This might seem like a radical opinion but it seems seriously logical to me. Remember the Wolves game that preceded the crucial three games against Newcastle, Valencia and Man City. It was the last time we were anywhere near efficient with the high line. Against Fulham and Villa, we played it but still seemed curiously clueless. Why?
The plan by AVB was to return to the tested and trusted style for those three make or break games then return to the high line. Unfortunately, AVB didn't know how set in their ways these group we have are. The moment he sacrificed the high line and had such success with the deep line, the players quickly descended back into familiar surroundings and have refused to come out ever since. They forgot all they had learnt in pre season this year(which Mata and Essien unfortunately were not parts of) and returned to their performance level under Ancelotti.
This was not helped when AVB made the familiar(Mourinho-esque) defensive substitution against Wigan- Malouda for Sturridge. The players unfortunately like drug addicts had a relapse and because they are so strongly set in their ways, have found it really hard to pull out. AVB must have tried to re-establish the status quo in training sessions but most of the old guard decided to see it as 'Over-Coaching' and we are trapped. It will be very difficult to get that high line operational again. Our only hope for this season should be a permanent change to 4-2-3-1 to put more of the weight of creativity on Mata.
Thoughts?
We Can Not Play The High Line Again!
posted on 23/2/12
I doubt the players are overriding the manager on what line the defence should play. they're not that bad
posted on 23/2/12
The plan by AVB was to return to the tested and trusted style for those three make or break games then return to the high line. Unfortunately, AVB didn't know how set in their ways these group we have are. The moment he sacrificed the high line and had such success with the deep line, the players quickly descended back into familiar surroundings and have refused to come out ever since. They forgot all they had learnt in pre season this year(which Mata and Essien unfortunately were not parts of) and returned to their performance level under Ancelotti.
I agree
posted on 24/2/12
Does anyone have an idea what annoyed Cashley so much?
Could it be this "high line" tactic?
Surely the defence should push up when you're in possession, and drop back when you don't.. I don't understand this sudden obsession with the idea of the back four pushing up - surely every team does it to a great or lesser extent or the midfield and defence would be miles apart.
Anyone?
posted on 24/2/12
Can't disagree with a single word.
Will enjoy watch us playing the high line again next season, with players who'll actually stick with it