Talking Tactics Column: Formations for Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool until January Transfer Window |
(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Since Rodgers came into the club it has been made abundantly clear that the first team would be following the 4-3-3 tactical blueprint that he had used at previous club Swansea City and which the Reds have already seen in action in the seven competitive games the new boss has taken charge of. The manager also admitted that some of the younger players might get a chance earlier than anticipated to cover for those positions which don't yet have the depth that Liverpool require to compete on four fronts. There are two important factors to consider when discussing Rodgers' alternatives if he is to break with the 4-3-3 system for now; first is that, regardless of changing the base formation of the team he might start with, he will not wish to deviate from the match approach that he has been trying to instil in the players, nor look to play the game in a different style. Ball retention, trying to up the tempo of the passing, pressing high up the pitch and patiently building attacking moves through the phases on the pitch will all still be the manner in which Liverpool try to win games. Secondly, he will not wish to switch too many players' roles around as they try and get to grips with the expectancies of them in the new system, lest he set back the team as a whole by perhaps a couple of months in attaining the ability to play in Rodgers' own image and to his own style. Switching Systems Finding a suitable interim tactic could, though, offer Liverpool a short- to mid-term benefit; if they find one which is successful then: a) they already will have players suited to playing in those particular new roles, and b) it will give Rodgers and the Liverpool players an alternative in future matches, should the 4-3-3 not be working. Which, then, might be suitable tactics for Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers to look at from now until January? Before finding what they could switch to, it is important to understand the principles behind the system used at present. The basic layout then: two full-backs, two center backs, three central midfielders and three forwards. Watch a game on your television and you will likely see, pre-game, the Reds line up in the following way when the team sheets are announced:  But the problem is that this graphic bares very little resemblance to the reality of the formation. Rarely if ever will you see the three midfielders in a straight line, or equal distances between the back four and the midfield, and the midfield and attack.Ultimately, of course, a "formation" is just a way to pin down the base positions of any player and to see how the team will shape up without the ball. But this gives us little insight as to the way Brendan Rodgers wants to see his side on the pitch—because his entire ethos is to see out as much of the 90 minutes with the ball as is possible. Straight lines and a rigid defense might have been the Liverpool way—or, more pertinently, was forced upon Liverpool—for the latter part of 2010, but beyond that it is not often you will see the home side take to the pitch at Anfield in this fashion. Let's take a look at the actual way Liverpool line up then, when in possession:  As you can see, there is little resemblance to the above image, with the exception of the center forward.Let's start at the back. Under Rodgers, the goalkeeper is expected to act as a sweeper of course, maintaining his high line when Liverpool are in possession of the ball and helping his defenders out as the 11th player on the team, recycling possession. The central defenders will split the width of the box for the most part, to open up the pitch from the back and take out two forwards to close them down instead of just one. When those two do split, the gap which forms in the center is filled by the controlling midfielder (Lucas or, in his absence, Joe Allen) who drops deep to pick up the ball and start Liverpool's build-up phase of play. With the center backs pushed wider than usual and plenty of cover in the middle, the full-backs are allowed to be as adventurous and offensive as possible and regularly push up 50 meters when the ball is with the back line. This allows two things to happen; firstly it pushes the full-backs of the opposition team back towards their own goal, not letting them aid their team press high up the field, and secondly it provides an outlet higher and wider up the pitch if the immediate (and preferable) pass to the holding midfielder is not available. The two central midfielders (ahead of the control player) have dual jobs; they need to be able to combine athleticism with technical ability in supporting the attack and defense, pressing off the ball and making themselves available to receive a pass at all times in possession. They need to be able to break beyond the forward line at the right time, make up an extra player in the box and certainly, as we will see as the season progresses, be patient in the build-up phases. This is where Liverpool are having some early problems, with Steven Gerrard and Jonjo Shelvey at times over-exuberant and over-enthusiastic in trying to force the issue and create a scoring chance every time they get the ball. It will get better, and it will be a core of Liverpool's successful play. The the front three. These have no arrows to indicate a primary role because, largely, their movement is dependent on the style of player chosen in each position. Luis Suarez playing centrally drops deep, links up in the midfield and works the channels just as often as he stays high and looks to break beyond the last defender. Fabio Borini playing central looks to hold his position, be a focal point when needed and spin off between full-back and center back of his opponents. From the first few games the standard front three appears to be Raheem Sterling left side (cutting in onto his right foot often, though capable of going outside too), Suarez in the middle (as above) and Fabio Borini on the right (holding width, but needing to more often exploit the spaces centrally that Suarez leaves). Liverpool have to improve here in terms of quality, consistency and depth, but for now they have limited resources and this is why Brendan Rodgers is considering an alternative tactical option. To decide which might best for Liverpool to use in the interim period, we need to establish which alternative tactics are going to lessen the strain on the front players—while still getting the most out of their abilities—and also play to the strengths of the rest of the squad. Another important consideration is that while the base formation may change, Brendan Rodgers will not want to abandon the basic principles of his 4-3-3 as described above. The Diamond Let's take a look then at the first system which might fit both Rodgers' principles and the currently available players to the manager.  We're going first with a diamond midfield—for the reason that, after consideration, I believe this to be the most viable option at present.Whether you want to call it a 4-1-2-1-2 or merely a 4-4-2 diamond, it doesn't really matter. The essential importance of this system as being suitable hinge on two things: most players continue with the same roles as in Liverpool's current 4-3-3, and those that do have a slight change are arguably the ones which need the most help, as Rodgers has termed it. A deep-lying midfielder, Joe Allen for the foreseeable future, continues as the starting point for the team's attacks and he still has the two wide full-backs and the two central midfielders in front of him to look to find. However the Liverpool midfield would have an additional pillar of support through the point of the diamond; instead of one forward central and two wider, you now see two central strikers and one more withdrawn player. Why would this aid Liverpool? Well, three reasons. Firstly, Steven Gerrard has been mentioned in some quarters as an example of a player not entirely yet in tune with how Rodgers requires his midfield to function, both in possession (patience) and out of it (pressure). Altering Gerrard's role in particular will allow him to be closer to the front players more often, where we all know he is amongst the most effective players in the league, whilst it will also leave him plenty of cover behind and let a third midfielder—be that Jordan Henderson or Shelvey, with Nuri Sahin the presumed second central player—be involved in establishing the build-up play of the midfield. In this instance, it would be hoped that those three would continue circulating the ball until one of the furthest forward three, including Gerrard, would have found the space and movement necessary to have a chance on goal. Secondly, instead of Luis Suarez being the only forward based centrally for large stretches of the game, this option gives Liverpool two players in the middle. Much has been spoken about the possibility of switching Suarez (right) and Borini (central), but Rodgers has indicated he believes Suarez's movement to be more suited to picking up the ball in and around the penalty area rather than driving in from the right. Playing both forwards centrally for a time period will give them the additional support they both need, will increase the likelihood of sharing the load in terms of finishing chances, and in addition can see both players work the channels alternately—the wide areas of attack cannot be forgotten altogether. Borini and Suarez are both competent and experienced in working from wide areas, and this could be a real way of forging their on-pitch relationship. The third and final positive here is a double-edged sword; the full-backs will be required to push on much more often, even more than they are now. Or, perhaps it is more accurate to say, with even more consistency than they are now. They would be required to maintain width the entire length of the pitch, which would leave Liverpool vulnerable to any balls played down the channels of their own defense, and thus the counter-attack. However, from this can come both a positive and a learning exercise; the midfield must learn to press quicker, and as one. If, when Liverpool lose possession, the midfield know that they are particularly open to fast passes played behind or over them, they will be more inclined to do one of two things: drop off deep very quickly, or push on aggressively to pressure the ball in the way Rodgers wants them to. The former method will lead to a disaster. It could take several mistakes of this kind for the Reds to sort themselves out, as they would be leaving all kinds of space in the midfield for opponents to play through. The latter though would present itself as an opportunity; with an extra man in the centre Liverpool should overrun and be able to press very strongly their opponents, and in so doing get the feel for how the manager requires their jobs to be done once they revert to the usual 4-3-3. Drawbacks? One or two. Raheem Sterling has been a stand-out performer for the Reds early on and there is no natural position for him in this system, though he would probably work well as one of the two centre forwards—albeit in a more withdrawn and slightly wider role. The idea of a tactical system is not to have symmetry, after all. Similarly, Stewart Downing and to an extent Joe Cole (though he'd fancy that Gerrard position) would have to be shoe-horned into their temporary roles, but the key dozen or so men in the squad are tailor-made to this system and it would aid several of the main facets of the game plan Liverpool are trying to establish. Three at the Back Moving on, a second option for Liverpool is to play a system that they have managed before with some success; namely employing three central defenders. Taking into account the numbers that Rodgers has available in this area of the pitch, perhaps this also plays to the strengths of the squad somewhat more.  Looking further up the field, with the now-wing-backs pushed on further on the ball, Stewart Downing suddenly looks like one who is made ready-to-order in playing this system.Strong running into space, plenty of width and with little responsibility in coming infield—but with an additional defender in place behind him. Some, not necessarily this author, might say that Glen Johnson would benefit from the same on the opposite flank. The three central defenders offer plenty of strength and ability to move the ball forward. Coates and Agger either side of Skrtel would be the presumed trio, with Kelly and Carragher also able to come into the team there. In midfield, the original three-man shape is retained and there would be additional responsibility on the central players to supports and get beyond at times, the strikers. The two furthest forward would operate in a similar way to in the previous formation. There are perhaps two more drawbacks, both avoidable, with playing this way. First and most obviously is that the two forwards could become very isolated when Liverpool were not in possession. If the midfield pair fail to get forward, it will leave a lot of space between the two lines of the team, as well as leaving the burden of creativity on the front two alone. Secondly, it relies on the defenders being able to move into midfield with the ball to make up the extra man. Daniel Agger does this expertly, but if he misses out through injury is Coates capable enough? Is Kelly capable of staying similarly fit? This could prove to be a more worthwhile option against sides Liverpool know they will dominate, allowing the midfielders to stay in the final third with the ball as often as possible and have the wing-backs pushed high as well. Spain's system Finally, we move on to a more complex system which works very well for teams with the right types of players. Ostensibly somewhere between a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-3-3, but in the end it is futile to try and pigeon-hole this system into numbers because at its most fluid it more closely resembles something along the lines of 1-2-1-2-3-1. Which is nonsense, obviously.  Returning to look at the original 4-3-3, the defense operates in a similar way in this next set up. The full-backs are expected to push on again with no real wide players further forward.One difference in midfield is immediately apparent; instead of one deeper central player there are two, one who drops deep to pick up the ball and one who sits in the center for most of the game, only breaking forward occasionally. Herein lies the strength of the system, for there is always an outlet to keep hold of the ball, endlessly recycling possession until an opportunity on goal presents itself. The "three" shown by the triangle are not particularly linked at all; one plays off the forward, one plays as an attacking midfielder and one plays from the left flank, cutting in. It relies on heavy amounts of off the ball movement and creativity from these three to fashion scoring chances. The central striker is the focal point for the attack in any normal system. Spain use one sometimes, such as former Red Fernando Torres, or else play with an additional attacking midfielder and no forward at all. Either way, it must be admitted that this system might be beyond Liverpool at this stage. In terms of personnel it is doable, but in terms of on-the-pitch play it is really a more advanced version of that which the Reds are trying to get to grips with at present and would maybe cause more problems than it solves. Conclusions Liverpool face Sunderland this weekend at the Stadium of Light and they have plenty of decisions to make. Brendan Rodgers needs to decide whether to change any of his starting personnel—does Jordan Henderson, Jonjo Shelvey or Stewart Downing come back into the team?—and, perhaps more importantly, decide whether to switch the 4-3-3 system he has been using. After talking about an interim system to get Liverpool safely towards January, without compromising his style or the manner in which he wants to play the game, it could be that Rodgers looks to make the change sooner rather than later. Due to internationals, many first team players will only have had three days or so back at the club; it would have been a tough ask to get them to quickly shift their thoughts to a new tactic in that time before the Sunderland match. Similarly, Manchester United does not seem the game to try out new ideas. The League Cup fixture against West Brom and the league game versus Norwich City next week, however, could be ideal games to implement a new system in. Liverpool News |
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Posted: 19 Sep 2012 01:26 AM PDT
 On Wednesday September 19th, UEFA Champions League holders Chelsea FC take on Juventus FC in London to kick off their title-defending campaign for 2012-13. Chelsea and Juventus last met in the round of 16 during the 2008-2009 campaign, with talismanic striker Didier Drogba spearheading a 3-2 aggregate victory over the Turin giants.Five members of that Juventus side remain with the Old Lady today: Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Claudio Marchisio, Sebastian Giovinco and Bianconeri pariah Vincenzo Iaquinta. For Chelsea, there are six hold-overs: Petr Cech, John Terry, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, John Obi Mikel and Florent Malouda. However, legends from boths side are missing for this years Champions League tie. There is no Didier Drogba, who has been their saviour somany times in the past. For Juventus, legendary former captain Alessandro Del Piero is absent from their Champions League squad for the first time in recent memory after his move to Australia. Unbeaten in 42 Serie A matches, Juventus return to the Champions League with a Calcioscommese-sized chip on their shoulder. The players and coaching staff have all expressed their excitement to make their return to the hallowed Champions League, and what better way to mark it than against the current holders? To a certain extent, Chelsea also has a point to prove to the world. Then-caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo (with his own history against Juventus, having played for SS Lazio and with the Italian National team) will be keen to prove last year’s success was in no way a fluke. In addition, his new-look side will be eager to show their mettle against Italy’s best. Tactically, the two sides line up very differently from one another. John Terry and David Luiz are expected to line up together, with hulking Serbian Branislav Ivanovic on the right, and the evergreen Ashley Cole on the left in front of goalkeeper Petr Cech. Chelsea’s preferred 4-3-3, or 4-2-3-1 (depending on how you view it) is a compact side: accustomed to absorbing pressure and breaking with lightning speed through Belgian wonderkid Eden Hazard and Spaniard Juan Mata, supported by deep-lying midfielder Frank Lampard, anchorman John Obi Mikel, and the always-energetic Ramires on the right. Last but not least, is much-maligned striker Fernando Torres, who, after much criticism, has found the scoresheet more than once in the past few matches for the Blues. Chelsea also has special players on the bench ready: Di Matteo, specifically Brazilian midfielder Oscar, Spaniard Oriol Romeu and strikers Daniel Sturridge and Victor Moses.  For the visitors, Antonio Conte (and, by extension, his on-field alter-ego Massimo Carrera) will almost certainly have his side line up in the now-familiar 3-5-2 that served Juventus and Italy so well last season. In goal, legendary Gianluigi Buffon will direct a back three of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini (recently returned from injury). On the wings, “Forrest Gump” Stephan Lichsteiner will patrol the right against the advances of Juan Mata, with converted wingback Kwadwo Asamoah on the left. Juventus’ MVP midfield of Claudio “M” Marchisio, Arturo “V” Vidal and Andrea “P” Pirlo will look to control the proceedings against a strong Chelsea opposition. Leading the line for the Bianconeri is the minute figure of Sebastian Giovinco, newly returned from Parma. Alongside him is Mirko Vucinic, a player with a special knack for turning up during big Champions League fixtures during his time with Roma. From their subs bench, Juventus will most likely look to call on forwards Alessandro Matri or Fabio Quagliarella. The freshly returned from injury Mauricio Isla, and Luca Marrone will most likely feature as needed for tactical changes.  There are a number of key battles on the pitch, but one of the most important will be (most likely) Eden Hazard against Andrea Pirlo. Juventus’ entire philosophy is centered around Pirlo’s ability to dictate play, and if left unchecked, the maestro can orchestrate absolute chaos in the opposition. Conversely, Eden Hazard’s brilliance on the ball will need to be closely monitored by both Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal in order to stifle Chelsea’s main attacking threat. If allowed to break quickly, Juventus’ typically high line will be tested to the utmost with the pace of Hazard, Torres, Ramires and to a lesser degree, Mata. Will Juventus’ return to the Champions League be a winning one, or will the defending champions lay down a defiant marker for those who wish to stake claim to the coveted “big eared” cup? Only the match will tell, in what is sure to be a scintillating affair. Chelsea News |
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Posted: 18 Sep 2012 09:29 PM PDT
Markus Babbel-head coach of Hoffenheim / Photo via: Ghetty Images
The first alarm clocks started ringing when Hoffenheim was handed the loss during the cup. However, it isn’t just that they lost, it is how they lost. They were completely dominated by the lower division squad and rightfully got dropped by 4:0. Things haven’t gotten better in the league with them losing all three games and giving up a staggering 11 goals in that time. The amount of goals conceded is the most shocking. Going into the season with high ambitions to challenge for the international spots, this has been nothing but disappointing. They were busy in the offseason acquiring internationally experienced goalie Tim Wiese, and updating their front line with Swiss international Erin Derdiyok and Spanish talent Joselu from Real Madrid. One cause to their problems could be all the new talent; with so many new faces in the lineup it will take time for the team to grow together. Regardless of cause, Coach Markus Babbel is currently under steep criticism. Some suspect that he may be sacked this week. As of right now the club owner, business man Dietmar Hopp has vowed to stay calm and put his trust in Babbel to turn things around with the team. However, this is not the first time a coach has received a vote of confidence shortly before being replaced. Babbel is under further criticism since he took over the Manager role for the club, on top of his coaching position, when former manager Ernst Tanner was fired. It is surely Babbel's team but with the new acquisitions struggling, there is bound to be blame placed on the manager. Tuesday, Hoffenheim replaced Babbel as Director of Football with Andreas Mueller. It will be interesting to see how this week will play out, if Markus Babbel is on the touch line next weekend at home against a strong Hannover team only a victory will save his job. |
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Posted: 18 Sep 2012 08:21 AM PDT
 The Stadio San Paolo is a source of pride among the locals in Naples, Italy as it has always been an impressive ground for the sport of football in a city that has seen its share of ups and downs.Opened in 1959 in advance of the 1960 Olympics it was then known as Stadio Fuorigrotta, named after the area in Naples where it is located. At the Olympics, it hosted Italy's opening game in the group stages where Gli Azzuri cruised to a 4-1 win over China. Later in that tournament, it saw the Italians lose their semifinal match to Yugoslavia in a shootout after a 1-1 draw. Despite the setback of failing to medal, the venue became a cornerstone of Italian calcio ever since. In the decades following the 1960 Olympics, the San Paolo was a proud venue for a Napoli team that was solid but not elite. They won the Coppa Italia in 1961/62 and 1975/76. They also were the runners up in Serie A in 1967/68 and 1974/75. They were the ideal definition of a club that was good but not great. They were always lacking that one piece that separated them from the top teams in the world.  That changed however on a date now famous in the entire city of Naples. On June 30, 1984 Napoli shocked the football world with at record €12 million deal to sign Argentine superstar Diego Maradona from Barcelona.With that bold move, Napoli and the Stadio San Paolo became the center of the football world. But 1986/87 they won their first ever Serie A title and they also won the Coppa Italia in the same year. Two years later in 1989/90 they would win a second Serie A title. Then came the 1990 World Cup where Stadio San Paolo was awarded one of the coveted semifinals games. As history played out, that semifinal game saw city-hero Diego Maradona and Argentina face off against hosts Italy. The game was decided in a shootout and Maradona scored the final goal to eliminate Italy. Afterward he bowed to the supporters as a sign of respect. It was the last time he ever played a game at the San Paolo. Following the tournament, Maradona failed a drug test administered by the Italian Federation. He was banned for 15 months from the sport. He would then move his career to Spanish club Seville. Napoli would then enter a long phase of gradual decline. Financial matters plagued the front office and the team lost all of its best players within two years. By 1997-1998 they were relegated to Serie B. Their humiliation was complete by 2004 when they were declared bankrupt and were forced to play in Serie C and change their name to Napoli Soccer. The passion of the Napoli supporters was never diminished. They continued to pack the San Paolo and set record attendances in Serie C. Eventually, new club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis restored their historical name Società Sportiva Calcio Napoli and brought the club's success back steadily. In 2011-12, Napoli returned to the Champions League and the passion truly returned at San Paolo for the first time since the departure of Diego Maradona. As a venue, the Stadio San Paolo continues to be a source of pride in a city that has seen more than its share of poverty, corruption, and crime. It is not the perfect venue. Seats at the end of the stadium are far away from the field. The small lower deck offers very poor visibility from the field. Inside the concourses it feels dated and very over crowded. Still, it works. When Napoli or the Italian national team plays there for a big game, the stadium is electric. It brings out the best in the city of Naples and it is an environment that is unforgettable. Italy is one of the true homes of the sport and Stadio San Paolo is a good reason as to why. |
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