an animal, most of his assists have come from him beating his man for pace then lifting his head.

How many times does he just cross aimlessly? That's poor IQ, but poor IQ doesn't mean someone is ineffective or a bad players it just means they often make the wrong decision, or might need 6/7 attempts at something that a lesser player might get in less because they take their time more.

A lot of the time IQ can be developed with more game time and good coaching.

Look at Boyle when he first came to us then now, hes a good example. He was effective, but in his own words he was a speedboat with no driver, now hes got a bit better football intelligence he gets into better positions and makes better decisions.

1. We're now discounting that it could be his IQ that gets him into good positions because he's a strong, fast lad.

2. He doesn't always make the correct decision and that's why he's at Hibs. He has good IQ for our level. You say he "crosses aimlessly" yet passing is one of the things you say Muller is bad at and that doesn't affect Muller's footballing IQ.

3. Agreed.

4. Agreed, but we're talking about Youan. Youan is miles ahead of where Boyle was at that stage.

You mostly post your opinions as facts (e.g. Bojang thread), I'm not having a go I'm just providing balance.

[cameronw-hfc]

Inzaghi was a great example of it. Positional sense, work rate and finishing ability were more or less everything he had in his locker, but he had those abilities in spades.


100%. Compared to the average guy, hes a great footballer. Compared to his peers, he really wasn't that good but the mental side and intelligence he was in his own planet and knew how to use those skills better than anyone else.

[Brightside]

Josh Campbell perfect example for the Motherwell goal yesterday. Slightly ahead of the defensive line which meant he was completely in the wrong position (body position and defensively) and then should have headed it ANYWHERE rather than try and slide and get his foot on in.

Numerous "Football IQ" errors there

He was in the right position if the CBs hadn't dropped in to keep everyone on side. The mistake in that situation was Rocky and Porto for that one.

[cameronw-hfc]

1. We're now discounting that it could be his IQ that gets him into good positions because he's a strong, fast lad.

2. He doesn't always make the correct decision and that's why he's at Hibs. He has a good IQ for our level. You say he "crosses aimlessly" yet passing is one of the things you say Muller is bad at and that doesn't affect Muller's footballing IQ.

3. Agreed.

4. Agreed, but we're talking about Youan. Youan is miles ahead of where Boyle was at that stage.

You mostly post your opinions as facts (e.g. Bojang thread), I'm not having a go I'm just providing balance.

Why bring up something where I admitted I posted emotionally as a point in a completely different thread? I don't post my opinions as facts, I actually said on the Bojang thread I believed a few bits of info from unreliable people and jumped the gun, wasn't my opinions, was just crap info and I held my hands up and admitted that. You're picking and choosing what you're reading from my posts because I've never done that, I've admitted when im wrong, so not posting them as facts, and I clarified earlier on in the thread I was half asleep when I posted the first Muller comment and wasn't meaning hes a bad passer/player as a whole. It was a comparison to the rest of his team mates, hes not as technically gifted as some but he knows how to be in the right place at the right time and isn't wasteful, he makes good decisions in possession despite having less ability than others in his role. Youan is the opposite, often has more ability than others but often makes the wrong decisions.

I'm not discrediting it at all, Youan doesn't have woeful IQ, hes just not an incredibly intelligent player, yet. He might be one day but he isn't right now, his assists HAVE mostly come from using his pace and finding a man in the box, that's not a case of being incredibly intelligent, it's good play. Just because I don't say IMO or explicitly state it's my opinion doesn't mean im posting it as facts, don't see the need in the slightest for the comment at the bottom.

I coach kids and IQ is something I see getting developed all the time. I see players come with all the technical ability needed but lack of decision making, and I see some kids with lesser ability but outstanding decision making, it's not that dissimilar at the top level. Some players need to develop more before they make better decisions, some players need to work on their technical ability but have good decision making, Youan has all the technical ability and physical ability needed but needs to work on his decision making. He's got assists because hes a good footballer, having lower football IQ doesn't make you a bad player, often it just means you need to develop that side of your game, and given hes pretty wasteful in possession, that's something he is can work on. It's actually a testament how good a player he could be that hes still as effective as he is whilst making the wrong decision a lot, it's why so many get so frustrated with him. He's got so much ability but needs to learn how to use it in the most efficient way, which hes improving at the more he seems to play.

[Hibernian Verse]

Why bring up something where I admitted I posted emotionally as a point in a completely different thread? I don't post my opinions as facts, I actually said on the Bojang thread I believed a few bits of info from unreliable people and jumped the gun, wasn't my opinions, was just crap info and I held my hands up and admitted that. You're picking and choosing what you're reading from my posts because I've never done that, I've admitted when im wrong, so not posting them as facts, and I clarified earlier on in the thread I was half asleep when I posted the first Muller comment and wasn't meaning hes a bad passer/player as a whole. It was a comparison to the rest of his team mates, hes not as technically gifted as some but he knows how to be in the right place at the right time and isn't wasteful, he makes good decisions in possession despite having less ability than others in his role. Youan is the opposite, often has more ability than others but often makes the wrong decisions.

I'm not discrediting it at all, Youan doesn't have woeful IQ, hes just not an incredibly intelligent player, yet. He might be one day but he isn't right now, his assists HAVE mostly come from using his pace and finding a man in the box, that's not a case of being incredibly intelligent, it's good play. Just because I don't say IMO or explicitly state it's my opinion doesn't mean im posting it as facts, don't see the need in the slightest for the comment at the bottom.

I coach kids and IQ is something I see getting developed all the time. I see players come with all the technical ability needed but lack of decision making, and I see some kids with lesser ability but outstanding decision making, it's not that dissimilar at the top level. Some players need to develop more before they make better decisions, some players need to work on their technical ability but have good decision making, Youan has all the technical ability and physical ability needed but needs to work on his decision making. He's got assists because hes a good footballer, having lower football IQ doesn't make you a bad player, often it just means you need to develop that side of your game, and given hes pretty wasteful in possession, that's something he is can work on. It's actually a testament how good a player he could be that hes still as effective as he is whilst making the wrong decision a lot, it's why so many get so frustrated with him. He's got so much ability but needs to learn how to use it in the most efficient way, which hes improving at the more he seems to play.

I'll be honest I never went back to the Bojang thread this weekend (because of the amount of utter nonsense being posted) so fair enough if you retracted, good on you for that. Certainly not "picking and choosing" what I read.

You don't need to give me reasons why you know what you're talking about. I take your point about what footballing IQ is, or can be, I was only posting about Youan who I feel was a poorly chosen example. There are much less intelligent players at the club than him.

His decision making is nowhere near as poor as you're making out. Yes he's squared it for a tap in a number of times but surely him passing in that situation rather than going for glory himself shows that he knows what he's doing.

[cameronw-hfc]

I'll be honest I never went back to the Bojang thread this weekend (because of the amount of utter nonsense being posted) so fair enough if you retracted, good on you for that. Certainly not "picking and choosing" what I read.

You don't need to give me reasons why you know what you're talking about. I take your point about what footballing IQ is, or can be, I was only posting about Youan who I feel was a poorly chosen example. There are much less intelligent players at the club than him.

His decision making is nowhere near as poor as you're making out. Yes he's squared it for a tap in a number of times but surely him passing in that situation rather than going for glory himself shows that he knows what he's doing.


I'm not making it out to be that bad though, I even stated he doesn't have terrible IQ, but it's probably his weakest point from what I've seen. If Youan had better decision making he'd be unstoppable. In my opinion, it's a a good example because hes technically brilliant, hes physically brilliant he just needs to work on his decision making, which is a big part of IQ.

[Donegal Hibby]

Ex-man Utd and Republic of Ireland player ' Paul McGrath ' would be a example to me of a player with a high football IQ , the amount of games I watched McGrath stroll through even though his knees were done was something else , the guy could just read a game and was generally in the right spot when needed .

[SHODAN]

To be fair, you have to have a very high IQ to support Hibernian FC. The football is extremely subtle, and without a solid grasp of theoretical physics most of the play will go over a typical supporter's head. There's also Lee Johnson's nihilistic outlook, which is deftly woven into his characterisation - his personal philosophy draws heavily from Narodnaya Volya literature, for instance. The fans understand this stuff; they have the intellectual capacity to truly appreciate the depths of these conceded goals, to realize that they're not just bad play- they say something deep about LIFE. As a consequence people who dislike Hibernian truly ARE idiots- of course they wouldn't appreciate, for instance, the humour in Lee's existencial catchphrase "six second frenzy," which itself is a cryptic reference to Turgenev's Russian epic Fathers and Sons I'm smirking right now just imagining one of those addlepated simpletons scratching their heads in confusion as Ron Gordon's genius unfolds itself on their television screens. What fools... how I pity them.

[007]

Lee Johnson has mentioned this a couple of times post match, what is high football IQ and is it quite damming to talk about bringing in players with high IQ to replace those who he has decided to bench? Not sure I'd want to be described as a low IQ player.

It means able to understand what he's talking about i.e. when he uses terms like "high football IQ". 🤔

[BoomtownHibees]

So who in the Motherwell game who didn't play in the hearts game had the IQ that LJ is looking for? McGeady an obvious one, but does that then assume that the rest still have the same IQ? Ive no issue with people talking about football intelligence but the guff he comes out with doesn't help anybody.

We lose goals due to lack of effort from front to back when we lose the ball. Fix that basic issue first and then worry about the IQ stuff.

Mcgeady, Porteous and Magennis would be my guess. 3 technically skilful football players, hence the “higher football IQ”

[wookie70]

As long as LJ looks at his own footballing IQ and if his instructions are being followed and successful then I don't have much of an issue. Porteous with the quick free kick showed great football IQ or I'd say awareness with the quick free kick, the wee trip of teh attacker in the last minute or so and buying a few free kicks. McGeady waits to cross for the first goal until Nisbet is free. That drew players away from the centre of the box making the goal more likely. I think some IQ is actually experience or memory of similar situations. Younger players are less likely to show it especially when playing at a level up from what they are used to.

I remember coaching my sons team. There was a wee Jambo in the team. He was slowest, one of the smallest in height and a good bit overweight. When we played 4s or 7s he was one of teh better players as he had watched football for years and had a good knowledge of what to do, when and where. His IQ in footballing terms was miles better than his team mates. As soon as we started 11s the size of the pitch and his relative fitness and pace overwhelmed his IQ and he soon dropped out the team. IQ alone isn't good enough and Yesterday Porteous could mi**** that quick free kick. I also think pressure makes thinking harder for most so a few wins and we may see decision making improve. Lee could do with toning the football manager speak down but it doesn't really do any harm and will be soon forgotten about if we start winning every week. In the meantime we could do what I have done at work and have a wee game of Manager BS Bingo

[NAE NOOKIE]

Its not that hard to work out, its one of the major factors between making it to this level or making it at a higher one. It's not that players at the highest level don't make poor decisions, its just that they make less of them.

In my time Willie Miller of Aberdeen was an example of an intelligent player, just always in the right place at the right time, the guy barely had to run about, how Aberdeen managed to keep him will always be a mystery to me.

If you want a glaring example of low fitba IQ it has to be Stuart Armstrong in the 2 - 2 draw with England a few years ago, with Scotland 2 - 1 up and seconds to go he inexplicably decided to play a pass to a team mate surrounded by opposition players when all he had to do was lump the ball up the park, England duly won the ball back in our half and equalised with practically the last kick of the game. Stupid, stupid, stupid !!!

[Iain G]

Is it not simply having the brains to do the right thing, at the right time, in specific situations? Like Youan looking up and playing a perfect pass to Nisbet, or Ryan intercepting the ball in midfield to turnover for our third goal, or Melkersen taking it into the corner instead of cutting into the box?

Hardly rocket science. Poor IQ yesterday would be Cabraja running the ball out from the back....

[CL0762]

I would compare Youan to someone like Theo Walcott.

Physically rapid but when he has time to think about what to do next his arse collapses.

[Hibbyradge]

I would compare Youan to someone like Theo Walcott.

Physically rapid but when he has time to think about what to do next his arse collapses.

That wasn't the case yesterday when he looked up, twice, and squared the ball perfectly for KN to score.

His arse was fully intact throughout.

[jeffers]

When he comes out with stuff like this I struggle to take him seriously. Makes me wonder what the players are making of it. I was sent a pic of a wallboard he’s supposed to have used at a previous club where it talks about things like Pin Zone, Spin and Slide Zone and Drag Zone. Sounds like someone trying to be clever for the sake of it.

[cameronw-hfc]

That wasn't the case yesterday when he looked up, twice, and squared the ball perfectly for KN to score.

His arse was fully intact throughout.


But how many times beforehand did he fail to lift his head? Saying Youan doesn't have great IQ doesn't mean hes crap, it just means with better decision making he'd probably have more assists and goals to his name.

[WhileTheChief..]

Lennon and Ross used to talk about us needing to have better intelligence on the pitch.

92nd minute, 1 nil up, take the ball to the corner flag and waste some time instead of shooting and putting the ball out for a goal kick. That kinda thing.

No biggy, but they were right.

If LJ is saying the same, I agree with him.

[bingo70]

When he comes out with stuff like this I struggle to take him seriously. Makes me wonder what the players are making of it. I was sent a pic of a wallboard he’s supposed to have used at a previous club where it talks about things like Pin Zone, Spin and Slide Zone and Drag Zone. Sounds like someone trying to be clever for the sake of it.

Tend to agree.

It’s pretty obvious what he means but for me it’s just annoying. I said similar about something else he said the other day but I just can’t imagine a scenario where I would speak to someone who spoke like that. Football for the most part is a simple game, it doesn’t need complicated or given daft jargon that wouldn’t be used in the real world.

Not the biggest deal in the world, just annoying.

FWIW I can’t imagine the squad players being happy they’re being referred to as having low footballing IQ. These guys are professionals and have worked hard to get to where they are and IMO it is a derogatory term for them.

[Iain G]

When he comes out with stuff like this I struggle to take him seriously. Makes me wonder what the players are making of it. I was sent a pic of a wallboard he’s supposed to have used at a previous club where it talks about things like Pin Zone, Spin and Slide Zone and Drag Zone. Sounds like someone trying to be clever for the sake of it.

Or someone with interesting thinking on the game and how he wants it played? If he had a simple board that said "kick ball here" with an arrow into the net am sure you would criticise him for not being a deep enough thinker. :greengrin

You would think we hadn't won yesterday :confused:

[SHODAN]

I would compare Youan to someone like Theo Walcott.

Physically rapid but when he has time to think about what to do next his arse collapses.

That pretty much describes Boyle when he first came here. Youan is a similar age too.

[Iain G]

Tend to agree.

It’s pretty obvious what he means but for me it’s just annoying. I said similar about something else he said the other day but I just can’t imagine a scenario where I would speak to someone who spoke like that. Football for the most part is a simple game, it doesn’t need complicated or given daft jargon that wouldn’t be used in the real world.

Not the biggest deal in the world, just annoying.

FWIW I can’t imagine the squad players being happy they’re being referred to as having low footballing IQ. These guys are professionals and have worked hard to get to where they are and IMO it is a derogatory term for them.

It's better than calling them thick! He has a point, they can be athletes but without that ability to make the right decisions most of the time they wont progress their career in an world football terms, their football intelligence is low. Seems straightforward enough to me!

I bet most players in Scotland think that IQ is the line outside the Apple shop for the new phone release...

[jeffers]

Tend to agree.

It’s pretty obvious what he means but for me it’s just annoying. I said similar about something else he said the other day but I just can’t imagine a scenario where I would speak to someone who spoke like that. Football for the most part is a simple game, it doesn’t need complicated or given daft jargon that wouldn’t be used in the real world.

Not the biggest deal in the world, just annoying.

FWIW I can’t imagine the squad players being happy they’re being referred to as having low footballing IQ. These guys are professionals and have worked hard to get to where they are and IMO it is a derogatory term for them.

Absolutely. The point you make about football being a simple game is exactly what sprung to mind when I thought of football “IQ”. I watched the documentaries on various teams and I don’t remember Pep coming out with stuff that wasn’t simple to understand and not rely on buzzwords/jargon to get his message across.

[Silky]

It’s coach speak bull****. That’s what it is.

Only because LJ said it, and to call it such fits the narrative!

[jeffers]

Or someone with interesting thinking on the game and how he wants it played? If he had a simple board that said "kick ball here" with an arrow into the net am sure you would criticise him for not being a deep enough thinker. :greengrin

You would think we hadn't won yesterday :confused:

As I’ve subsequently posted football is simple game why overcomplicate it ? I know any time I’ve been taught something the simpler it was made the easier it was to take in and put into action.

Not sure what yesterday’s result has in relation to questioning things the manager says. May as well shut down this board after every victory if that’s the case.

[bingo70]

It's better than calling them thick! He has a point, they can be athletes but without that ability to make the right decisions most of the time they wont progress their career in an world football terms, their football intelligence is low. Seems straightforward enough to me!

I bet most players in Scotland think that IQ is the line outside the Apple shop for the new phone release...

Aye but I wouldn’t expect the manager to call them thick in the media either. From a professional’s perspective it’s much the same thing.

Whether it’s true or not is neither here nor there really.

Just seems completely unnecessary to me, pretty easy to do an interview without calling into question their footballing IQ seeing as no other manager has managed to stumble upon those words that I’ve ever heard in my life.

great result yesterday and that’s brilliant, hopefully it continues next week. I just don’t get the need to use language like that when describing his own players, unless it’s to present an image that he has some high footballing IQ that others don’t possess.

[superfurryhibby]

I wonder, given his tactics, team selections and substitutions, how LJ would describe his own football management IQ?

[Murphys Touch]

He was in the right position if the CBs hadn't dropped in to keep everyone on side. The mistake in that situation was Rocky and Porto for that one.

Campbell missed the ball mate because his body was in wrong place to begin with....how thats Rocky/Porto's fault I do not know

[CL0762]

That pretty much describes Boyle when he first came here. Youan is a similar age too.

Yup.

Speedboat without a driver.

In fairness, I don’t think any of us could’ve foreseen boyle becoming the success he was after the first 2/3 seasons.

If Youan keeps up the level of performance, especially the Livi game where he gave one of the more dependable full backs in the league an absolute torrid time he’s well worth keeping.

[patlowe]

In this case I kind of agree LJ is basically just meaning we have better players available so they will generally do better things - he does have a habit of reverting to stock phrases or jargon, which can be a bit annoying but I guess we just have to accept him for who he is.

But on the broader point, I think it's perfectly reasonable to talk about intelligence in relation to football. It's easy to dismiss as laptop management or whatever but, for me, Scotland's lack of success at European/international level is just as much (if not more) about a lack of intelligence or awareness on the pitch as it is the physical or technical disparities folk go on about. Yes, we have had issues with technical ability in this country over the decades, but for me there is not a huge difference ability wise now between young players from Scotland and those from say Sweden, Denmark, Croatia etc.

We produce technical, skilful players, but Hibs, Hearts and just about everyone else in this league have been embarrassed by clubs/nations of similar or lower stature from across Europe again and again, and for me it so often seems to come down to decision making, game management, awareness - basically the ability to understand and carry out a plan, but also having the knowledge to read and interpret any given situation on the pitch and react in an appropriate way. Our defeat to Rijeka was a perfect case in point - in the ebb and flow of that game our footballers were every bit as good as theirs, yet the outcome ended as it so often does in these circumstances - failure with a big sense of what might have been.

[Since452]

To be honest i'd never heard the phrase "football IQ" until LJ joined. He says it a lot. I get what he means but can you coach that into a player? You can maybe help them to make better decisions on the pitch to an extent but the best players make the best decisions instantly and are outwith our budget. I think you either have that ability or you don't.

[cameronw-hfc]

To be honest i'd never heard the phrase "football IQ" until LJ joined. He says it a lot. I get what he means but can you coach that into a player? You can maybe help them to make better decisions on the pitch to an extent but the best players make the best decisions instantly and are outwith our budget. I think you either have that ability or you don't.


You can coach it but the incredibly intelligent players are naturally like that. But you can defo take a player with poor IQ to a decent enough level.

[Hibees1973]

In this case I kind of agree LJ is basically just meaning we have better players available so they will generally do better things - he does have a habit of reverting to stock phrases or jargon, which can be a bit annoying but I guess we just have to accept him for who he is.

But on the broader point, I think it's perfectly reasonable to talk about intelligence in relation to football. It's easy to dismiss as laptop management or whatever but, for me, Scotland's lack of success at European/international level is just as much (if not more) about a lack of intelligence or awareness on the pitch as it is the physical or technical disparities folk go on about. Yes, we have had issues with technical ability in this country over the decades, but for me there is not a huge difference ability wise now between young players from Scotland and those from say Sweden, Denmark, Croatia etc.

We produce technical, skilful players, but Hibs, Hearts and just about everyone else in this league have been embarrassed by clubs/nations of similar or lower stature from across Europe again and again, and for me it so often seems to come down to decision making, game management, awareness - basically the ability to understand and carry out a plan, but also having the knowledge to read and interpret any given situation on the pitch and react in an appropriate way. Our defeat to Rijeka was a perfect case in point - in the ebb and flow of that game our footballers were every bit as good as theirs, yet the outcome ended as it so often does in these circumstances - failure with a big sense of what might have been.

I feel nowadays there is a tendency to over analyse things, particularly at our level.

At Champions League level when you get to the QF stage and players are world class, then yes, game intelligence can be a differentiator.

The Rijeka game when it was 1-1 in Croatia, we paid the price for not having replaced MacGregor. He was way past his best, was slow, got found out and was sent off. The whole tie turned at that point.

This was not game intelligence. It was down to the lack of intelligence of our recruitment team that we did not have a better centre half available other than MacGregor.

[Svengali]

Having guys like Magennis and Nisbet back in the team who both quite clearly have great footballing IQ in the box 😬 has definitely been a positive for Youan

Agree having Nisbet and Mageness back mate. I am hoping the big Ukrainian lad is back soon, should be an excellent foil for Nisbet, with McGeady supplying

[Since452]

I feel nowadays there is a tendency to over analyse things, particularly at our level.

At Champions League level when you get to the QF stage and players are world class, then yes, game intelligence can be a differentiator.

The Rijeka game when it was 1-1 in Croatia, we paid the price for not having replaced MacGregor. He was way past his best, was slow, got found out and was sent off. The whole tie turned at that point.

This was not game intelligence. It was down to the lack of intelligence of our recruitment team that we did not have a better centre half available other than MacGregor.

I agree. That was a ridiculous situation for us to be in and actually felt for Daz. Sure we brought in Nathan Wood soon after. Another horrible decision.

[hibsbollah]

To be fair, you have to have a very high IQ to support Hibernian FC. The football is extremely subtle, and without a solid grasp of theoretical physics most of the play will go over a typical supporter's head. There's also Lee Johnson's nihilistic outlook, which is deftly woven into his characterisation - his personal philosophy draws heavily from Narodnaya Volya literature, for instance. The fans understand this stuff; they have the intellectual capacity to truly appreciate the depths of these conceded goals, to realize that they're not just bad play- they say something deep about LIFE. As a consequence people who dislike Hibernian truly ARE idiots- of course they wouldn't appreciate, for instance, the humour in Lee's existencial catchphrase "six second frenzy," which itself is a cryptic reference to Turgenev's Russian epic Fathers and Sons I'm smirking right now just imagining one of those addlepated simpletons scratching their heads in confusion as Ron Gordon's genius unfolds itself on their television screens. What fools... how I pity them.

Enjoyed that.

[CMac1988]

LJ can waffle on a fair bit but this is one term I've not really got any issues with. Cameron has done a good job explaining what I think it means also but I've been saying for a few years that a number of our players lack the 'intelligence' to make the right decisions at times. Football IQ is a much better term for a players decision making, postional sense/awareness and general reading of the game.

[Hibees1973]

I agree. That was a ridiculous situation for us to be in and actually felt for Daz. Sure we brought in Nathan Wood soon after. Another horrible decision.

I love the big fella, club legend. No doubt.

It's scandalous that he has even figured in match day squads this season.

While our recruitment guys are pondering over players in the Gambia and others who are never going to play in the 1st team.

[Smartie]

I agree. That was a ridiculous situation for us to be in and actually felt for Daz. Sure we brought in Nathan Wood soon after. Another horrible decision.

I've wondered a lot about the Nathan Wood move lately.

Having been at the United game where he had a bit of a horror show in his only outing for us it's hard to argue that he was anything other than an awful signing.

He's played 20 odd games already this season for Swansea in the Championship this season though. I find it hard to accept that he's improved so drastically over the past year that' he's matured from a huddy to a player who plays regularly at the level Porteous is probably aspiring to play at.


I thought Jack Ross deserved more time at Hibs but his terrible spell at Dundee United - where he appeared to lose the dressing room very quickly - was maybe a bit of an eye opener. Did he treat / use Wood properly? Was he right to throw James Scott under the bus with his public comments about his fitness?

[Is It On....]

Ex-man Utd and Republic of Ireland player ' Paul McGrath ' would be a example to me of a player with a high football IQ , the amount of games I watched McGrath stroll through even though his knees were done was something else , the guy could just read a game and was generally in the right spot when needed .

He also used to disappear for 3 or 4 days at a time and go on a massive bender, presumably to develop his football IQ!! 😂. Absolutely brilliant player though

[Broken Gnome]

You can coach it but the incredibly intelligent players are naturally like that. But you can defo take a player with poor IQ to a decent enough level.

I always thought Didier Agathe was a bit like that. Did incredible things at Hibs and Celtic, got a big English move, but outwith the instinct and pace he seemed braindead as a footballer.

You'd see it all the time at our level - not having awareness of space, or passing the ball at the right weight or direction for instance can be the difference in going back the way or kick-starting the next four or five movements in play. The best players can see how things can pan out and play the ball accordingly.

Having said that, could still make you a crap player without any actual talent.

[patlowe]

I feel nowadays there is a tendency to over analyse things, particularly at our level.

At Champions League level when you get to the QF stage and players are world class, then yes, game intelligence can be a differentiator.

The Rijeka game when it was 1-1 in Croatia, we paid the price for not having replaced MacGregor. He was way past his best, was slow, got found out and was sent off. The whole tie turned at that point.

This was not game intelligence. It was down to the lack of intelligence of our recruitment team that we did not have a better centre half available other than MacGregor.

That's a fair point re recruitment at the time. But were there players on the pitch at that point (1-1 with less than 25 to go) who could've worked out what needed to be done to consolidate rather than capitulate? I suppose my point is as a nation we specialise in these kinds of defeats, the glorious failures etc. There will always be specific circumstances we can point to but the bigger picture is one of constant underachievement. When I see our teams in Europe, our players are less 'intelligent' on the pitch when it comes to the crunch IMO.

[Hibees1973]

I've wondered a lot about the Nathan Wood move lately.

Having been at the United game where he had a bit of a horror show in his only outing for us it's hard to argue that he was anything other than an awful signing.

He's played 20 odd games already this season for Swansea in the Championship this season though. I find it hard to accept that he's improved so drastically over the past year that' he's matured from a huddy to a player who plays regularly at the level Porteous is probably aspiring to play at.


I thought Jack Ross deserved more time at Hibs but his terrible spell at Dundee United - where he appeared to lose the dressing room very quickly - was maybe a bit of an eye opener. Did he treat / use Wood properly? Was he right to throw James Scott under the bus with his public comments about his fitness?

Smartie, you raise a couple of very interesting points.

It was in this transfer window that things started to go wrong for Ross and our rapid decline can be traced back to this time. Mathie was still at Hibs and carried the can for the poor window. I've been reliably informed that various moves for players were vetoed by the Gordon's & Kensall at this point. Players targeted by Mathie & Ross were declined at board room level.

Not long after Mathie is gone, to be replaced by Ron's son. At the time Ross was quoted on numerous occasions the need for more players, but only a couple Wood & Scott (not 100% Ross wanted them), were brought in very late in the window.

Ross did hang on for a while, but after a poor run of form leading up to Christmas, was fired. It must be said Ross was not helped by a covid outbreak in the Hibs squad. Most of us will remember the SPFL scheduled Hibs to play a ridiculous amount of games in a 2-3 week period.

Many on here criticise Ross and he did not cover himself in glory in his time at Dundee Utd. However, I will never criticise Ross as a lot of the players he wanted latterly, he as not allowed to get. Ross has kept his counsel on what happened in his last six months at Hibs, which is to his credit.

[cameronw-hfc]

I always thought Didier Agathe was a bit like that. Did incredible things at Hibs and Celtic, got a big English move, but outwith the instinct and pace he seemed braindead as a footballer.

You'd see it all the time at our level - not having awareness of space, or passing the ball at the right weight or direction for instance can be the difference in going back the way or kick-starting the next four or five movements in play. The best players can see how things can pan out and play the ball accordingly.

Having said that, could still make you a crap player without any actual talent.



One of, if not the most intelligent players and tactically aware players I've ever seen at ER was McGeough. Always knew who was around him, rarely gave it away and despite never playing any Scott Allan type through balls, he always seemed to play the right passes, and often the pass before the assist. Fyvie was another, although less gifted than the rest of the midfield we had, he was very switched on and a brilliant reader of the game, as was Marv. We had a very good midfield back then.

[blackpoolhibs]

It's just the up to date football talk that managers do, i used to get right annoyed when the two banks of 4 became the in thing to say, but why, i have no idea?:greengrin

[CL0762]

Smartie, you raise a couple of very interesting points.

It was in this transfer window that things started to go wrong for Ross and our rapid decline can be traced back to this time. Mathie was still at Hibs and carried the can for the poor window. I've been reliably informed that various moves for players were vetoed by the Gordon's & Kensall at this point. Players targeted by Mathie & Ross were declined at board room level.

Not long after Mathie is gone, to be replaced by Ron's son. At the time Ross was quoted on numerous occasions the need for more players, but only a couple Wood & Scott (not 100% Ross wanted them), were brought in very late in the window.

Ross did hang on for a while, but after a poor run of form leading up to Christmas, was fired. It must be said Ross was not helped by a covid outbreak in the Hibs squad. Most of us will remember the SPFL scheduled Hibs to play a ridiculous amount of games in a 2-3 week period.

Many on here criticise Ross and he did not cover himself in glory in his time at Dundee Utd. However, I will never criticise Ross as a lot of the players he wanted latterly, he as not allowed to get. Ross has kept his counsel on what happened in his last six months at Hibs, which is to his credit.

Yup, said it numerous times that McCart was KB’d by Ian Gordon specifically.

[CropleyWasGod]

Smartie, you raise a couple of very interesting points.

It was in this transfer window that things started to go wrong for Ross and our rapid decline can be traced back to this time. Mathie was still at Hibs and carried the can for the poor window. I've been reliably informed that various moves for players were vetoed by the Gordon's & Kensall at this point. Players targeted by Mathie & Ross were declined at board room level.

Not long after Mathie is gone, to be replaced by Ron's son. At the time Ross was quoted on numerous occasions the need for more players, but only a couple Wood & Scott (not 100% Ross wanted them), were brought in very late in the window.

Ross did hang on for a while, but after a poor run of form leading up to Christmas, was fired. It must be said Ross was not helped by a covid outbreak in the Hibs squad. Most of us will remember the SPFL scheduled Hibs to play a ridiculous amount of games in a 2-3 week period.

Many on here criticise Ross and he did not cover himself in glory in his time at Dundee Utd. However, I will never criticise Ross as a lot of the players he wanted latterly, he as not allowed to get. Ross has kept his counsel on what happened in his last six months at Hibs, which is to his credit.

..... that will be the confidentiality clause in his termination agreement. :wink:

[Willis1875]

Is there a filter on football manager that allows Ian Gordon to search for footballers with high IQ

[JimmyJazz1875]

I'm struggling to understand why this is even a conversation.

Our very own Sauzee came to the club as guy at the death rattle of his career. He had no pace to speak of, every bit as slow as that Nelson carthorse we had under Fenlon. Sauzee was utter joy to watch though, because he could read and anticipate what was going to happen in an opposition attack long before it did. He'd done everything there was to do in football and didn't need speed to mark F****** Gary Mcswegan out a game. That's defensive football IQ.

Or what about Scott Allan? How many times did he see a pass, execute it, and his teammate didn't read it? He had the vision to see something that players around him couldn't.

It's definitely something that can be worked on as well. Martin Boyle (and Ivan Sproule for that matter) used to be a bit of a headless chicken when he first came to the club. I can remember some folk on here thinking we should punt him. His runs and reading of situations on the field have improved massively, I don't think anyone would debate that.

[jeffers]

Yup, said it numerous times that McCart was KB’d by Ian Gordon specifically.

We didn’t want to pay what St Johnstone wanted for McCart. In principle I’m happy with that, with every player we are after we should have a view on their worth. Also worth noting Ross was really keen on Jamie McGrath who doesn’t appear to have been a roaring success at Utd.

[CapitalGreen]

Alan Stubbs talks about players football intelligence all the time but he’s liked so not worthy of 3 pages of discussion.

[CapitalGreen]

Yup, said it numerous times that McCart was KB’d by Ian Gordon specifically.

We wouldn’t have need to be in for McCart had Mathie not made a mess of the McCrorie deal the previous summer.

[bingo70]

Alan Stubbs talks about players football intelligence all the time but he’s liked so not worthy of 3 pages of discussion.

Because he described it in normal football fans language that people can relate to.

If one of your mates said he likes such and such a player as he had high footballing IQ he’d quite rightly be laughed out the pub.

People buy people and if they can’t buy into someone or find someone unrelatable (is that a word?) it will affect how popular they are, rightly or wrongly.

Just speak normal England man

[BoomtownHibees]

Because he described it in normal football fans language that people can relate to.

If one of your mates said he likes such and such a player as he had high footballing IQ he’d quite rightly be laughed out the pub.

People buy people and if they can’t buy into someone or find someone unrelatable (is that a word?) it will affect how popular they are, rightly or wrongly.

Just speak normal England man

If any of my mates said “people buy people” then they’d also be booted out the pub

[007]

Because he described it in normal football fans language that people can relate to.

If one of your mates said he likes such and such a player as he had high footballing IQ he’d quite rightly be laughed out the pub.

People buy people and if they can’t buy into someone or find someone unrelatable (is that a word?) it will affect how popular they are, rightly or wrongly.

Just speak normal England man

Loving the irony of saying someone should use language people can understand whilst not being sure if one of your own words used is even an actual word. 😃

[brydekirk]

If Cadden could hold up the ball instead of crossing into an empty box, we would score more goals.

[bingo70]

If any of my mates said “people buy people” then they’d also be booted out the pub

It’s a fair point. I’ll take my booking on the chin and move on.

Hopefully you still managed to get the point I was making but if not I’ve only got myself to blame.

[Dunbar Hibee]

Yep. Look at Alisson for Liverpool(besides his mistakes the other night). Very rarely makes worldie saves as he's technically a great keeper with footwork and positioning usually.

A counter example would be Lloris. Probably the best reflexes and agility in the world, but his lack of positioning and decision making means he's always making worldie saves or letting in howlers.

A bit closer to home, Bodgan. Didn't make any exceptional saves but was a very assured and well positioned to make easy saves a lot. Macey being the opposite. Poor positioning meant he never seemed to save anything, despite being technically a solid keeper. (when I say solid, I mean his general GK shot stopping technique was pretty good, he just didn't have the footwork or positioning to get to a lot of the shots he should).

Bogdan made a number of outstanding saves. Particularly in Tripolis…

[cameronw-hfc]

Bogdan made a number of outstanding saves. Particularly in Tripolis…

In fairness I can't remember them off the top of my head, but im not doubting you but I am a keeper and keeper coach and remember being very, very impressed with the fact that saves other keepers would made difficult he happened to make look very easy.

[Logie Green]

If Cadden could hold up the ball instead of crossing into an empty box, we would score more goals.

Surely if the forwards who are meant to get on the end of crosses made more effort to get into the box instead of watching from the 18 yard line we would score more goals? Thankfully Nisbet did that on Sunday though he’s often guilty of watching rather than getting himself more involved.

[Hibbyradge]

It's just the up to date football talk that managers do, i used to get right annoyed when the two banks of 4 became the in thing to say, but why, i have no idea?:greengrin

"Run the channels" used to grind my gears, and "he needs minutes" still irritates a bit. It was good to get some minutes under his belt! WTF? :hilarious

[Hibees1973]

"Run the channels" used to grind my gears, and "he needs minutes" still irritates a bit. It was good to get some minutes under his belt! WTF? :hilarious

Must admit I try and avoid manager pre and post match comments. Most tend to be a very difficult listen.

From the few interviews I have heard from Johnson it seems he has a library pre prepared quotes (i.e High Football IQ) ready to enlighten jurnos with. Think he gives them headlines which they are more than happy to use. To be fair suppose Johnson is no different to a lot of managers.

I do remember Cathro when he was at the Yams was probably the worst if the lot.

A manager under pressure, such as Johnson is at present, should try and keep interviews short and to the point. Johnson though tends to waffle on a bit and only gives jurnos and fans more ammunition to fire at him.

[JimBHibees]

"Run the channels" used to grind my gears, and "he needs minutes" still irritates a bit. It was good to get some minutes under his belt! WTF? :hilarious

Between the lines is my current hate every single pundit and coach say it

[Since452]

Must admit I try and avoid manager pre and post match comments. Most tend to be a very difficult listen.

From the few interviews I have heard from Johnson it seems he has a library pre prepared quotes (i.e High Football IQ) ready to enlighten jurnos with. Think he gives them headlines which they are more than happy to use. To be fair suppose Johnson is no different to a lot of managers.

I do remember Cathro when he was at the Yams was probably the worst if the lot.

A manager under pressure, such as Johnson is at present, should try and keep interviews short and to the point. Johnson though tends to waffle on a bit and only gives jurnos and fans more ammunition to fire at him.

Sorry, any excuse to post this comedy gold.

https://youtu.be/0juSJ6f3X24

[Jim44]

We wouldn’t have need to be in for McCart had Mathie not made a mess of the McCrorie deal the previous summer.

It’s a moot point now, but Gerrard was the main stumbling block in the McCrorie carry on.

[greenlex]

Every player seems to be a good lad at the moment.

[CapitalGreen]

It’s a moot point now, but Gerrard was the main stumbling block in the McCrorie carry on.

Gerrard preventing him from playing against Rangers? We dithered over completing the deal because he was potentially going to miss a couple of games and he’s now gone on to make 100+ appearances for one of rivals while we’ve struggled to bring players in for the positions he plays - that’s entirely on us.

[Jim44]

Gerrard preventing him from playing against Rangers? We dithered over completing the deal because he was potentially going to miss a couple of games and he’s now gone on to make 100+ appearances for one of rivals while we’ve struggled to bring players in for the positions he plays - that’s entirely on us.

It was a bit more than us, ie. JR and Mathie, dithering. In the discussion, Gerrard was really insulting and negative towards Hibs and the whole thing was an acrimonious mess.

[CapitalGreen]

It was a bit more than us, ie. JR and Mathie, dithering. In the discussion, Gerrard was really insulting and negative towards Hibs and the whole thing was an acrimonious mess.

I really wish we’d prioritised getting the player in over our hurt feelings. Especially considering Gerrard is long gone from Scotland and we’re in desperate need of a new centre back.

[Hibees1973]

Sorry, any excuse to post this comedy gold.

https://youtu.be/0juSJ6f3X24

Love that.

This interview is one which all bad interviews are measured against.

Know we have had some clowns managing us but not on this scale. Cathro must have been an all time low for a Yam.

It is our turn to be comedy gold just now, but this was undoubtedly one of theirs.

[MWHIBBIES]

Gerrard preventing him from playing against Rangers? We dithered over completing the deal because he was potentially going to miss a couple of games and he’s now gone on to make 100+ appearances for one of rivals while we’ve struggled to bring players in for the positions he plays - that’s entirely on us.

Remind me where Aberdeen have finished when he's been there. Below us both seasons or? He's not really been some massive loss.

[Smartie]

It was a bit more than us, ie. JR and Mathie, dithering. In the discussion, Gerrard was really insulting and negative towards Hibs and the whole thing was an acrimonious mess.

I find that a bit surprising as Gerrard was often complimentary about Hibs publicly - at times when we didn’t appear to deserve it.

Did we not get Docherty on loan from them when he was the manager, possibly Middleton as well?

[Callum_62]

Love that.

This interview is one which all bad interviews are measured against.

Know we have had some clowns managing us but not on this scale. Cathro must have been an all time low for a Yam.

It is our turn to be comedy gold just now, but this was undoubtedly one of theirs.https://youtu.be/jwGWgItWw7s

What a time to be alive that was

Sent from my VOG-L29 using Tapatalk

[CapitalGreen]

Remind me where Aberdeen have finished when he's been there. Below us both seasons or? He's not really been some massive loss.

Is that how it works? Plays for a team below us = player wouldn’t improve us. Bit simplistic that is it not? I’m sure on reflection you’ll realise your point is a bit silly.

[Baader]

Possibly the worst interview of all time from the Dalry Lama there. To the point where you almost feel sorry for him (almost.) Hilarious.

Thankfully he didn't show up for the job interview in this sort of form as there's absolutely nae chance he'd have even got a gig as a ball boy.

"Eh!" 🤣

[Jim44]

I find that a bit surprising as Gerrard was often complimentary about Hibs publicly - at times when we didn’t appear to deserve it.

Did we not get Docherty on loan from them when he was the manager, possibly Middleton as well?

I don’t doubt what you’re saying, Smartie, but I can assure you that, in this instance, Gerrard’s behaviour was really poor. That’s from a first-hand witness.

[Since452]

Gerrard preventing him from playing against Rangers? We dithered over completing the deal because he was potentially going to miss a couple of games and he’s now gone on to make 100+ appearances for one of rivals while we’ve struggled to bring players in for the positions he plays - that’s entirely on us.

Just another mediocre player that would have ended up on our books instead of Aberdeens.

[Radge70]

I think this quote explains it all.....

[Smartie]

I don’t doubt what you’re saying, Smartie, but I can assure you that, in this instance, Gerrard’s behaviour was really poor. That’s from a first-hand witness.

Ryan Porteous certainly did seem to have him pretty rattled.

And it may well be the case that Gerrard would have held us in fairly high regard shortly after he joined but for his opinion to change over time. By the time of that particular transfer saga we were under a new regime and it would be fair to say that even most Hibs fans would have been holding Hibs in less high regard than a year or two before that.

[Hibernia&Alba]

The IQ of the average footballer must be around 40, but that's okay, they are paid to have their brains in their feet. Einstein couldn't play right back, but nobody criticises him for it.

[Martymck]

:thumbsup:
Why bring up something where I admitted I posted emotionally as a point in a completely different thread? I don't post my opinions as facts, I actually said on the Bojang thread I believed a few bits of info from unreliable people and jumped the gun, wasn't my opinions, was just crap info and I held my hands up and admitted that. You're picking and choosing what you're reading from my posts because I've never done that, I've admitted when im wrong, so not posting them as facts, and I clarified earlier on in the thread I was half asleep when I posted the first Muller comment and wasn't meaning hes a bad passer/player as a whole. It was a comparison to the rest of his team mates, hes not as technically gifted as some but he knows how to be in the right place at the right time and isn't wasteful, he makes good decisions in possession despite having less ability than others in his role. Youan is the opposite, often has more ability than others but often makes the wrong decisions.

I'm not discrediting it at all, Youan doesn't have woeful IQ, hes just not an incredibly intelligent player, yet. He might be one day but he isn't right now, his assists HAVE mostly come from using his pace and finding a man in the box, that's not a case of being incredibly intelligent, it's good play. Just because I don't say IMO or explicitly state it's my opinion doesn't mean im posting it as facts, don't see the need in the slightest for the comment at the bottom.

I coach kids and IQ is something I see getting developed all the time. I see players come with all the technical ability needed but lack of decision making, and I see some kids with lesser ability but outstanding decision making, it's not that dissimilar at the top level. Some players need to develop more before they make better decisions, some players need to work on their technical ability but have good decision making, Youan has all the technical ability and physical ability needed but needs to work on his decision making. He's got assists because hes a good footballer, having lower football IQ doesn't make you a bad player, often it just means you need to develop that side of your game, and given hes pretty wasteful in possession, that's something he is can work on. It's actually a testament how good a player he could be that hes still as effective as he is whilst making the wrong decision a lot, it's why so many get so frustrated with him. He's got so much ability but needs to learn how to use it in the most efficient way, which hes improving at the more he seems to play.