What in the flying goodness name was Schmidt thinking? How many teams in recent times have Barcelona on the ropes with the chance of shoving the sword through the chest, and ending the contest? But no, for no real reason, Schmidt took off the more effective Hernandez, and put on one of THE most effective footballers of the 21st century in Kiessling...thus went their attacking threat, and Barcelona grew in confidence, could push up higher, play with more risk, and they got their reward.
But why did Schmidt make that move?
I can understand from one angle, and it's a weird one. After Hernandez missed that SUPERB opportunity, to make it 2-0, I would have subbed him off. But that is why maybe I should think twice before going into management. That would be been an impassioned response, due to my anger of seeing Chicharito miss sucha great chance. The Mexican kid was still being a threat to Barcelona, who were struggling to create good chances without Messi, and had problems coping with the youth and direct speed of Leverkusen.
I truly believe if Hernandez had stayed on, with perhaps Kiessling coming on for another midfielder to join him in attack, Leverkusen would have won this game. Barcelona played one of the worst matches I have seen of them, and without Messi and then Iniesta, they just did not look like the mammoth we saw last year. They were there for the taking, Leverkusen's pressing game plan, albeit very risky, was working and they could have easily gotten the three points here. But Schmidt made a bad call. Kiessling coming on for Hernandez would have been greeted by three great sighs of relief from Mascherano and Pique who wouldn't have to worry about a quick player going in behind them anymore.
Leverkusen are still in a great position to qualify, which I think they will. With Roma getting beat by BATE, I expect them to at least beat Roma at home and maybe take a draw in Rome. I just hope that Schmidt can learn from his mistake here and trust more in Hernandez, when speed is needed to win a game. With the Mexican, who still needs more games to find his feet again, after sleeping on the United bench for so long, Leverkusen can be a real dark horse. Bellarabi, Cahlanoglu and Mehmedi are really dangerous players on the counter, with Kampl, Kramer and Bender being a tough and robust midfield presence. Then with Tar, a nineteen year old who kept the Cannibal quiet for most of the game, and co at the back with one of the best keepers in the world between the posts, Leverkusen should be one of the outside teams to watch for the Champions League.
Just don't bring on Kiessling as your MAIN striker...EVER.
HH
