Murfy1 Posted August 5, 2014 Report Share Posted August 5, 2014 I'd quibble with that 'luxury player' tag. A midfielder who can create goals, score them and create 'something out of very little' is no 'luxury', especially in the A-League. So IMO the one weakness listed is no issue whatsoever for a player like Koren. The rest of the comments are all good to read, though. His point is that he doesn't work hard when the team is under pressure. It may well be true that if he can create a goal from nothing then he's of value to the team, but if you can't get the ball to the edge of the other team's box then that ability is of no value to you, and if the player isn't working for the team by supporting in your own half of the field you might as well just play with 10 men. For the record, this comment has no reflection on my own opinion on Koren - I'm not trying to slate him, I'm just emphasising the point. Yeah I'm familiar with term. I just think it isn't a fair description of a player like Koren, and IMO it judges players like Koren with not especially important criteria for the type of player he is. And on the flip-side I don't think the opposite of a luxury player, sometimes called a 'no-nonsense player', is much of a boon for teams. And I think the assumptions behind the alleged weaknesses of 'luxury players' are ill founded, because they assume the team will be without the ball a lot/most of the time and will have some difficulty circulating the ball to creative players when in possession. I pretty much agree with HEARTinator that there's more antiquated thinking behind the term and criticism than not. Anyway, we'll see if those apparent weaknesses are noticeable when Koren starts playing in the coming weeks. I'm of the opinion though that those alleged weaknesses won't be meaningfully noticeable when Koren starts playing, and the criticism will be forgotten. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy Posted August 5, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 5, 2014 He speaks great English! If he doesn't play on Tuesday he should at least smash a few beers with us behind the goals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
illeatyourheart Posted August 5, 2014 Report Share Posted August 5, 2014 See where I struggle to reconcile his signing is the promise thats been apparantly made to Mooy- that Mooy would be the attacking midfielder, yet JVS has said he see Koren playing in the middle high up the pitch (and no that doesn't mean striker!). So unless we play with two AM's in Koren and Mooy-which i think will be suicide as neither Murdocca nor Kalmar nor the AWOL Germano can anchor the midfield, how will this work? I'd love to see them both attacking with another defensive attacker picking it up behind them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M13 Posted August 5, 2014 Report Share Posted August 5, 2014 Well, Messi is a "luxury player" as well using any criteria, it´s not like he track back and get stuck in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jw1739 Posted August 5, 2014 Report Share Posted August 5, 2014 The luxury player. http://backpagefootball.com/the-luxury-player/66536/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loriente Posted August 6, 2014 Report Share Posted August 6, 2014 (edited) See where I struggle to reconcile his signing is the promise thats been apparantly made to Mooy- that Mooy would be the attacking midfielder, yet JVS has said he see Koren playing in the middle high up the pitch (and no that doesn't mean striker!). So unless we play with two AM's in Koren and Mooy-which i think will be suicide as neither Murdocca nor Kalmar nor the AWOL Germano can anchor the midfield, how will this work? I reckon we sign Vince Grella to be the solo anchor. What do you reckon guys? I know I'm unproven, but should JVS be removed from the picture, with ideas like these I reckon I'd be a prime candidate for (at least) a 3 year deal. Edited August 6, 2014 by loriente Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeartFc Posted August 6, 2014 Report Share Posted August 6, 2014 The luxury player.http://backpagefootball.com/the-luxury-player/66536/ Sack Koren. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shahanga Posted August 6, 2014 Report Share Posted August 6, 2014 Didn't look like he hadn't kicked a ball in two months in that vid! His touch looked first rate, despite rust and jet lag. Very promising. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murfy1 Posted August 20, 2014 Report Share Posted August 20, 2014 (edited) Duff impressed by City's new star Koren 20 August 2014 Dejan Kalinic Melbourne City FC star Damien Duff talked up Robert Koren after the marquee signing's first appearance for the A-League club on Tuesday night. Koren, 33, was sharp and impressive during the first half of City's 5-0 thrashing of Hume City in a pre-season friendly at Broadmeadows Valley Park. David Williams and Patrick Kisnorbo scored first-half goals for John van 't Schip's side before Marc Marino, Stefan Mauk and trialist Stefan Zinni added efforts after the break. Duff, who played just over a half, is delighted to have former Hull City and Slovenia midfielder Koren alongside him in Melbourne. Koren becomes City's main man "It's great. Obviously I've been training with him for the past couple of weeks and I know him from the Premier League," former Chelsea and Fulham winger Duff told Perform post-game. "He's a good player, and a great addition to the squad. He's a good guy." Duff switched flanks throughout a high-tempo first half and twice went close to scoring, including being denied by goalkeeper Chris Oldfield in a one-on-one. Koren, playing in a number 10 role, had some nice touches and linked well with Duff. The former West Brom man looked fit and quick despite having had fewer than three weeks of pre-season training. It was Williams, the club's top goalscorer last season and starting up front, who opened the scoring. A long pass from Rob Wielaert created the chance before Williams bravely headed past an onrushing Oldfield, who crashed into him late. Kisnorbo, who ended the half as a striker, produced a finish fitting of a number nine in a one-on-one with Oldfield in the 43rd minute. A flurry of half-time changes, including Koren coming off, led to the match losing some intensity as the youngsters added some polish to the scoreline. Duff said the match practice was most important, with the A-League season still over seven weeks away. "I suppose you're expected to win so it's always funny like that," he said. "Obviously it wasn't the greatest of pitches or the light or what have you. "It's a good workout for the lads. It's all about getting minutes under your belt at this stage of the season. "It's a long pre-season so I'm sure we'll be fit by the start. It's a good workout and it's always nice to get goals and a win." http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/article/duff-impressed-by-citys-new-star-koren/1bt9i8l1boh4d1kjdylshtlayf Edited August 20, 2014 by Murfy1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malloy Posted August 21, 2014 Report Share Posted August 21, 2014 Duff is probably thinking "thank fuck there is now someone else who knows how to play football at this club" 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dylan Posted September 16, 2014 Report Share Posted September 16, 2014 When is this cunt going to do something? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stewmac Posted September 16, 2014 Report Share Posted September 16, 2014 When is this cunt going to do something? think he has blended in well since his arrival , now looks like he has been with the club for years Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perthheart Posted September 16, 2014 Report Share Posted September 16, 2014 When is this cunt going to do something? I would have thought at some point when the season actually starts would be the time most likely for him to do something. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mulhollanddrive Posted September 16, 2014 Report Share Posted September 16, 2014 Think he's mowing the lawn today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
belaguttman Posted September 16, 2014 Report Share Posted September 16, 2014 When is this cunt going to do something? Is there anything in particular that you are expecting of him at this stage apart from flying back to Europe to collect his family, returning and settling in to Melbourne and attending training and playing in practice games? 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melbournelad55 Posted October 7, 2014 Report Share Posted October 7, 2014 Any idea of Koren's international duty status?? Has he retired from national team duty? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drewmelbcity Posted October 7, 2014 Report Share Posted October 7, 2014 Any idea of Koren's international duty status?? Has he retired from national team duty? Retired from what I've read 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falastur Posted October 7, 2014 Report Share Posted October 7, 2014 Any idea of Koren's international duty status?? Has he retired from national team duty? He hasn't played for Slovenia since 2012. I can't see him picking that up again now, not when he'd have to travel 24 hours in each direction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daniboi Posted October 11, 2014 Report Share Posted October 11, 2014 Did Koren get injured in the warm up? They say he should be right for next week...God I hope so! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cadete Posted October 11, 2014 Report Share Posted October 11, 2014 Did Koren get injured in the warm up? They say he should be right for next week...God I hope so! But Mass did such a great job getting in PPL's way and making small pointless passes... NOTE: Yes - I know he is a good bloke. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mitchellmcleod Posted October 11, 2014 Report Share Posted October 11, 2014 So was he injured during the warm up? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falastur Posted October 11, 2014 Report Share Posted October 11, 2014 Thought he was supposed to have got a mild calf injury in training yesterday/before the game, but I could be wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeartinHobart Posted October 11, 2014 Report Share Posted October 11, 2014 Yeah it was a calf injury. Clubs always play these injuries down. Wouldn't be surprised if he misses 2-3 weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaliMate Posted October 11, 2014 Report Share Posted October 11, 2014 Did Koren get injured in the warm up? They say he should be right for next week...God I hope so! But Mass did such a great job getting in PPL's way and making small pointless passes... NOTE: Yes - I know he is a good bloke. Thought Mass in out best 3-4 last night tbh. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeartinHobart Posted October 11, 2014 Report Share Posted October 11, 2014 Did Koren get injured in the warm up? They say he should be right for next week...God I hope so!But Mass did such a great job getting in PPL's way and making small pointless passes... NOTE: Yes - I know he is a good bloke. Thought Mass in out best 3-4 last night tbh.. Agree. Though with a fit Koren his not in our best XI last night he showed that he can proves good cover in the middle of midfield whenever we have an injured or suspended player. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dylan Posted October 11, 2014 Report Share Posted October 11, 2014 Did Koren get injured in the warm up? They say he should be right for next week...God I hope so!But Mass did such a great job getting in PPL's way and making small pointless passes... NOTE: Yes - I know he is a good bloke.Thought Mass in out best 3-4 last night tbh.. Agree. Though with a fit Koren his not in our best XI last night he showed that he can proves good cover in the middle of midfield whenever we have an injured or suspended player. And that's what makes this season so much different from last season Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melbournelad55 Posted October 12, 2014 Report Share Posted October 12, 2014 Hope hes not the new Harry Kewell.... 35 y.o. getting a calf injury which is an old mans injury.... eeeeeeeeeeeeek. we never ever have luck with our marquee signings, probably coz they are all in their mid 30s (fred, engelaar, koren) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Cunado Posted October 12, 2014 Report Share Posted October 12, 2014 Did Koren get injured in the warm up? They say he should be right for next week...God I hope so! But Mass did such a great job getting in PPL's way and making small pointless passes... NOTE: Yes - I know he is a good bloke. Thought Mass in out best 3-4 last night tbh. . Agree. Though with a fit Koren his not in our best XI last night he showed that he can proves good cover in the middle of midfield whenever we have an injured or suspended player. Agree with this. Class work in the build up to the Villa goal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melbournelad55 Posted October 12, 2014 Report Share Posted October 12, 2014 With regards to who's spot Koren could take.... I admire Murdocca's work rate and break up play in midfield, but when hes got the ball himself moving forward he doesnt have the passing ability as such, and is quite slow dribbling for a little guy... obviously we have play makers like Mooy duff etc but yeah... he can sometimes interupt our own counter attacks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InMyHeart Posted October 12, 2014 Report Share Posted October 12, 2014 Won't start next week Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heart of Melbourne Posted October 12, 2014 Report Share Posted October 12, 2014 Like I said. We sign injury prone players. Sack Scott Munn and didulica. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CityHeart Posted October 12, 2014 Report Share Posted October 12, 2014 Won't start next week but could he see some minutes? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InMyHeart Posted October 12, 2014 Report Share Posted October 12, 2014 Won't start next week but could he see some minutes? Won't start next week but could he see some minutes? I think so Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
interstatefan Posted October 12, 2014 Report Share Posted October 12, 2014 (edited) hope he gets some minutes, if he doesn't start then you would think Villa would?? Edited October 12, 2014 by interstatefan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MHFCROB24 Posted October 12, 2014 Report Share Posted October 12, 2014 Cant wait to see him link up with Duff. Expecting big things from these 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SF33 Posted October 13, 2014 Report Share Posted October 13, 2014 Like I said. We sign injury prone players. Sack Scott Munn and didulica. Honest question: when has Koren been injury-prone? 273 games in his past eight years in England seems like reasonable going. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melbournelad55 Posted October 13, 2014 Report Share Posted October 13, 2014 Like I said. We sign injury prone players. Sack Scott Munn and didulica. Honest question: when has Koren been injury-prone? 273 games in his past eight years in England seems like reasonable going. Im reasonably sure that last season in the premier league, he missed a large chunk of the season. Probably doesn't qualify as injury prone but still has had recent injury troubles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiro Kompiro Posted October 13, 2014 Report Share Posted October 13, 2014 When is this cunt going to do something? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murfy1 Posted October 13, 2014 Report Share Posted October 13, 2014 Like I said. We sign injury prone players. Sack Scott Munn and didulica. Honest question: when has Koren been injury-prone? 273 games in his past eight years in England seems like reasonable going. Im reasonably sure that last season in the premier league, he missed a large chunk of the season. Probably doesn't qualify as injury prone but still has had recent injury troubles Koren played the first 4 matches of the last EPL season, but then missed about a month of football after suffering a hairline foot fracture. He actually suffered the injury a little bit before those games, but played through it (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2425071/Hull-City-captain-Robert-Koren-ruled-weeks-fractured-foot.html). After Koren recovered from that injury, he went on to play 22 games overall in the EPL last season, comprising 10 starts and 1130 minutes overall, but it's been reported that that injury at the start of the season complicated his efforts to return to the team and hold down a place in his EPL side's starting XI (so he was fully fit after the injury, but he just didn't play every game and every minute in the EPL). Prior to last season, Koren was fully fit for the previous 3 whole seasons at Hull City, where he played 40+ games a season for Hull and started in nearly every game. So Koren has a pretty impressive fitness history, and hasn't struggled with injuries. It looks to me like the City staff decided to play it safe with Koren after he picked up his 'calf complaint', and decided that Murdocca would be a good enough replacement for Koren in this one game. And to be fair to Murdocca he did a good job against Sydney. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hyperfuzz Posted October 13, 2014 Report Share Posted October 13, 2014 kinda like replacing pancetta with regular bacon in a recipe. similar animal but not as tasty 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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