Mayo will play Tyrone this weekend and Galway host Dublin, so where are these Connacht sides at? Steven Poacher analyses the Tribe’s humiliating loss last weekend and how it all started with their kickouts. Aidan O’Shea was awesome, and the impact of youth after “the previous crew had their chance”.
Former Carlow coach Steven Poacher believes that Galway have serious tactical issues.
The Tribe were soundly beaten by Mayo last weekend, but still go into the Sunday’s clash against Dublin with a chance to win the league.
That will also depend on the result from Kerry’s clash with Donegal, with the Kingdom currently top of the table.
Padraic Joyce’s side conceded 3-23 to Mayo, and it was a performance that Poacher was not impressed by.
“From a tactical point of view, I would have serious question marks over the Galway sideline at the weekend, ” says Down minor coach Poacher.
“I thought they were seriously, seriously naive. To let that unfold in front of your eyes beggars belief.
“People talk about Padraic Joyce and the new way he has brought to Galway and the new system, and it has given a great bounce.
“Yes we can talk about this beautiful football they like to play,” Poacher adds. “Free-flowing and open, but you’ll be on the end of some serious beatings when you come up against teams who are well organised and who can work you out.
“I think it’s a naivety and it’s down to the public perception of how Galway should be playing.”
On the flipside, Poacher was hugely impressed with the Mayo kickout press and how they turned over Connor Gleeson’s restarts last weekend.
James Horan’s men ripped the Tribe apart from the get-go last time out, and this weekend welcome Tyrone to Castlebar.
“Cillian O’Connor is pointing and telling people where to go, and Mayo full-forward line sets the tone for the press,” Poacher explains of their kickout press.
“Watch Andy Moran in the past when they were contesting Dublin in All-Ireland finals, and Mayo were still doing this.
“They were the one team getting after Dublin’s kickouts at the time, and I think Donie Buckley was a big influence.
“I’d say his influence was a big factor on Kerry’s press last year too, although he’s gone now.”
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