Tactics Page

neymar on the right cos vermaelen is sheit
varane been a regular all season, i have just signed subotic
Carvalho 22 not a 16 yr old kid
veltman been one if not the best cb in holland

========FA CUP FINAL TACTICS POST BELOW======

ASTON VILLA

4-2-3-1

______________________Begovic____________________
Zabaleta________Mertesacker__Koscielny________Shaw
_______________Fernandinho___Ramsey_____________
De Bruyne______________Kroos_________________Koke
_____________________Sturridge___________________
SUBS: Mignolet, Garay, Coleman, Gerrard, Volland, Sam, Destro

Captain: Kroos
Right free-kicks: Kroos
Left free-kicks: Kroos
Penalties: Sturridge
Right corners: Kroos
Left corners: Kroos


General:
Today is cup final day, and all I can ask of my players is to give a damn good go at this without fear. Fan probably won’t be putting his strongest eleven out due to inevitable fatigue but will nevertheless be a strong team. I don’t know who he’ll play but we aim to exploit the possible increased amount of weaknesses from his alternative team. GEGENPRESSING is a highly-organised approach to regaining possession and minimising space for the opposition used by Dortmund, and now used by Villa. My opponents are rapidly closed down by well-rehearsed, co-ordinated pressing movements, often by two or more players, allied with intelligent positioning to restrict space for opposition to pass and move into. The best moment to win the ball is immediately after after my team just lost it. Once we have regained possession, the transition from defence to attack will be explosive. We will be an attacking team. Aim is to move the ball around efficiently and with purpose, with many forward passes and none of Spain’s useless sideway passes. Play on the counter if dominated, but move the ball around when they sit back. Passing will be quick and intelligent, players moving into space and plenty of interchange between the three attacking midfielders (except that Coleman will be a little late joining from defending). Team will look at the striker as the focal point with the attacking midfielders running off and beyond him, linking up efficiently. When defending De Bruyne and Koke will drop back to help, Kroos stays up as the out ball and Sturridge prepared for anything lumped up to him. Team must attempt to block shots at all times. Deep defensive line.

Begovic:
Claim crosses if possible. Always clear lines, and hoof up the pitch towards the strikers whenever possible. The ball must stay clear of the 18 yard box at all times. Communication is key with centre halves to avoid confusion when deciding who claims a loose ball / cross.

Mertesacker and Koscielny:
Deals with opposition attackers. Koscielny keeps an eye on their attacking midfielder when he gets close to the 18 yard line. Koscielny will also mark their striker closely not allowing him space to turn. Koscielny or Fernandinho will deal with knock-downs to their supporting player depending on who is closer. Mertesacker will try and win headers when long balls are played towards the back line. Mertesacker will also clean up any balls / players who manage to get past Koscielny. Koscielny will be the centre half who steps up and clears up balls before it reaches their attackers, but must only go if he’s 100% sure he’ll get it. Go up for corners. If in the event that an attacking midfielder / second striker is not played then Koscielny will just have to deal with the midfield runner but not get dragged too far out of his defensive line.

Zabaleta and Shaw:
Zabaleta will be diciplined for this match, but when we get the ball and whoever Fan plays goes on one of his inside runs Zabaleta will look to overlap De Bruyne and run into the box (like Juanfran v Chelsea at the Bridge). Zabaleta and Shaw both will show Chelsea’s wide players to the outside, since all their possible players that will play wide love to cut inside, threat weakens when they are shown away from goal. Both will sit back when without the ball, but Shaw will bomb forward when the opportunity arises. Main aim is to provide width and provide extra bodies in midfield to link up play. They should thump in crosses to Sturridge when it’s on. Shoot if there is a clear sight of goal. Stays back for corners. Must not commit to tackles otherwise wingers will skip past them, just stay close, limit their space and show them onto their weaker foot.

Fernandinho and Ramsey:
Sits deep, breaks up play and snap at their heels. Fernandinho is an engine that can cover a lot of ground when defending. Fernandinho will hardly ever go past the half-way line. Ramsey will buzz around and dictate play, bursting forwards at times to provide an extra body in attack. Ramsey will be a bit ahead of Fernandinho to be more involved in exchanging passes with full backs / Kroos, even going level with Kroos at times to use his incredible vision to find teammates. Ramsey will need to make himself a goal threat with his late runs into the box in this match. Fernandinho stays close to the centre halves. Both sprays balls wide to fullbacks when they get forward. Stays back for corners. Will not allow the opposition any time on the ball in front of centre halves. Fernandinho sticks to position when fullbacks flys forwards, providing cover if needed. Ramsey drops deeper when this happens.

De Bruyne, Kroos and Koke:
Will constantly swap positions with each other. Will look to thread through balls to Sturridge and exchange passes with each other. Constantly drifting in and out of position, into space to make it difficult to mark. Can cross when out wide. Koke should always track back to help the fullbacks and midfield when defending. Kroos can burst past Sturridge and shoot if needed. Goes to near post to anticipate crosses. Constantly runs at their defence. All will press the opposition when without the ball. Koke will be drifting inside a lot and because he has stamina of six men he will therefore chase down the ball a lot and aim to create when he gets the ball. In this match when we don’t have the ball I will need Kroos to sit on Pogba (or Vidal if Pogba doesn’t play) and disrupt him from running towards the box too much. When Zabaleta gets forward during his rare forward runs Koke will attempt to find him at the far post for Zabaleta to knock the ball across goal for Sturridge Kroos Ramsey to knock in, with Koke arriving late to gobble up possible rebounds (see Arda Turan goal v Chelsea).

Sturridge:
Holds up the ball, brings the three attacking midfielders into play. Play on the shoulder of the last man, always sets himself at the far post for crosses. Will keep the centre halves occupied. Will chase down opposition centre halves when they have the ball.

SUBS:
Scored the goal(s) that will win us the cup:
75 mins: Ramsey OFF Gerrard ON
Gerrard replaces Ramsey and we go 4-3-3 with Kroos dropping back. We will then aim to keep the ball for as long as possible even if we have to do pointless sideway passing but if space opens up, work the ball forwards to try and fashion a chance.

Not scored the goal(s) to win the cup:
75 mins: Fernandinho OFF Destro ON
Go 4-2-4 with Sturridge Destro centre De Bruyne right Koke left. Ramsey supports, Kroos holds and sprays passes from deep. All out attack, nothing to lose. When we lost he ball Koke goes central to provide support in centre mid and Sturridge goes to the left to provide that outlet. Switch back when we have the ball. Both full backs go forwards in turns and we will squeeze them back into their 18 yard box. RVP is slow and he’s not gonna out run Mertesacker or Koscielny so placing them on him will be enough in this situation. Whatever second attacker from Chelsea will be watched by the full back staying back depending on which side. If Balotelli is on instead of RVP then Koscielny will be prepared to chase back at goal in case Balotelli goes through Mertesacker, Mertesacker will literally sit on Balotelli without the ball.

Scored the goal(s) to win the cup after the Destro change:
Whatever minute: Sturridge OFF Garay ON
Whatever minute: Ramsey OFF Sam ON
They’re gonna pen us back whether we like it or not, so we will go 5-4-1 with Garay slotting into a back 5. Koke will come into the centre along with Kroos with De Bruyne right and Sam left, Destro up front. Sam will provide the counter attacking threat when we win the ball back and him and Destro will break at their (supposedly) abandoned defence. This is not me playing defensive football volunteerily, this is the opposition forcing us into our box like we would’ve forced them into theirs and me providing a counter measure to this situation.

Under 21 cup final.

------------- J.Oblak
Rudiger – N.Stark – Rekik – Fryers
---- Maher – R.Pardo - Zuculini
-- Shaqiri ----------------- J.Drmic --
------------- L.Castaignos

Subs. Plegezuelo, Otzunali, Ravel, Cartabia, Bittencourt, M.Gomez Dybala

4-3-3. Defensive back four, a midfield trio that will offer great protection to the defence, excel in possession and give our front three attacking freedom that will allow them to be at their excellent best.

Our young team has great experience and are fighting for a place in the first team squad next season.

Positionally, we will be rigid when Liverpool have the ball. Always looking for one of the front three to get back and help the midfield four. Two walls of four in defence. Leave two of our front players forward.

In possession, we will be very fluid. Rudiger, at right back will play as a third cb in possession. Fryers bombs forward down the left, providing width and allowing Drmic to drift where he wants. One midfielder will sit. But with a solid back 3 behind them, they will have the confidence to express themselves in possession.

The midfield three will not be flat when in possession, two join the attack, one sits, not as deep as a natural dm however, as a deep playmaker, more concerned with being in a position to receive the ball than cover the defence. But in a deep enough position to cover the defence quickly.

As much as we want to win this competition, we want to win it the right way, and allow our young players the chance to show their quality. We will vary the direction of our play, going wide or central, mix it up.

The midfield trio will look to control the game, all are very comfortable in possession, defence will look to play it out to them. We will look to keep the ball on the deck, be patient in possession in the first two thirds of the pitch. Once we reach the final third, they have freedom to be as direct as they like.

The freedom of the front three will make it difficult for them to be marked. All are comfortable out wide and central, so will switch positions as regularly as they like.

Subs.
If winning after 65 mins bring on Moi Gomez for Castaignos. Drmic moves up front, Gomez on the wing. Pace and new ideas from out wide.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Ravel for Zucculini. Pace in the middle of the park, take advantage of the space that opens up as legs tire and gaps appear.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Otzunali for Pardo. More defensive option to close out the game sitting as a dm.
If losing/drawing after 65 mins bring on Moi Gomez for Pardo. Zuculini dm. Maher cm. Gomez cam, Drmic left, Castaignos up top.
If losing/drawing after 70 mins bring on Ravel for Castaignos. Gomez left, Ravel CAM, Drmic up top.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Cartabia for Fryers. 3 at the back. Cartabia CAM, our mini Messi.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Otzunali for Fryers. 3-6-1. Otzunali dm. Zuculini deepest next to him, in a deep playmaker role. Attack.

Europa League Final

We finished outside the top 4 which was a big blow, this is our chance to end the season on a high. Huge game for us, the team are fresh, and have been looking forward to this game for a while. We know this is Villa’s second cup final, for that reason, we’re playing a side full of energy and pace.

We have great leadership and experience in our side, players that know how to win a final.

Balanced 4-2-3-1.

------------ G.Buffon
Lahm – Pepe – Vertonghen – Filipe
-------- Khedira – Rakitic
Navas ----- C.Tevez ----- A.Robben
-------------- M.Reus

Subs. Zieler, Evans, Pirlo, Barkley, Oscar, Shaqiri, Dzeko

We have gone with our strongest formation with our best players for this game. And the same team that recently got a win over City. Playing with lots of width, at a high tempo in possession and without it. We will put high pressure on the Villa team as soon as they enter the middle third of the park, closing them down and not giving them space to move forward.

We feel this is an attacking side that will allow us to take the game to Villa. Importantly however, we have a team that will work hard and get back to protect the defence.

First key points to our game today will be our width, stretching the game and dominating possession in the middle. Create space for Rakitic and Tevez in the middle they will thrive in space and have the quality to make the difference in the middle. Out wide, we have fantastic pace and quality.

The second key point will be high pressing, playing the game where we want to, while simultaneously forcing our opponents into areas where they feel uncomfortable. We wont have all the possession, so it’s important when Villa do, that its in areas they cant hurt us.

We start the game quickly. Don’t let Villa settle, get at their tired legs. We start the first 15 mins at 110 mph, pressing that little bit higher up the park than we will for the rest of the game. Make sure its our fans that are singing and give us a platform to win the match.

Defensive.
Control the space. When they do have possession ensure it’s in areas that can’t hurt us.

The first point of defence should be in in the opposition half, as we look to play a high pressing game. We allow the opposition cb’s and gk time on the ball in the final third. But close down midfielders coming deep and the fbs. Limit their options. Force them to go long or take risks.

When Villa’s cm’s come deep to pick up the ball one of Tevez/Robben/Navas (bank of 4 midfielders behind) and Reus look to close them down. Don’t give them time to pick a pass, working together they will have two banks of four behind them that will make it near impossible for Villa to find a way through. Frustrate them. When there deep midfielders do get on the ball, Tevez and Reus shut out the space in front of them, force them back to their defenders as our other four midfielders and fb’s will pick up their midfielders.

They have a couple central midfielders that will be dangerous on the ball but we have the players energy to really eliminate that, with our work rate and energy and they will struggle with the lack of space in front of them to break into. Although we press high up the park, the defence will ensure that as =Villa advance further up the park, the line drops deep so there is no space in behind. We will have a wall of five with a wall of four in front closing down, we will have a great solid shape. The closest player in the midfield 5 helps to close down, and the other four move across narrowing our midfield shape.

As Villa advance into higher areas of the park and closer to our first third, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Khedira drops in between defence and midfield, sweeping in between the lines. Rakitic and Tevez. This shape ensures that when our midfield do press, we always still have a midfielder in front of the defence.

We always want at least one more defender than Villa has attacker. One full backs get forward at a time. The other stays in line with Khedira, ready to break forward. This will help guard against counter attacks, as he provides a great stop or if not at least slows down the opposition from bursting straight through against the defence, and allows us to get players back to position. Rakitic has a box to box role, he has the energy to get up and down the park all game.

Our fb’s up against their quick wingers are to drop off more so they can bide their time, waiting for the right time to make the tackle and not diving in. Show him down the line to block the cross. If he does manage to get past you, you’ve got a chance to stop the cross.

We look to keep our passing simple in our own third. Look for Rakitic or go down the wings. Playing short and on the deck where possible. If we go long, we look to find our wingers.

Khedira in front of the backline play a hugely important role in our defence. But also offers the option to go backwards and start attacks again, he will keep things simple in possession.

Attack

It’s the quality of possession that matters, and with the players in our side we are confident we can hurt this Villa side with our range of passing, ability to beat a man and quality in the final third.

Playing with a false 9, we will have players dropping deep into pockets of space, gathering momentum in our quick flowing attack so that we players bursting at pace towards the Villa defence throwing the kitchen sink at them.

Rakitic orchestrates our play in the central midfield role. His energy and composure will add a real dynamic to our play, and give us the ability to change the tempo of the game if we need to. Next to him Khedira keeps things simple.

We will look to mix our play, stretch Villa. We have the players who will make the final ball and the players who can score. Get down the wings, and get the ball to one of our players feet in the box. Coupled with the space created from our width, we will create pockets of space that our players who are fantastic dribblers will thrive on.

In Reus, Navas, Tevez and Robben we have fantastic pace going forward, but important top quality on the ball. The four will look to drop deep, find space to get the ball. Play quick one twos and get in behind the Villa defence or running directly at them.

Reus up front as the false 9 gives us someone who can create gaps with his running and movement, we will look to throw men forward to exploit these gaps. Tevez behind him will look to get involved in everything. Giving him a deeper role so that he can get involved in everything, and so that Reus can really stretch the Villa defence and pull them out of position creating gaps. With runners from deep we will get plenty of chances through on goal.

Down the wings and attack with pace. This width will create space in the middle for Rakitic, Tevez and Reus to exploit.

Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Barkley for Navas. Reus goes left. Robben right. Tevez up top. Energy in behind the striker, ensure the defence continues to have cover while adding some genius going forward.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Pirlo for Rakitic. Rakitic has had a big role in box to box role, now Barkley drops deeper to this role. Pirlo comes on as deep playmaker, adding composure to our play. And allows us to use long balls to effect as Villa throw men forward.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Dzeko for Tevez. Power up top, and give us a long ball option. One of Robben and Reus always looking to run off him in behind.

If drawing after 70 mins bring on Barkley for Navas. Reus goes left, Robben right, Tevez up top. Bring on a touch of genius in behind Tevez. Real power and drive to help get the winner.
If drawing after 77 mins bring on Oscar for Rakitic. Barkley drops a bit deeper. Oscar plays in am role. New ideas.

If drawing after 105 mins bring on Pirlo for Tevez. Reus moves up top. Pirlo deep playmaker. Oscar right. Robben left. Barkley central.

If losing after 65 mins bring on Pirlo for Khedira and Barkley for Navas. Pirlo next to Rakitic. Robben rw,Reus left,Tevez up top, with Barkley behind.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Dzeko for Filipe. Lahm sweeps in a back three. Dzeko up top with Tevez.

——————————————Blackman
Kalas————————Schar——————Chalobah————Davies
————————-—Tielemans—————Van Ginkel
—Lamela——————————-Praet——————----——Keita
———————————————Traore

subs: Ake, Grimaldo, Loftus-Cheek, Boga, Feruz

Captain: Schar
Free Kicks: Schar(shot)/Tielemans(delivery)
Penalties: Schar
Corners: Tielemans

Game Plan: This group of players are the ones to bring the club a chance of silver wear this season and for that they should be extremely proud. They have all been important to the first team at some point or other this season and should go into this game feeling confident, knowing next season they will be important members of the first team. It is their last game as a team and it will be the last game in this competition for many of the starting 11, we want them to go out and play some exciting football, adopting the first teams high tempo’d pressing system to stop United having much of the ball and then add some youthful exuberance to that when on the ball, this is a chance for them to impress, show all their talents, both good and bad, worry about honing those talents further next season.

We will defend from the front, the four attackers looking to shut the opposition down as soon as the ball is lost with the aim of the pressing to send the opposition wide into the narrow areas of the field where they will become easier to pen in. Once they get beyond this initial stage of pressing the team must set up to defend the area of the field where play is taking place, so if thats out wide the team move across as a unit and narrow the field, with the players on the opposite flank moving in as well and the striker dropping a little deeper too, if its central both flanks will push in a little more and make things compact and narrow. Now we have virtually everyone in the area of the field that the opposition want to use the ball and stage two of the pressing begins, if United get past one player they will immediately have another one steeping in to make a challenge. If they move the ball into a different area of the field the team must work quickly to get a cross and set up the defensive unit in this zone, which is where the wide players are important as they will be the first ones to get out to the opposition in the next zone and they must slow the attack down in order for us to regroup. If the first two stages of pressing do not win us the ball back and the opposition manage to get into the final third this is when we all drop back and now forget the high tempo’d pressing and cover the spaces, the defence must be compact and together, no spaces between CB and FB, with the wingers dropped back to help the FBs and the CMs back in front of the defence managing the space and not allowing anyone to pass through or work their way into space between the lines, whilst the striker and AM drop back and put the pressure on the deeper midfielders. We will be very hard to break down in this way, to giving them time on the ball or space to move into, make them work hard to keep the ball and be very committed in the tackling.

Onto the part where this team excel. Once we have the ball we must use it at pace just as these players like to do, we aren’t bothered about possession stats, we just want to be as effective as we can be, if that means being more direct that is our preferred option, however if that is not an option we have the players to slow the game down get hold of possession and work it into good areas before increasing the tempo in our play. With Traore playing close to the rest of the team when we are off the ball this gives us a great chance to get the ball to him early and allow him to use his great pace and strength to get the attack going, either by running at them or holding the ball up and waiting for support. We will be looking to use lots of width in our game as we are most dangerous here, so we look to get the ball to the wide areas and give them the freedom to attack players, running at the opposition and putting them on the back foot, looking to open up spaces for team mates. As we attack the team pushes up as a unit, Praet in support of Traore and the CMs moving forward to give the man on the ball an option to go back to as they can see the space ahead of them and use it, whilst the FBs will be encouraged to make overlapping runs when the play is building down their flank, the opposition FB pushing on but not too far, waiting for the chance for us to switch the play and allow them to burst forward. The aim of our attacks are to be fast and clinical with the end result being the ball moving into the centre of the field so we can attack the goal and to do this we will allow the winger on the flank which is not being used to come inside and take up a free role, looking to overload the central areas and either get in position to link the attack up or make a run into the box.

Players:

Blackman commands his area, coming to collect crosses when he has to and then using his good distribution to get us back on the attack.

The defence must stay together, not leaving space between FB or CB and helping each other out if one is beaten. When the FBs have to come out to deal with the winger the defence will move across together to make sure that there is never the space between defenders for the opposition to use. The FBs must stay on their feet, never dive in, put the pressure on and force the opposition backwards, don’t allow them space in behind to cross or to cut in, make sure they always have someone in front blocking their progress. Attack wise, Kalas will use his speed to get beyond Lamela and get crosses in, whilst Davies will use his clever link up play with Keita to cause problems. Chalobah does the man marking of the striker today using his power and sped to good effect, making sure the striker never gets behind him and never gets time or space around our area to control the ball and use it, however when the striker drops deeper he leaves him to the midfield and waits for any runner. Schar covers Chalobah with his great reading of the game, dealing with anything that gets beyond his partner and making sure midfield runners do not get into space near our box. Schar will be the ball playing defender too, when we build from the back his job is to get the ball into the CMs or out wide.

Tielemans and Van Ginkel form their CM pairing. Tielemans will be the one that stays deep throughout the game, using his great vision and range of passing to control the game on and off the ball, seeing the danger when they come forward and seeing where we can attack when we have the ball, getting players into space, whilst his first time balls can be lethal when we counter. Van Ginkel will be the engine, pressing relentlessly when he has to and providing some drive to our attacks when needed, overloading when the front four and FBs aren’t able to break through, giving us someone to drive into space and pick a pass and then he can also continue his run to get in to space behind their defence, whilst he will be free to carry the ball forward when we break at speed.

Wingers jobs have already been explained, they are direct when we have the ball, they are hard working when we don’t, prepared to drop right back and help out our FBs.

Praet and Traore will stick close to each other so that we are never left with an isolated striker. Praet will usually be just behind Traore, looking to get the ball off the CMs and link the play up either with a pass or a quick turn of pace and dribble past a defender to create more room for himself and others, however at times he will make runs beyond Traore to take away defenders and open the space up for the striker to run into. Traore uses his pace and power, holding the ball up and combining with team mates whilst also being allowed to turn and run defenders. Both must link up quickly around the box and both get in for crosses.

Subs:

If Winning: Ake comes on for Praet 75’, Van Ginkel moves up and plays just ahead of Tielemans and Ake, Ake gives us a more natural DM. Feruz for Traore 80’, Feruz has very good work rate and will chase down everything. Grimaldo for Keita 85’, gives Davies extra support when needed.

If Drawing: Grimaldo for Davies 65’, bit of extra flair to attack them. Feruz and Boga for Praet and Traore 75’, Boga comes on to provide extra drive to midfield, he can take several players out of the game at any one time and Feruz is excellent at finding pockets of space.

If Losing: Feruz for Davies 65’, 3-5-2. If the change works Grimaldo will come on for Traore after we pull level so we can go back to a 4-2-3-1. If not, Boga and Loftus-Cheek come on for Praet and Tielemans 75’, more power in the midfield area to get us on top, RLC can make runs from deep to attack crosses.

If Penalties:

Erik Lamela
Marco Van Ginkel
Youri Tielemans/Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Nathanial Chalobah
Fabian Schar
Dennis Praet
Balde Keita
Bertrand Traore
Islam Feruz
Jeremy Boga
Alejandro Grimaldo
Nathan Ake
Tomas Kalas
Ben Davies
Jamal Blackman

---------------------Neuer----------------------
Stones-----Subotic------Bonucci-----Ricardo
-------------------Carvalho---------------------
---------------Pogba-----March----------------
--Willian-----------------------------Eriksen--
--------------------Balotelli--------------------

Perin, Baines, Iturraspe, Vidal, Neymar, Depay, RVP

After the disappointing league match v Arsenal this is our chance to put things right, we do not underestimate Aston Villa, they are a fine side, but we must stick to our plan that has worked all season, stick and move, quick free flowing football when in possession, hound them down when we are not.

In goal is Neuer, top German goalkeeper, great shotstopper and a very confident player. Instills this confidence into his back 4. Will come out for high balls and what he cant catch he will punch clear. Off his line early to shut down strikers and reduce their angle. If a quick break is on a quick punch/kick out to wingers, otherwise wait till everyone is back in position.

Subotic and Bonucci can form a top partnership at Chelsea, Subotic I have given the role of man marker, Watch the CF movement and always be wary of his runs and where he is going to be. Subotic positional sense is fantastic and he is quick and strong so even v a top CF he will be just fine. if we attack I want him to stay focussed at all time as to where the striker is. Bonucci will be given the free defensive role, he will take a step back at times just in case they have a man breaking through or if Subotic loses his man he will be there to clear the danger. Can come out with the ball but nothing silly, just look to pass to the players in front of him. If nothing on then just clear the danger, want no silly mistakes at the back. Stones at right back is a tough defender, positional sense in terms of defence is immense so a hard defender to break down, he has pace to go with nippy wingers and tough in the challenge, so whoever villa have out on the left is in for a tough 90 odd minutes, will attack when possible and get down the line to help Willian, I want him to get down and passed Willian to create that extra problem for there left back. Has loads of energy so like Ricardo will be up and down the pitch helping defensively annd attacking. Ricardo will do his job simply at left back, mark his man keep him away from danger and look to force him out wide, nothing silly, nothing rash. Just do what he should, his main threat however comes when we attack, only one of Ricardo/Stones attack at any one time. Ricardo and Eriksen together will be a danger, quick movement between the two. Pass and drive passed Eriksen as he cuts in play quick one twos with him and March/Pogba to get one of them in on goal. If Ricardo sees balotelli in space, get a quick cross in from wherever he is.

Carvalho retains his position despite Iturraspe coming in..He strolls about just in front of Subotic and Bonucci giving them that extra bit of insurance. A tough tackler and keeps it simple, tackle, win the ball, simple pass to those around him. Wont make a killer pass, but what he does is pass to those who can, even a simple 10 yard pass, he makes it look easy. So whoever villa have in the AM position better be quick as Carvalho will hunt him down and force him into silly mistakes, mistimed passes and generally just feck up.
Marchisio and Pogba are two very hard working central midfielders, it is there job to help nulify the villas attacks, grit and determination from these two with. No doubting villas have some very fine midfielders so we have to stop them making those runs forward, especially Kroos and Ramsay so will watch them carefully, he is niggly and will get right into the face of the Kroos, cant allow him time or space to dicate the play, Pogba will do the same on the second am if he attempts to move forward, between my lads they will stop anything getting through to the CF. When we attack however Marchisio and Pogba have freedom to drive forward with Carvalho behind them. Marchisio is very dangerous when attacking, a massive goal threat, quick one twos with those around him and drive powerfully into the box to recieve a return ball and drive at goal, both he and Pogba have endless energy. Pogba whilst Marchisio attacks I want to sit back a little, he has a great long range shot so will watch for any ball coming out, if he drives forward tho, marchisuo will take a step back

Eriksen has been shifted out Left again he will help ricardo defensivley by moving back and following the RB, however, it is when we attack he becomes dangerous. his vision, passing range both fantastic, a useful weapon as we attack, can pick players out easily so its up to them to make the runs for marchisio etc to find them and get them in on goal. Quick thinking, through balls, balls over the top and diagonal passing from Eriksen, look for Marchisio, Ricardo cutting in, he is a fantastic crosser of the ball so will try and get onto the head of Balotellu in the box.
Willian has been brought back to the RW to look and destroy there lb, he is not that great at LB so I want willian to use his pace and trickery to great effect, his lung bursting runs and endless energy will leave lb struggling also has a great eye for goal so will be a real danger, will look to march and balo in the centre as he will pass and go and look to link up straight away with the two players, so he can cut inside and unleash his powerful and accurate shooting range, will have Stones behind him and the two will bomb forward when they can but also be back to defend the lines. Willian & eriksen i want to focus on there fullbacks when they have the ball and get right into there faces, do enough to stop them moving forward and becoming a threat, if they dont come forward then retreat into our half to help out the rest of the team..

Balotelli is very dangerous to have up front, full of goals and they can come from anything, two good feet and good in the air, he must get into positions that allow him to become a threat, will have plenty support so wont become isolated up top on his own. Always moving and jigging about, taking players away freeing up room for the likes of eriksen and Willian to move into. When there defenders have the ball run them down and force them to play it out or mistime the passes. If he cant go for goal but is inpossession of the ball look for those coming up to support and lay it off/knock it on for them to beat the defence. He is great at holding up play so will do this if needed for others to come in. .

Captain:- Neuer
Penalties:- Eriksen
Free Kicks:- Eriksen
Corners:- Eriksen

Subs:-
Subs:-
Losing:-
65 Mins - Vidal for Pogba come in and add new energy and drive
70 Mins - Neymar for Eriksen again new drive down the left
80 Mins - RVP for Carvalho 4-4-2
85 Mins - Neymar up top, Ricardo to LM, 3-4-3

Winning:-
70 Mins - Iturraspe for Carvalho, same position, fresh legs
76 Mins - Baines for Eriksen
85 Mins - RVP for Balotelli

Drawing:-
65 Mins - Neymar for Marchisio, Eriksen into AM, Neymar LW, Pogba sit in beside Carvalho
70 Mins - RVP for Balotelli
80 Mins - Memphis Depay for Willian, switch with Neymar

Pens:-
depending who is on

RVP
Balotelli
Vidal
Baines
Neymar
Ricardo
Depay
Willian
Marchisio
Pogba

Champions league final:-

---------------------Neuer---------------------
Sciglio-----Subotic------Bonucci-----Baines
-------------------Iturraspe-------------------
---------------Pogba-----Vidal----------------
--Willian----------------------------Neymar--
-------------------vanPersie-------------------

Perin, Ricardo, Marchisio, Eriksen, Depay, Balotelli, Morata

In goal is Neuer, top German goalkeeper, great shotstopper and a very confident player. Instills this confidence into his back 4. Will come out for high balls and what he cant catch he will punch clear. Off his line early to shut down strikers and reduce their angle. If a quick break is on a quick punch/kick out to wingers, otherwise wait till everyone is back in position.

Subotic and Bonucci can form a top partnership at Chelsea, Subotic I have given the role of man marker, Watch the CF movement and always be wary of his runs and where he is going to be. Subotic positional sense is fantastic and he is quick and strong so even v a top CF he will be just fine. if we attack I want him to stay focussed at all time as to where the striker is. Bonucci will be given the free defensive role, he will take a step back at times just in case they have a man breaking through or if Subotic loses his man he will be there to clear the danger. Can come out with the ball but nothing silly, just look to pass to the players in front of him. If nothing on then just clear the danger, want no silly mistakes at the back. De Sciglio at right back is a tough defender, positional sense in terms of defence is immense so a hard defender to break down, he has pace to go with nippy wingers and tough in the challenge, so whoever villa have out on the left is in for a tough 90 odd minutes, will attack when possible and get down the line to help Willian, I want him to get down and passed Willian to create that extra problem for there left back. Has loads of energy so like Baines will be up and down the pitch helping defensively annd attacking. Baines will do his job simply at left back, mark his man keep him away from danger and look to force him out wide, nothing silly, nothing rash. Just do what he should, his main threat however comes when we attack, only one of Baines/Sciglio attack at any one time. Baines and Neymar together will be a danger, quick movement between the two. Pass and drive passed Neymar as he cuts in play quick one twos with him and Vidal/Pogba to get one of them in on goal. If Baines sees RVP in space, get a quick cross in from wherever he is.

Iturraspe comes in at DM..He positions himself just in front of Subotic and Bonucci giving them that extra bit of insurance. He knows the Barca team very well and knows there dangers. A tough tackler and keeps it simple, tackle, win the ball, simple pass to those around him. , pass to those who can, even a simple 10 yard pass, he makes it look easy. Will look to Pogba and Vidal in front of him so they can get driving forward. So whoever Barca have in the AM position better be quick as Iturraspe will hunt him down and force him into silly mistakes, mistimed passes and generally just feck up.
Vidal and Pogba are two very hard working central midfielders, it is there job to help nulify the villas attacks, grit and determination from these two with. No doubting Barca have some very fine midfielders so we have to stop them making those runs forward, so will watch them carefully, they are niggly and will get right into the face of the there players not allowing them any time on the ball, cant allow him time or space to dicate the play, Pogba will take on the second am if he attempts to move forward, between my lads they will stop anything getting through to the CF. When we attack however Vidal and Pogba have freedom to drive forward with Iturraspe behind them. Vidal is very dangerous when attacking, a massive goal threat, quick one twos with those around him and drive powerfully into the box to recieve a return ball and drive at goal, both he and Pogba have endless energy. Pogba whilst Vidal attacks I want to sit back a little, he has a great long range shot so will watch for any ball coming out, if he drives forward tho, Vidal will take a step back

Willian back in to start on the right He is very dangerous and quick, will look to destroy the right back. his vision, passing range both fantastic, a useful weapon as we attack, can pick players out easily so its up to them to make the runs for Willian to look for etc to find them and get them in on goal. Quick thinking, through balls, balls over the top and diagonal passing from Willian for the cms and Sciglio to look for when cutting in, he is a fantastic crosser of the ball so will try and get onto the head of RVP in the box.
Neymar has been brought back to the LW to look and destroy there rb, I want Neymar to use his pace and trickery to great effect, his lung bursting runs and endless energy will leave lb struggling also has a great eye for goal so will be a real danger, will look to Vidal and RVP in the centre as he will pass and go and look to link up straight away with the two players, so he can cut inside and unleash his powerful and accurate shooting range, will have Baines behind him and the two will bomb forward when they can but also be back to defend the lines. Willian & Neymar i want to focus on there fullbacks when they have the ball and get right into there faces, do enough to stop them moving forward and becoming a threat, if they dont come forward then retreat into our half to help out the rest of the team..

RVP is very dangerous to have up front, full of goals and they can come from anything, two good feet and good in the air, he must get into positions that allow him to become a threat, will have plenty support so wont become isolated up top on his own. Always moving and jigging about, taking players away freeing up room for the likes of eriksen and Willian to move into. When there defenders have the ball run them down and force them to play it out or mistime the passes. If he cant go for goal but is inpossession of the ball look for those coming up to support and lay it off/knock it on for them to beat the defence. He is great at holding up play so will do this if needed for others to come in. .

Captain:- Neuer
Penalties:- Vidal
Free Kicks:- Baines
Corners:- Neymar

Losing:-
65 Mins - Eriksen for Iturraspe into AM role
70 Mins - Memphis Depay for Willian, Switch with Neymar
80 Mins - Neymar and Memphis push right up in a 4-3-3 with Balotlli coming on for RVP

Winning:-
70 Mins - Marchisio for Pogba
75 Mins - Balotelli for RVP
85 Mins - Ricardo for Neymar

Drawing:-
70 Mins - Depay for Willian switch with Neymar
75 Mins - Eriksen for Pogba
80 Mins - Balotelli for RVP

last few mins Eriksen to the left, Depay up supporting Balotelli

updated:-

RVP is very dangerous to have up front, full of goals and they can come from anything, two good feet and good in the air, he must get into positions that allow him to become a threat, will have plenty support so wont become isolated up top on his own. Always moving and jigging about, taking players away freeing up room for the likes of Neymar and Willian to move into. When there defenders have the ball run them down and force them to play it out or mistime the passes. If he cant go for goal but is inpossession of the ball look for those coming up to support and lay it off/knock it on for them to beat the defence. He is great at holding up play so will do this if needed for others to come

ASTON VILLA

4-2-3-1

______________________Begovic____________________
Zabaleta________Mertesacker__Koscielny________Shaw
_______________Fernandinho___Ramsey_____________
Sam___________________Kroos_________________Koke
_____________________Sturridge___________________
SUBS: Mignolet, Garay, Coleman, Gerrard, Volland, De Bruyne, Destro

Captain: Kroos
Right free-kicks: Kroos
Left free-kicks: Kroos
Penalties: Sturridge
Right corners: Kroos
Left corners: Kroos


General:
Today is cup final day, and all I can ask of my players is to give a damn good go at this without fear. Man United will play a strong side but my side today will be compact when defending. GEGENPRESSING is a highly-organised approach to regaining possession and minimising space for the opposition used by Dortmund, and now used by Villa. My opponents are rapidly closed down by well-rehearsed, co-ordinated pressing movements, often by two or more players, allied with intelligent positioning to restrict space for opposition to pass and move into. The best moment to win the ball is immediately after after my team just lost it. Once we have regained possession, the transition from defence to attack will be explosive. We will be an attacking team. Aim is to move the ball around efficiently and with purpose, with many forward passes and none of Spain’s useless sideway passes. Play on the counter if dominated, but move the ball around when they sit back. Passing will be quick and intelligent, players moving into space and plenty of interchange between the three attacking midfielders. Team will look at the striker as the focal point with the attacking midfielders running off and beyond him, linking up efficiently. When defending Kroos and Koke will drop back to help, Sam stays up as the out ball and Sturridge prepared for anything lumped up to him. Team must attempt to block shots at all times. Deep defensive line. * When defending we will play two banks of four and be compact leaving little space in between the lines. So when defending we will go into this mode:

Kroos - Fernandinho - Ramsey - Koke
Sam - Sturridge

And when we get the ball we will look to set loose the speedsters up front with the whle team pushing up a bit to at least outside our 18 yard box and switch back to our normal formation.

Begovic:
Claim crosses if possible. Always clear lines, and hoof up the pitch towards the strikers whenever possible. The ball must stay clear of the 18 yard box at all times. Communication is key with centre halves to avoid confusion when deciding who claims a loose ball / cross.

Mertesacker and Koscielny:
Deals with opposition attackers. Koscielny keeps an eye on their attacking midfielder when he gets close to the 18 yard line. Koscielny will also mark their striker closely not allowing him space to turn. Koscielny or Fernandinho will deal with knock-downs to their supporting player depending on who is closer. Mertesacker will try and win headers when long balls are played towards the back line. Mertesacker will also clean up any balls / players who manage to get past Koscielny. Koscielny will be the centre half who steps up and clears up balls before it reaches their attackers, but must only go if he’s 100% sure he’ll get it. Go up for corners. If in the event that an attacking midfielder / second striker is not played then Koscielny will just have to deal with the midfield runner but not get dragged too far out of his defensive line.

Zabaleta and Shaw:
Zabaleta will be diciplined for this match, but when we get the ball and whoever Rof plays goes on one of his inside runs Zabaleta will look to overlap Sam and run into the box (like Juanfran v Chelsea at the Bridge). Zabaleta and Shaw both will show United’s wide players to their weak foot, threat weakens when they are shown away from goal. Both will sit back when without the ball, but Shaw will bomb forward when the opportunity arises. Main aim is to provide width and provide extra bodies in midfield to link up play. They should thump in crosses to Sturridge when it’s on. Shoot if there is a clear sight of goal. Stays back for corners. Must not commit to tackles otherwise wingers will skip past them, just stay close, limit their space and show them onto their weaker foot.

Fernandinho and Ramsey:
Sits deep, breaks up play and snap at their heels. Fernandinho is an engine that can cover a lot of ground when defending. Fernandinho will hardly ever go past the half-way line. Ramsey will buzz around and dictate play, bursting forwards at times to provide an extra body in attack. Ramsey will be a bit ahead of Fernandinho to be more involved in exchanging passes with full backs / Kroos, even going level with Kroos at times to use his incredible vision to find teammates. Ramsey will need to make himself a goal threat with his late runs into the box in this match. Fernandinho stays close to the centre halves. Both sprays balls wide to fullbacks when they get forward. Stays back for corners. Will not allow the opposition any time on the ball in front of centre halves. Fernandinho sticks to position when fullbacks flys forwards, providing cover if needed. Ramsey drops deeper when this happens.

Sam, Kroos and Koke:
Will constantly swap positions with each other. Will look to thread through balls to Sturridge and exchange passes with each other. Constantly drifting in and out of position, into space to make it difficult to mark. Can cross when out wide. Koke should always track back to help the fullbacks and midfield when defending. Kroos can burst past Sturridge and shoot if needed. Goes to near post to anticipate crosses. Constantly runs at their defence. All will press the opposition when without the ball. Koke will be drifting inside a lot and because he has stamina of six men he will therefore chase down the ball a lot and aim to create when he gets the ball. In this match when we don’t have the ball I will need Sam to sit on their deep lying midfielder (the non-defensive one) and disrupt him from running towards the box too much. When Zabaleta gets forward during his rare forward runs Koke will attempt to find him at the far post for Zabaleta to knock the ball across goal for Sturridge Kroos Ramsey to knock in, with Koke arriving late to gobble up possible rebounds (see Arda Turan goal v Chelsea). They will also try and double up on a full back if required (like Robben and Ribery both attacking the same full back under Heyknes).

Sturridge:
Holds up the ball, brings the three attacking midfielders into play. Play on the shoulder of the last man, always sets himself at the far post for crosses. Will keep the centre halves occupied. Will chase down opposition centre halves when they have the ball.

SUBS:
Scored the goal(s) that will win us the cup:
75 mins: Ramsey OFF Gerrard ON
Gerrard replaces Ramsey and we go 4-3-3 with Kroos dropping back. We will then aim to keep the ball for as long as possible even if we have to do pointless sideway passing but if space opens up, work the ball forwards to try and fashion a chance.

Not scored the goal(s) to win the cup:
75 mins: Fernandinho OFF Destro ON
Go 4-2-4 with Sturridge Destro centre De Bruyne right Koke left. Ramsey supports, Kroos holds and sprays passes from deep. All out attack, nothing to lose. When we lost he ball Koke goes central to provide support in centre mid and Sturridge goes to the left to provide that outlet. Switch back when we have the ball. Both full backs go forwards in turns and we will squeeze them back into their 18 yard box. Our CBs will not stick too close to the striker in case they get turned, Koscielny will be ready to chase back towards goal while Mertesacker will position himself (like he always does in real life) to nick the ball off the attacker as soon as he gets it. Whatever second attacker from Chelsea will be watched by the full back staying back depending on which side.

Scored the goal(s) to win the cup after the Destro change:
Whatever minute: Sturridge OFF Garay ON
Whatever minute: Ramsey OFF De Bruyne ON
They’re gonna pen us back whether we like it or not, so we will go 5-4-1 with Garay slotting into a back 5. Koke will come into the centre along with Kroos with De Bruyne right and Sam left, Destro up front. Sam will provide the counter attacking threat when we win the ball back and him and Destro will break at their (supposedly) abandoned defence. This is not me playing defensive football volunteerily, this is the opposition forcing us into our box like we would’ve forced them into theirs and me providing a counter measure to this situation.