Showing posts with label Soccer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Soccer. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Zidane sets trends

Sporthot | 9:07:00 PM |
Zinedine Zidane

With a Champions League, a UEFA Super Cup, and an impressive unbeaten run to his name, it still took a statement win in the Madrid derby for Zinedine Zidane to finally prove himself as an elite coach.

Like his fashion sense, his managerial style is understated. Everything fits together but he lets the pieces do the talking. His approach and persona may seem cool at times, perhaps distant, but it is far more confident and put together than people give him credit for.

Even with just one defeat in 32 LaLiga matches, the accepted opinion is that his Real Madrid side are, as a team at least, playing below their capabilities, stringing together results while waiting for a collective improvement in play to arrive.

And here lies the biggest difference between Zidane and his contemporaries.

For Zidane, the easiest way to improve a team is to bring out the best in his players, not create an intricate tactical system that'll look to dominate an encounter. This is rooted in a central truth that Zidane has internalised since his days as a galactico: in the history of football, the team with the most talented players often wins. It is about the individual.

Meanwhile, the Pep Guardiola revolution has supporters talking formations, repeated patterns of play, group pressing, or novel ways of playing out from the back. But in his early career as coach thus far, the man who has most influenced Zinedine Zidane is Guardiola's opposite, Carlo Ancelotti.

It is not only that the two shared a touchline, but more importantly when they did, since it came right when Zidane was just starting out. When making the transition from superstar player to coach, the first thing Zizou picked up on was the Italian's man management, his greatest skill.

So in this sense, the French boss is not following the dominant trend in modern coaching, and frustrating many who expect a symphony not a collection of solos.

This, of course, is not to say that the Frenchman's tactical knowledge isn't well developed, which it most certainly is, but rather that it isn't a central part of his strategy or philosophy. Advantages are developed elsewhere. His systems are simple so that his players have the freedom needed to prove their superiority.

For instance, at the start of the 2016/17 season, Zidane has sometimes employed a 4-2-3-1 formation (derby included), a decision that was made to get the best out of Isco or James Rodriguez, not with another, more collective intent in mind. By improving the individual only then do you improve the team.

This is Zidane's secret. Even with minimal playing time, and with both players almost leaving the squad in the summer, each felt important. The coach changed the system for players that aren't even usual starters! They still have a role to play, and the change in formation made their contribution feel even more significant.

Zidane isn't aloof, but rather very personal. His one on one coaching is some of the best in the game, precisely because he can draw on his past as a player, and what he's learned from Ancelotti.

The Champions League was won because Real Madrid outlasted their opponents. The sense of history, and inevitability was palpable, which Zidane was able to channel astutely. Some detractors absurdly credited the trophy down to luck (as if that were why a team who has won the competition ten times did so again), whereas Zidane pointed to the badge. To Real, the Champions League feels like a divine right, not something earned through hard work or tactical innovation.

So, the inevitable comparisons with Pep Guardiola, so fervently pushed in the Spanish capital and so despised in Barcelona, are quite difficult to interpret either way. Zidane is not only at another stage of his coaching career, but both approach the game very differently.

Isco roaming freely against the once elite defensive system of Atleti, Cristiano Ronaldo hat-tricks (vs. Wolfsburg and his most recent over the weekend), or Lucas Vazquez nonchalantly spinning the ball on his finger before the Champions League final penalty shoot out... these are all instances of individual brilliance that serve as testaments to Zidane's success as coach.

Vazquez especially comes to mind, as he has taken his coach's trust to become a more established squad player than perhaps his ability alone would have allowed him.

The derby was likely the first overwhelming tactical masterclass, but the real work was forged starting in January.

Zidane's style is classic. It is under-emphasised. What he has set out to do isn't a new phenomenon, but it is different from the norm right now, which has meant that he has been criticised for things he hasn't really focused on.

His Real Madrid have seen a re-Galacticoization, where the talent precedes the system. With charm and wit, this process is one of seduction and it is being led by the greatest Galactico of them all.

It is time we credit the individual.
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Sunday, November 20, 2016

Man City ready to pay 233m euros for Messi

Sporthot | 3:36:00 PM |
Lionel Messi
In news that will shock Barcelona supporters, reports in England suggest that Manchester City are preparing to submit an offer of 233 million euros to acquire the services of Lionel Messi.

Playing for Pep Guardiola in an emerging City side, along with the presence of sporting director Txiki Begiristain and executive director Ferran Soriano, is an undoubted incentive for the Argentinian who is yet to sign a new contract with the Catalans.

According to The Mirror, the Citizens are willing to put 200 million pounds (233m euros) on the table.

This breaks down to 116 million euros for the transfer, while Messi himself would want 30m euros a year (about 600,000 euros per week) for four seasons - an astronomical outlay.

Messi's current contract ends contract in 2018 and has a 250m euro release clause, and as MARCA already announced, the No.10 told Barcelona in July that - for the moment - he didn't want to renew with the club.

If he does decide to leave, City is the club that has the best chances of signing him, and Soriano only stoked the fires in a recent interview.

"It would be natural for Messi to finish his career at Barcelona," he said to RAC1.

"He will decide, but if he calls us one day we will open the door for him immediately."

In fact, the Mirror believes that the presence of Guardiola on the bench is the deciding factor and what would seal the deal.
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Friday, November 18, 2016

Key absences for French boss ahead of derby

Sporthot | 10:10:00 PM |


With more injuries than usual, Zinedine Zidane's job is both easier and simultaneously a lot harder in terms of his team selection, rotation policy, and how he approaches such an important game.

The midfield is almost certain to be made up of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Isco, but the trio up front is still up in the air, mainly depending on Karim Benzema's fitness.

"The system and players can be different, but the style of play will be the same," Zidane promised in his pre-match press conference on Friday. "We arrive at the Calderon in good condition, having reincorporated a few key players to the squad.

"There can always be problems, but we are focused on the important match at hand and are ready."

The latest surrounding Benzema's recovery was a key talking point, as his presence in the starting XI or off the bench could signal Zidane's approach and tip his hand.

"Benzema has made the squad, which means he can play as a starter," Zidane said. "We'll see how he feels tomorrow."

The French striker's presence is so important precisely because of Alvaro Morata's injury, though the coach didn't seek to fuel the fires and blame the Spanish national team for playing him against England after already having received a knock.

"I'm not going to blame anyone," Zidane stated, referring to the Spanish federation, who insisted Morata's knock came during the match at Wembley and not before. "We're upset at Alvaro's [Morata] injury but these things happen."
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Thursday, November 3, 2016

Coaching a Soccer match, Basketball s way

Sporthot | 5:18:00 PM |

By the time Luis Enrique and Pep Guardiola were thinking to become coaches, and shared their thoughts and ideas in the room they shared as players in Barcelona, ​​in the late 90s, probably not ourselves imagine the influence that could bring the current football season. Quite possibly that is what we saw yesterday in Etihad Stadium has greatly surpassed their imagination 15 years ago. Because it is difficult at this time to imagine that today you can behave as basketball coach, with regard to participation that have a match from the bench. Nine or ten years ago, when both of them started in coaching, not on planet football coaches who teased so much and so often the game of the group against the development. And so it counted as both innovative coaches, trying to pierce the ceiling and walls of coaching football and put the nature of coaching in another dimension. And as such the attempt and led to excesses and innovations, so we enjoy the privilege of fortune that we are contemporaries of Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique, and tasting football experience like the one we experienced as viewers Tuesday night.
The second game was a continuation of the first, that was done 15 days ago in Barcelona. And to assess the audience yesterday as the need should have seen the first part, that of the Camp Nou. In the first quarter gladiators resembled beasts, after a strong fight, looking at each other waiting for one to attack the other, and this was because of the choice made by both coaches to leave each other initiative and keep everyone for himself the option to surprise the opponent. Guardiola did not asked City with aggressive defense in the defensive third of Barcelona, ​​as it was launched in Barcelona. And Enrique, who had announced that it would give time to himself to read the game and tactics of Pep, did not tried anything different from usual, the careful passing game of Barcelona.

After 11 minutes in the game, the scene changed. City suddenly began to make aggressive defenses when they didnot have the ball, but also revealed a surprise to Enrique. Caballero and Otamenti - Stones began to lift it up and carry it with big passes to strikers and not the midfield. It was the first sign that Guardiola took the lessons that gave him the Barcelona match. "We played with long balls because we are not yet ready to continuously hold the ball and build attacks with many passes," he explained after the game. So simple, so naturally, Pep proved that he is more flexible than we thought, less obsessive with slow development game.

When
City started pushing up, Enrique began to show the terrain his own surprise to Guardiola:Oumtiti,  Mastserano, Ter Stegken started searching with diagonal balls to Neymar, Messi, Rakitits and Andre Gomez who waited skirmished in the middle third of the field and forwards to get the pass to attack. Something that had not been tried in the Camp Nou. "This change surprised us and put us in big trouble," he admitted after the game Guardiola. Because yes, two coaches who know eachother so well, can still be surprised by each other, just because they are changing strategies and generate new data with great frequency during a game.

From 21' minute, Messi and Neymar effectively exhibited such a quick counter attack by displaying the greater development and enlargement sign of the offensive repertoire of Barcelona in the time of Luis Enrique, and Barcelona began to dominate, as shown by the ball possession percentage in 39' minute: 28% -72%. "At this time we saw the best team in the world," said Guardiola said. "This 40' was probably our best of the season," Enrique said.

All changedby the mistake of Serge Roberto, which caused by the City with the aggressive defense. The Spaniard, a midfielder who plays back, functioned as midfielder and attempted to play horizontal and not to remove the ball. And like this 1-1 happened, which proved to be the turning point in this match. This goal of psychology, stimulated the City so that she was able to rejoin the game. 45 'percentages possession of the ball had been 40% -60%. "After the 1-1 we felt and realized that difficult time had passed," said Pep said.

The larger and ultimately more decisive surprise in the match was made by Guardiola to Luis Enrique. He worked with the team counter attacks and showed essentially for the first time against Barcelona. This created the foul - goal of De Broine, thanks to the very fast transition of City from defense to attack, which brought the free kick won by David Silva from Busquets. The same way happened the third goal on 74, in yet another display of intellectual flexibility of Guardiola, who previously gave the impression that he hates counter attacks. "I learned things about the abilities of my players tonight. I saw how well we can play against the attacks and realized that we can use as an additional weapon in the future, "he said after the game. The glow on his face revealed enthusiastic coach who just discovered the "suddenness" of basketball coaches. This solution of counter attacks came from Camp Nou lesson, when City had a hard time, and the conclusion that the team is not ready yet to serve his own passing game. He had to pay dearly this course, with the heaviest defeat of City in Champions League. These, however, the Spanish courses perceives as necessary for the maturation of the group. And he has the courage to put his team in such trials. Where it draws this courage? "We want time, the City was not living in the Champions League over the last 30 years, is not easy to go up and stabilize at this level. People do not give us time, but the club gives us, "he said after the match. And this is the explanation. Unlike the English media and perhaps the rest of planet football, thrilled with the first samples of City of Pep and raped believe that has been transformed with the magic wand, and therefore begin with the same high intensity of post questioning the compatibility of the methods of the English football just wrong the first results came, the club shows how trusts. And so here it is enough to keep him calm.

In order to effectively manage the new situation after the game, 2-1, the Guardiola proceeded to change formation. He left the 4-1-4-1 after 60 minutes and went 4-2-3-1 with a view to do in Barcelona that he had done at the Camp Nou after 60 ': use two central midfielders, Fernando and Gkintogkan to push very Barca in the first contacts with the ball out of the big area, ie each attack event start to steal the ball and give the City the right to play on the counter. The frustration of the Barcelona players grew, and like this they failed to react after 74 ', in a match which could comfortably be clear from the first half.

The end of this game gave Guardiola a statistical illustration - lesson. His team beat Barcelona although only held by 41% the ball at her feet (the Camp Nou had to keep 48% of the time). With less time occupation, the City expressed large number of attacks (33 versus 39 FCB) and had more final effort (13) of the opponent (9). Although about half succeeded accurate passes (240) than actually Barcelona (498), and had fewer passes in critical piece of terrain, in attack (84 vs. 123 FCB) the City with the ball. Not beat the classic way of Guardiola. Win a new way of Guardiola.

The larger and ultimately more decisive surprise in the match was made by Guardiola to Luis Enrique. He worked with the team at the event against attacks and showed essentially for the first time against Barcelona. Thus created the foul - finish De Broine, thanks to the very fast transition of City from defense to attack, which brought the free kick won by David Silva from Busquets. In the same way and made the third goal on 74, in yet another display of intellectual flexibility of Guardiola, who previously gave the impression that the cashier counter attacks. "I learned things about the abilities of my players tonight. I saw how well we can play against the attacks and realized that we can use as an additional weapon in the future, "he said after the game Guardiola.

The glow on his face revealed enthusiastic coach who just discovered the "suddenness" of basketball coaches. This change has confirmed the main conclusion has been exporting watching him closely about the last four years coaching the biographer, Marty Penarnaou that you lived in Germany and those already living in England change him and make better and more versatile coach. This solution of the Pep attacks against the used precisely because he learned the Camp Nou, as his team a hard time, that the City is not yet ready to serve his own passing game. He had to pay dearly this course, with the heaviest defeat of City in the Champions League. These, however, the Spanish courses perceives as necessary for the maturation of the group makes. And he has the courage to put his team in such trials. Where it draws this courage? "We want time, the City was not living in the Champions League over the last 30 years, is not easy to go up and stabilize at this level. People do not give us time, but the club gives us, "he said after the match. And this is enough to keep him calm.
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Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Guardiola the pragmatist

Sporthot | 4:08:00 PM |


The idea that a Pep Guardiola side will finish a game with just 40 percent of possession is rather obscene given the Catalan's ruthless approach to the game, and yet it proved enough to claim a stunning victory against Barcelona, of all sides.

Controlling the game for large parts of the first-half, the Blaugrana looked to be at their best against a haphazard Manchester City side devoid of penetrative threat.

Their 4-0 defeat at the Camp Nou appeared to be vivid in the Citizens' minds, and yet they hauled themselves out of the mire to win 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium.

Luis Enrique's men bossed the possession statistics, making 519 passes to City's 315, with goalkeeper Willy Caballero even instructed to kick the ball long as part of Guardiola's counter-attacking plans.

Having stated his desire to stick to his guns when arriving in Manchester, it appears that a topsy-turvy spell in the English side's dugout has inspired Guardiola to dare to add some variety to his game.
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Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Guardiola has used 24 different tactical systems!

Sporthot | 9:34:00 PM |
Pep Guardiola


In order to find the formula to win football matches Pep Guardiola will leave no stone unturned, and that includes utilising an incredible 24 different tactical systems so far during his coaching career.

At Barcelona everything was much easier.

Guardiola himself recognised this in a phrase that appears in the book by Marti Perarnau: The Metamorphosis - "My only tactic was for Barcelona to get the ball Messi," he said.

The importance of Argentinian in the whole game, meant that deployment of other systems was not necessary.

In Munich however, the reality was very different.

There were technical systems and formations that were forced upon Pep's Bayern side by rivals and the large number of variants, but not all, are also being used at Manchester City.

"These systems or modules, were used in 160 matches in Munich and are still being used," Perarnau notes in his book.

"In a game, Guardiola can use two or three and some in a very timely manner.

"The 5-3-2, for example, has been used only twice and both against Dortmund - to counter the approach of Klopp.

"So I want to see the City-Liverpool match because, for me, this is like a chess game now.

"It's exciting learning how coaches such as Koeman, Luis Enrique, Pochettino and Rogders want to play against Guardiola."

The variety of options that Guardiola is willing to employ shows him as a coach who is open to learning new ideas and someone who won't stick with the 4-3-3 that he was used to playing and coaching in Barcelona.

Pep has been typecast many times as to being someone who plays a very particular system, but his evolution has been constant.

Changing things up has often seen unforgettable games such as the 7-1 win against Roma, where he used an unusual 3-1-4-2 formation.
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Monday, October 31, 2016

Coutinho - Firminio: The perfect duo

Sporthot | 9:35:00 AM |

In 2014 Coutinho had come in at 78' of Liverpool's match against Crystal Palace. The Reds were 3-0 ahead in the score and in the title hunt, but within 1' from entering in the Palace cut the score. By the end he had managed to tie the score at 3-3. All dreams shattered.Although that collapse had nothing to do with the Brazilian, he still seems trying to atone. The stunning appearance at 4-2 on the Palace at Selhurst Park brings alive again the dream of the Premier League champion. Liverpool had 20 points in the first 10 games of the 2013-14 season. This time has 23.
 
In that season Coutinho was amazing alongside Suarez and Staritz, with Firminio being the best supporter of the year. First he put his hand in the first three goals, while the Brazilian scored the fourth. Coutinho has already reached 6 assists in the league performance, only demonstrated by De Broine.
 
 "He is a good player," will say Klopp with a broad smile. When pressed to say something more about the Brazilian, just smiled again and said: "very good player!". The Coutinho created four chances and made 23 passes in the third attack, more than any other player. He had four shots on hearth, same like Firminio.
Liverpool has at the back still enormous problems, so their cooperation is very important. All understand that you need to score a lot of goals in order to find the red at the top.
 
The presence of Alberto Moreno in the Liverpool lineup was a surprise. The last time the Spaniard was basic had come to the premiere with Arsenal. In the end, it was no coincidence that his return even brought a game full of goals. Moreno, however, helped a lot in attack, especially in the first half, providing support to Coutinho, who fed 10 times.
 
Coutinho and Firminio offer many defenses in Klopp's system. The first made eight tackles, with 13 out of a total of 26 tackles red had at half court of the attack. The two of them seem ideal for the "gegenpressing".
 
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Sunday, October 30, 2016

Conte believes Ferguson shouldnt have written off Chelsea

Sporthot | 4:47:00 PM |


Antonio Conte believes it is too soon for Sir Alex Ferguson or anyone else to write off Chelsea’s Premier League title chances.
Chelsea beat Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United 4-0 last Sunday, but former United boss Ferguson suggested the 2014-15 champions were not one of five teams in title contention this term.
The Blues have played nine games, which included losses to Arsenal and Liverpool, and Conte believes he needs eight to 10 more games before setting a goal for the end of the season in a competitive top flight.

“It’s very difficult to tell now our target,” the Chelsea head coach said.

“Because it’s early and in these games, we had difficulty against Arsenal and Liverpool.

“For this reason it’s important not to look at the table. It’s important to understand this type of work we’re doing now is good to improve and to become a strong team.

“A bit of time in the future, yes, after I think eight, 10 (more) games, I can tell our target.”

Conte insisted he respects Ferguson’s opinion, but refused to put limitations on what his squad can achieve with hard work.

“I respect a lot what he said, but I know that we are working very well,” the former Juventus and Italy boss added.

“I think now we are now in a good way to improve a lot and to become a team that can stay (in contention) till the end to get something.

“Our ambition must be always to play to win every game. Always. It’s important.

“I try to transfer this to my players in every moment, in every day, every week, in every game.

“We must be ambitious. But to be ambitious you must work a lot.”
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