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comment by (U7889)

posted on 30/7/14

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

comment by Marky (U19443)

posted on 30/7/14

EVERTON U21 v wolves u21

---------------Stanek---------------
Wisdom - Silva - Souttar - Ronan
--------Bigirimana - Jose----------
---Polo - K.Hazard - Redmond---
---------------Henen----------------
Subs: McGhee, Ledson, Green, Mehew

Stanek to command his area, stay big for one on ones, beware of long shots and distribute to the fullbacks or midfielders.

Silva to mark their striker, beat him to the ball and Souttar to be the second man, be first to any flick-ons and track any runners from deep. In possession use the midfielders ahead of you and stay back.

Wisdom and Ronan to force the Wolves wingers wide, don't allow them to get crosses into the box, in possession get forward and overlap Polo/Redmond to give them options.

Bigirimana is the DM, sit and break up play, stop Wolves' AM's from getting any momentum, even if you break up play with the occasional foul. In possession look for the wingers or Hazard/Jose. Jose Rodriguez to be our deep playmaker, keep things ticking over and switch play on occasion. Bring the ball forward and if it opens up take a shot.

Polo and Redmond to attack the Wolves' fullbacks, run at them and look to get crosses into the area for Henen to get onto. Link with Hazard and look for Wisdom/Ronan overlapping to allow you to cut inside or play your fullback in to allow them to cross.

Hazard to be our AM, link with Jose, Bigirimana, Polo, Redmond and Henen. Run at the Wolves defence, pick a pass to Henen, feed Polo or Redmond making a run infield or keep possession by passing in triangles with Bigirimana and Jose. Have a shot if it opens up.

Henen our striker, plenty of pace so mark the deepest Wolves defender and play on his shoulder, make runs in behind for passes from Jose and Hazard, and shoot on sight. Hold up play if back is to goal, and look for Polo and Redmond making runs alongside you.

Subs 70 mins:
McGhee, Ledson, Green and Mehew on
Silva, Jose, Hazard and Henen off
All four like for like, McGhee to CB, Ledson to CM, Green to AM and Mehew to ST.

posted on 1/8/14

Vs Everton

-------------------------Ryan
Azpilcueta-----Howedes---Terry------Moreno
---------------Tielemans---Matuidi
Sneijder---------------------------------Turan
------------------------Rooney
--------------------------Cavani

Subs: Ruddy, Corchia, N'Koulou, Kondogbia, Lampard, Raul Garcia, Griezmann, Bakalli, Bony.

Game Plan:

An important friendly as we start to give players more minutes. We set up to defend from the front and stop Everton being able to break forward with space. We start with the 4 attacking players who will close down the oppositions back line and CMs with these 4 players, looking to get in their faces and close off their options off the ball, forcing them to push the ball wide or back to the keeper and into a longer ball. Once we get them beyond this phase and hopefully into a wide position we begin to defend vertical space, with the players moving across to the width of the pitch in which the opposition have possession, including one CF, leaving only a CF and the winger on the opposite side to close off the pass to the next vertical zone. This insures that the opposition are packed into one area, with bodies in the way, putting them under intense pressure and not letting them get to our back line. This also means that when we get the ball we have players in close proximity to allow us to move the ball through the opposition at pace to utilise the full potential of our counter attacks. Their best chance is now going to come from crosses which we will deal with all day. If they manage to break out of the pressing and into the next zone the team is disciplined and sets up it's shape in the next zone in order to put intense pressure on again and keep the opposition back. If they manage to play through the middle we have two disciplined wide attackers who will drop inside and narrow the pitch, leaving no gaps for our opponents play into, whilst being very disciplined in knowing when to stretch back out to cut off a passing option and when to stay infield. If they get into our third we drop the team back, including the strikers who will put pressure on the CMs, whilst our FBs tighten to our CBs and the wide attackers drop back to cover the FBs, leaving the opposition no space in the central areas and forcing them again to try and attack us from wide, where we can get to them quickly with the wide attackers and stop the danger. The aim is to close off our goal, don't let them in, but trying to win the ball back as high up the pitch as possible.

When we do win the ball we want to be lighting quick to attack, moving the ball forward and taking advantage of the numbers we have around the ball to play some quick passes, with the team beginning to make runs to stretch the opposition, these runs mainly coming from the wide attacker of the opposite flank and the two strikers, whilst the FBs will be quick to get up the field and provide width to really stretch things. When we are having to defend deep and can't pass it out quickly we have the advantage of two strikers with great hold up play having dropped into space between the attacking midfield area and the defensive midfield area of the opposition, allowing us to play directly into them and get support around them quickly, Turan using his pace and dribbling as the more direct wide attacker, whilst Sneijder has more freedom to drift off his flank and pick up gaps in the opposition midfield to get into and create chances. When one striker drops off to receive the ball, the other is immediately making the run further wide or up the field to give them someone to move the ball onto quickly and get the opposition stretched straight away. We expect in this game that we will see more of the ball than usual, so when we get on it and we can't be direct we will hold onto it, Tielemans and Sneijder are in the side to help us achieve that, both calm and confident in possession, but also both able to pick that penetrating pass when a team drops off and gets men behind the ball, meaning we aren't one dimensional, they will be able to pick out the runs of the attackers both in counter attacking scenarios and in phases of controlled possession. Matuidi alongside Tielemans gives us that extra engine in midfield so that if we are struggling he pushes us forward.

Subs:

Half time: Ruddy for Ryan, N'Koulou for Howedes, Griezmann for Turan.

If Winning: Kondogbia for Tielemans 70', Raul Garcia for Rooney 75', Bony for Cavani 75', Lampard for Matuidi 80'.

If Drawing/Losing: Kondogbia for Matuidi 65', Bakkali for Sneijder(for a more direct option) 70', Corchia for Azpilicueta 75', Lampard for Tielemans 75', Raul Garcia for Rooney 75', Bony for Cavani 75'.

posted on 1/8/14

Friendly v Arsenal

------------------Perin
Uchida----Subotic----Sakho---Davies

--------Strootman------Pjanic
Iturbe-----------Mata---------Nasri
-----------------Suarez
Subs

Szczesny, Rojo, Godin, Henderson, De Jong, Costa, Higuain

Overview

An attack minded 4-2-3-1 with inverted wingers to allow full backs to provide width when attacking. and working in groups of 2 or 3 to get the ball back by stayng on their feet and nick the ball rather than sliding in to launch quick transitions from defence to attack.



Keeper


When distributing the ball, he should look to keep it simple and play the percentage pass. At crosses and set pieces, should look to punch rather than flap at pressurised catches.



Full Backs

Both are used to the attacking side of the game, and their primary directive will be to push on and make overlapping runs down their respective sides, keeping the pitch as wide as possible to try and stretch the opposition defensive line. Defensively the objective is to push the opposition winger out as wide as possible and hold up play.



Centre Backs

Subotic will compete with the striker for the aerial balls played up to him, with Sakho looking to win the 2nd ball. When the ball is on the floor, Sakho will be the defender who looks to meet the striker looking to stifle his space and rush his decisions, with Subotic making the covering run. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should look to take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space and retain possession.



Centre Mids


Strootman will look to create himself little pockets of space so he can get on the ball and keep the game ticking over, Pjanic will be playing a more all round game looking to put himself about, not afraid to run with the ball and get forward to make late runs and be an extra attacking presence. When defending, both players will look to close down the space in which the attacking midfielders will look to occupy.





Wingers


When they are on the ball, the emphasis for both wingers will be more on cutting inside, and only occasionally putting in crosses, if they do cut inside, the full backs should have moved forward to occupy the touchline and provide the wide option. When our full backs have moved forward, the wingers should look to carry the ball into the box, as defenders will be extra cautious to not give away a penalty. When the opposite winger has the ball, the winger without the ball should look to find space between the CB and full back to add an extra body for any crosses or capitalise on any defensive errors.
 When defending, they should be involved in the team pressing, particularly on the full backs.



Attacking Midfielder

Mata should be looking to just put himself about a bit when we have the ball in the middle of the pitch, not afraid to come a bit deeper to get the ball and take on players himself or look to make an attacking pass. he should also look to be making late runs into the box as an attacking option when we have the ball out wide. when defending, he should be looking to occupy the defensive pivot, stop him being an out ball for the opposition.



Striker


When attacking, he will look to play a high energy game by being a willing runner down the channels and constantly drift around the defenders looking to get himself a bit of space enough for him to face the defenders and take them on. He should also use his knack of anticipating what the defenders are going to try and get the ball to fend them off and gain the crucial advantage to create a chance. When defending, he will be the first line of defence, using his high energy game to pressurise the defenders into making quick decisions.

Set Pieces



Corners - Pjanic takes the corners, the 2 CB's go into the box, the FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's, Suarez and Iturbe attack the ball, Strootman looks to annoy the opposition keeper looking to limit his ability to move around the 6 yard box. NAsri and Mata take positions just outside the box to pick up any weak defensive headers or knockdowns.





Free Kicks - Suarez takes Direct FK's, with Mata occasionally taking them as the 2nd option.

For Indirect FK's, follow the same directives for Corners





Penalties - Suarez is the designated taker.





Subs



If Winning


72 mins - Henderson for Mata - The wingers tuck back, but with the knowledge to get out quickly for the front 3 to try and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.
 Henderson uses his energy to press the midfielders when they are on the ball.




85 + 87 Mins - Callejon for Iturbe and Rojo for Nasri - Fresh legs and the added element of running down the clock.



If Losing



78 Mins - Godin, Callejon + Higuain for Uchida, Davies + Nasri - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and we go all out attacking for a way to get back into the game.

comment by Marky (U19443)

posted on 2/8/14

EVERTON v Liverpool

----------Mandanda
Jung Lovren Besic Criscito
Dembele Clasie Hernanes
--Thauvin Eto'o Bernard

Subs: Speroni, Richards, Alex, Defour, Jose Rodriguez, Hulk, Drmic

Tough test against Liverpool, but we have the players and the gameplan to stop them.

(Bracketed players to have the same instructions when they come on as a substitute)

Mandanda (Speroni) - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones.

Lovren (Alex)/Besic - Lovren to mark Cavani, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Besic to mark Rooney, but play zonally to make sure you don't get dragged out of position. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Both of you go forward for setpieces.

Jung (Richards)/Criscito - I want you both to stay with the Liverpool wingers, force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to cut inside and create problems but only show them down the wing. When we have possession, push forward and support Thauvin/Bernard as they will try to run inside the fullback and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Eto'o. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

Dembele (Jose)/Clasie (Defour)/Hernanes - I want you all to work together and dominate the midfield. Without the ball all three of you will work hard to win back possession. Clasie will be the one who sits and protects the back four and breaks up play, while tracking Rooney when he drops deep or anyone from midfield breaking forward. Dembele will be our box to box man, be the one who bursts into the area for any crosses and arrive late. Track back when we lose possession. Hernanes to play the playmaker role, drop deep and assist but you will be the one dictates play, you have the trickery and mentality required to fulfill this role and be our match winner. Keep the ball if nothing on, tire out the opposition by making them chase after the ball.

Thauvin (Hulk)/Bernard - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Liverpool fullbacks and get crosses in, but both of you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Eto'o with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Hernanes and Dembele, and capitalise on the space Eto'o's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.

Eto'o (Drmic) - you will be expected to occupy the Liverpool centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. If they double mark you, drop wide and swap with Thauvin to leave him unmarked and near the goal. Be strong in the air and look for Hernanes trying to pick you out. Shoot on sight.

Subs 60 mins: Speroni for Mandanda, Alex for Lovren, Richards for Jung, Defour for Clasie, Jose for Dembele, Hulk for Thauvin, Drmic for Eto'o

All like for like changes, same system and same individual gameplan.

-------------Speroni
Richards Alex Besic Criscito
----Jose Defour Hernanes
-----Hulk Drmic Bernard

comment by (U7889)

posted on 3/8/14

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

posted on 3/8/14

6th Aug v Wolves

-------------------J.Butland--------------------
Bossaerts--R.Oxford--R.Bazoer--M.Targett
-------------------R.Kongolo--------------------
------------K.Coman-----R.Gauld--------------
P.Roberts---------------------------R.Zivkovic
---------------------D.Selke---------------------

Benjamin Henrichs, Sinan Kurt, Dan Crowley, Thorgan Hazard, Dominci Solanke, Isiah Brown

A very young team out to check the progress of our U21s

Play the same formation as the seniors looking to keep possession, fast free flowing football..

Butland in goal gives our defence great confidence, a good shot stopper, comes out for high balls and punches clear what he cant catch. off his line early to close down strikers and reduce there shooting angle.

Bazoer will man mark the striker and stick very close as he moves forward, so he is their to stop him early as he comes through, as captain will lead from the back. Reece Oxford has a very mature head for a 15 yr old will sit spare and look to go for high balls into the area, and support Bazoer as best he can. Bossaerts will be a defensive RB, will allow Targett to move forward to attack as he moves into a 3 man defence. Both will defend solidly and stay as a line but when we break Targett will move up allowing Zivkovic to move into attack.

Rodney Kongolo is the DM. he sits just in front of the centre halves closing down any AM that moves forward stopping them in there tracks, and breaking up play, will be assisted by Coman when they do come forward. Simple passes to those around him.
Coman will be box to box, great energy as he looks to create an impression. Will defend when they come forward but will drive forward looking to open up there defence for others to move into. Ryan Gauld is a talent, can pass about with ease, will look to play neat one twos with those around him to get into dangerous areas and get them in on goal, low centre of gravity so difficult to mark and can turn very quickly to move away from markers.

Zivkovic and Roberts out wide are quick and skillfull and know where the goal is, they must support Selke as best they can, by moving in field, using Gauld as a pivot to allow them to break through the defence and in on goal. If they have ball at feet look to take men on, knock it passed them and drive on, when they get to the bye line cross in for the big hitman.

Selke has been outstanding at u19 level for Germany the big striker can out jump Cbs with his 6'3 frame, good with both feet and knows where the back of the net is. Can push passed markers easily and has a good burst of pace.

Captain - Bazoer
Penalties - Selke/Solanke
Freekicks - Gauld/Thorgan
Corners - Gauld/Thorgan

Subs:-
H/T -
Thorgan > Gauld Same role
Kurt > Selke (Zivkovic up front)
Brown > Roberts

65 Mins
Solanke > Zivkovic
Henrichs > Kongolo
Crowley > Coman (4231)

comment by (U7889)

posted on 4/8/14

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

posted on 4/8/14

Friendly vs Wolves.

------------- J.Oblak
Rafael – Pepe – Vertonghen – Filipe
------- S.Khedira – Fabregas
J.Navas ---- R.Barkley ------ Robben
-------------- Balotelli

Attacking 4-2-3-1. Playing with plenty of width. We have fantastic pace down the wings, and with real power through the middle.

Power and pace will be key to our play today. We will be direct and attack with pace. Cesc is the playmaker, in the cm role. Our attacking four will really stretch the opposition with their running and movement, this should open up the opposition and allow Cesc and Sami to control the game for us.

Defensively we look to get everyone bar Balotelli back behind the line of the ball. Oblak has a chance to establish himself as 2nd choice GK.

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 defence and gk time on the ball in the final third. But close down midfielders coming deep in this area, pushing our team forward and playing a high line. Limit their options. Force them to go long or take risks.

As soon as they move the ball our of the first third, to the middle section of the park we want to press. Keeping the 4-2-3-1 shape at this point, Barkley and one of Navas/Robben will look to close down the opposition depending where the opposition are. The winger on the opposite flank comes in narrow, ensuring there is no space in the centre.

When there dm’s do get on the ball, Barkley and a winger 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.

Although we press high up the park, the defence will ensure that as Wolves advance further up the park, the line drops deep so there is no space in behind. As Wolves 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. His energy and reading of the game will be important here. Cesc and Barkley in cm. This shape ensures that when one of our cms do press we will always have a cm to cover behind in the important central areas.

We always want at least one more defender than Wolves 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.

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.


Attack

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

Generally we want to be direct going forward, in the opposition half we will always looking to go forward and stretch the opposition where possible. Navas keeps the width on the right, Robben has more freedom to find space in central areas. Their pace will be a real asset down the wings and will help to stretch the opposition, forcing them deep. This will create space in the centre of the park, giving time to the likes of Khedira, Cesc and Barkley.

Cesc will look to orchestrate our play. We want him to be everywhere today, and get involved with everything. We are looking to see the aggressive Fabregas that played as a box to box man in a midfield two for Arsenal. Khedira offers real drive in the more defensive cm role, he will help to drive us forward but will stay deep at all times but for the very rare occasion where he can burst forward and Cesc will cover.

Barkley will always look to find space in between the Wolves midfield and defence, where he can get on the ball and create something special. Balotelli up front will always look to get on the last man, getting to the near post for crosses.

Subs. After 70 mins bring on Rakitic for Cesc. Like for like swap.
After 70 mins bring on Shaqiri for Navas. Robben goes to rw.
After 70 mins bring on Oscar for Barkley. Like for like.
After 80 mins bring on Telles for Filipe. More attacking as game opens up.
After 80 mins bring on Dzeko for Balotelli.
After 80 mins bring on Inler for Khedira.

comment by (U7889)

posted on 5/8/14

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

comment by (U7889)

posted on 5/8/14

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

posted on 6/8/14

ASTON VILLA

3-4-1-2

_______________________Navas______________________
____________Garay___Mertesacker___Koscielny________
Zabaleta______Fernandinho______Koke___________Shaw
_______________________Kroos______________________
____________Sturridge____________Destro____________
SUBS: Begovic, Toprak, Coleman, Gerrard, De Bruyne, Volland, Lambert

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

Here’s how the team will set out: http://sharemytactics.com/18375/

General:
Villa’s set-up will be reminiscent to the Dutch team in the 2014 World Cup. A back three, two central midfielders, 2 wing backs, a 10 and two centre forwards. Villa’s back three can situationally morph into a back five with the wing backs dropping into the defensive line. Villa’s 3-2 defensive block will allow easy circulation of the ball in the defensive area due to the natural positioning of the players in this system. This team will be one that presses in defensive phase, one which moves the ball quickly in transition phase and one which circulates the ball to open spaces. The 3 up front will look to take up good positions and cover space, reducing possible passes for the opposition team. The ball will be moved quickly when Villa regain possession to take advantage of opened up space with the opposition not in their normal defensive structure. Both forwards need to make sure they run into wide areas where the full backs are probably missing and get a 1v1 with the centre halves where one could put the ball in and while the other gets into the box, link up with full backs when they come forward as well. The centre midfielder and the number 10 will get up to support the attack. Defending the 18 yard line is the main aim and will limit the opposition to long shots. All players stick to positions and won’t be dragged out of position. If the opposition want to play fancy passing and have 90% possession, let them, but our team will be compact not allowing anything to get into the 18 yard box.

Navas:
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.

Garay 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. Garay will try and win headers when long balls are played towards the back line. Garay will not be as aggressive but step up to attack players that come down his side. 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. Both will protect the central centre half to the best of their abilities. Go up for corners.

Mertesacker:
Sits in line with the other two centre halves, he is not a sweeper. Will try and win headers when long balls are played towards the back line. Will also clean up any balls / players who manage to get through the other two centre halves. Go up for corners.

Zabaleta and Shaw:
Will both go forwards and support the attack. Will also act as extra bodies in midfield to help with holding onto the ball. Can drop into a back 5 if necessary. Main aim is to provide width and thump in crosses at every opportunity. 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 Koke:
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. Koke will buzz around and dictate play, bursting forwards at times to provide an extra body in attack. Koke 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. Fernandinho stays close to the centre halves. Both sprays balls wide to wing backs and directly to the front 3. Fernandinho stays back for corners. Will not allow the opposition any time on the ball in front of centre halves. Fernandinho sticks to position when wing backs fly forwards, providing cover if needed. Koke will stand outside the box during set pieces to smack in rebounds if not taking a set piece.

Kroos:
Will constantly hit balls towards both strikers and if not possible, to the wing backs flying forwards. The number 10 will press the opposition along with the the other midfielders when without the ball. Will stand outside the box if not taking a set piece to hit a rebound.

Sturridge and Destro:
Holds up play for the support midfielders and spray the ball wide to wing backs when they come forward, if not then they will pull wide to exploit attacking space. Get into the box at every opportunity when their partner pulls out to wide areas. Both should be able to play quick one-twos with each other if they happen to be close to each other. Both will play on the shoulder of the opposition defence and will attempt at times to get in the space between centre halves and full backs, if there isn’t a lot of space. Destro will allow long balls to be launched occasionally to him.

SUBS:
Winning/Drawing:
75 mins: Kroos OFF Gerrard ON
Gerrard replaces Kroos and will slot into centre midfield to shore up the midfield and to help keep the ball better in order to close the game out.

Losing:
75 mins: Fernandinho OFF Lambert ON
Essentially going 3-4-3 where Kroos will drop back into centre midfield and Lambert will go up front. Lambert will allow others to launch long balls towards him. Will be more attacking.

comment by kamran (U1022)

posted on 6/8/14

"Friendly" vs Rex

Wolves vs Swansea

-------------------------Diego Alves--------------------
Cacares-------Vidic-------Papadopoulos------Maxwell
--------------------Irramendi-----Motta----------------
--------Salah--------------Michu---------------Lallana
----------------------------Negredo------------------


Subs: Baumann, Yedlin, Albiol, Kaka, Lanzini, Cerci, Torres, Benteke

Tactics

General.
My team is definitely suited for a counter-attack as we have the a solid defence and good holding midfield that can battle and pick a pass whilst we have pace in abundance with Salah, Lallana and Michu who also are direct and will attack the defence rather than play possession football. We will be strong on set-pieces and and utilise the ball quickly to our attacking midfield who have will be direct and look to get the ball to Negredo or go for goal themselves.

Defence
Marshalled by Vidic, we will be threat on set-pieces with a few players that are great headers of the ball and that will also be a great asset for goal kicks when we have the attack the first and second ball with no hesitance. Our defence are here to not concede so they will use their initiative and not try and do a 'Luiz' and do something silly. Play it simple and find players who are free.

The full-backs will help their respective wingers when needed but defensively they shall remain vigilant and on their feet to try and intercept rather than commit.
Both full-backs will be on the line for corners and not leave until there is no danger from that set-piece.

Midfield
With Motta, you know what you get; battler, menace and discipline. He is no nonsense but he is more technical than just a brawler. Very patient on the ball and knows when to tackle and quite nifty on the ball too. Irramendi is a deceitful looking player and can cover the ground quicker than you think. Great passser of the ball and will be looking to start the counter attacks as quick as possible. He will be more advanced when we attack but will play alongside Motta when we are being attacked.

Salah, Michu and Lallana will be relying on their skill and pace to widen the space between midfield and defence from the opposition and create space for Negredo. All three will be direct and take on players if they are 1v1. However, if there are more than one player they can go wide and take both players with them and Michu and Irramendi will run to the space for the wingers to pass to. When not on the ball, they should all be organised and press as a unit and help their midfield whenever possible.

Forward
Negredo may be the only striker but he will be very well supported by our attacking midfielders. Negredo to be strong in the air and play off the last defender and take up positions where neither defenders or midfielders are sure to pick him up. Negredo is a ruthless finisher and he knows that he will have very good passers to set him up.

Subs:
Cerci for Lallana 70mins
Lanzini for Michu 70mins
Yedlin for Cacares 75mins
Benteke for Negredo 75mins

comment by Marky (U19443)

posted on 6/8/14

EVERTON v Real Atletico Madrid

----------------Mandanda-----------------
Manquillo---Lovren---Distin---Criscito
-------------------Clasie-------------------
-----------Dembele---Hernanes----------
Thauvin-----------------------------Bernard
-------------------Osvaldo------------------

Subs: Stockdale, Richards, Armero, Besic, Defour, Hulk, Ferreyra

Very tough game today against Madrid, a huge test for us and seeing how we get on, under absolutely no pressure, enjoy the game, retain possession and enjoy the experience. We are treating this game as a league game though, leave everything on the field.

Mandanda - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones.

Lovren/Distin - Lovren to mark Falcao, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Distin to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and prevent any runners from midfield. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Both of you go forward for setpieces.

Manquillo/Criscito - I want you both to stay with the Madrid wingers, force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to cut inside and create problems but only show them down the wing. When we have possession, push forward and support Thauvin/Bernard as they will try to run inside the fullback and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Osvaldo. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

Dembele/Clasie/Hernanes - I want you all to work together and dominate the midfield. Without the ball all three of you will work hard to win back possession. Clasie will be the one who sits and protects the back four and breaks up play, while tracking anyone from midfield breaking forward. Dembele will be our box to box man, be the one who bursts into the area for any crosses and arrive late. Track back when we lose possession. Hernanes to play the playmaker role, drop deep and assist but you will be the one dictates play, you have the trickery and mentality required to fulfill this role and be our match winner. Keep the ball if nothing on, tire out the opposition by making them chase after the ball.

Thauvin/Bernard - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Madrid fullbacks and get crosses in, but both of you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Osvaldo with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Hernanes and Dembele, and capitalise on the space Osvaldo's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.

Osvaldo - you will be expected to occupy the Madrid centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. If they double mark you, drop wide and swap with Thauvin to leave him unmarked and near the goal. Be strong in the air and look for Hernanes trying to pick you out. Shoot on sight.

Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Hernanes and Clasie off, Besic and Defour on. Stay with the 4-3-3 but Besic replaces Clasie, giving us fresh legs at DM, and Defour replaces Hernanes, giving us more defensive protection to hold onto our lead.
If drawing: Thauvin and Osvaldo off, Hulk and Ferreyra on. Two like for like changes, Ferreyra upfront with Hulk to RW, same gameplan as before.
If losing: Dembele and Thauvin off, Hulk and Ferreyra on. Ferreyra upfront with Osvaldo, Hulk to RW, Hernanes further forward to AM with Bernard staying LW in a 4-1-3-2, Clasie holding the fort, the fullbacks will be expected to push further forward as well and take more risks.

posted on 8/8/14

chelsea to play Villa

----------------------Krul----------------------
Stones-----Veltman-----Manolas-----Sciglio
--------------------Iturraspe-------------------
--------------Guarin------A.Vidal--------------
J.Farfan-------------------------------Januzaj
---------------------Llorente-------------------

Roberts, Bazoer, Morata

We want to play with a high tempo, playing with only one defensive midfielder so push on and force there attacking players back, we will look to break them down with quick passing to get in amongst there defence.

Krul in the GK jersey for the match, a top keeper. Gathers the high balls but whet he cant catch he willl ppunch clear. off his line early to shut down there forwards and generally instills confidence in the whole team not just the defence. Look to set players away early for quick attacks.

Manolas and Veltman in at cb. Manolas does the man marking job, stay close to the CF, dont allow him to turn in on goal and stick to him like glue, Veltman will stay spare and help out if needed, clearing all high balls. When in possession look to start attacks from the back but nothing silly.

Sciglio and Stones with a point to prove. Both when in defence I want to stay in a back 4 look to keep there attacks to a minimum, force wingers back or indeed out wide. When I say force them back, when we have i want both to attack as Iturraspe sits in, Support wingers, drive passed them allowing them to cut in. Either recieve the ball back or take there fb away to create more space. If the ball comes back look to whip in dangerous crosses, then make way back.

Iturraspe comes in at DM, his job in this game, keep there AM quiet, out of the game and stop him dictating. stop him making his way into the area. He doesnt stroll very far from the defensive line and patrols the area just ahead of them. A big game for him as he looks to impress Fan. Once he has won the ball, simple passes to those around him.

Guarin and Vidal both help out defensively and help Iturraspe break up play. Both make runs foraward to support Llorente will look to dictate the game, both fine box to box players and Vidal imo the best there is in football and will easily get our players into dangerous positions, his timing is tremendous so look for players making runs and look to get the pass there before they do so they can take it on at pace. Also look for Guarin making his runs from deep so Vidal can play simple though balls to him and Benzema. and vice versa Guarin to Vidal both powerful players, they drive up and down the pitch supporting attack and defence, look to get forward, quick play with Farfan and Januzaj, looking to link up quickly with them playing one twos as they cut inside. These four and Llorente will be a massive threat.

Farfan and Januzaj, quick, skillfull, love taking men on and importantly can score goals. Drive at fullbacks with support from the fullbacks, once they drive passed look to cut inside, especially Januzaj, either play the fullback away or look to Guarin/Vidal to pass and drive into space and get the return to then go for goal. They wont cut in all the time and will sometimes allow Sciglio/Stones to do this, but when we attack I want it to be at pace and with numbers, we have two Cbs, iturraspe and one of Guarin/Vidal sitting in and we have the pace and energy to get back.

Llorenteis the ideal No.9, good in the air, two footed and scores for fun, always drifting along the line allowing Farfan and januzaj to move in when they cut inside, by doing this he takes his man marker away freeing up gaps for the wingers to drive into. If he wants to go for goal look to get into spce for those behind to play him in. If not able to go for goal, lay it off for the runners coming through

Captian:- Vidal
Pens:- Vidal
Free Kicks - Januzaj
Corners - Wingers

Subs
70 Mins - Roberts > Farfan, Bazoer > Iturraspe, Morata > Llorente

posted on 8/8/14

Tactics vs Aston Vanilla friendly

----------------------------------Scuffet--------------------------------

Juanfran---------Benatia-------------Miranda---------Alex Sandro

---------------------Witsel-------Cabaye----------------------

Walcott----------------Rodriguez-------------------Markovic

-----------------------------Rodrigo-------------------------------


Game plan: our plan today is to go at Aston Villa from the off, we're experimenting with a new team and system and will be looking to express ourselves in this friendly. We will look to press high up the pitch, Successful pressing is dependant on group understanding, collective perception of ball, opponent and team mate, and a massive amount of hunger and desire to have the ball. It isn’t possible to press for 90 minutes. We will have to pick our times wisely in order to do it successfully. If our players are tracking back or not close enough to the ball it isn't sensible to press the ball, we will look to capitalise on poor passes by the opposition or when a player is facing his own goal or has his head down when receiving the ball, at these times to opposition player does not have a full view of the pitch and cannot pick a forward pass.

In possession we will have many lines of players in order to create easy triangles for the players on the ball, the player on the ball should always have at least 2 passing options, the full backs will also go forward creating an almost 3-4-3(2-3-2-3)formation when in possession, this reverts to a 5-4-1 formation when we lose possession.

In possession

-------------Benatia-------------------------Miranda----------

Juanfran---------------------Witsel------------------Alex Sandro

-----------------------Cabaye-----------James----------------------

Walcott------------------------------------------------Markovic

--------------------------------Rodrigo-------------------------------

out of possession

Juanfran------Benatia-------------Miranda--------Sandro

-------------------------------Witsel--------------------------------

Walcott---------Cabaye---------James-------------Markovic

--------------------------------Rodrigo-----------------------------


Scuffet: very young, but a fantastic goalkeeper, excellent shot stopper and very confident coming off his line, will look to release the ball quickly in order to start attacks, when he gets the ball the full backs will push forward and the centre backs will spread out offering themselves for the pass, will only go long if there is no other option.

Defence: as has been spoken about in the game plan section, the full backs will look to push up the field when we are in possession creating the multiple lines across the pitch which is the basis of our possession philosophy. The central defenders will look to stay close to one another when out of possession, the full backs will also tuck in leaving little room in the centre of the pitch, while the midfield and attack will cover the defence of the wide areas, this is not the specific job of one player as we are playing in a fluid system, it will be whoever is available to do the job at that point in time.

Midfield and Attack: Witsel will by and large stay in position in the holding role in the midfield. He will look to snuff out space for the opposition attacking players, and always be available for a pass when we are in possession. The 4 players in front of Axel will play very fluidly, and as has already been stated they will look to press the opposition when the time is right, all 5 possess good pace and stamina and are able to get up and down the pitch.

Cabaye will get up and down the pitch throughout, has terrifiv energy and is very creative and can carry the ball, will look to move the ball quickly, as will the whole team, we will play with a high tempo throughout the game not giving Villa any breathing space.

James Rodriguez will look to find space in possession, whether that means moving wide or into the gaps between the lines, he has the ability to run at the opposition and take the opportunity to shoot and link with Rodrigo, Walcott and Markovic who will bomb forward and provide an outlet in the wide areas. We will look to get James on the ball as much as possible as he is our most creative players. He will have a lot of freedom to roam and find space throughout the match.

Rodrigo Moreno will play as the centre forward for us today, his pace, movement and energy suits the change in the way we are going to play, he will look to roam across the pitch, dragging defenders out of position which will leave space for the other attackers and our midfield to benefit from, as stated previously in the tactics he is part of the fluid front 4 we are playing with today so will pop in different areas of the pitch on occasion, we are not just going to throw the ball into the box at every opportunity so his running of the channels and his technical ability are crucial in the way we want to play.

Team for second half 11 subs

--------------------------Patricio----------------------------

Darmian------Otamendi-----Ogbonna-------Flanagan

------------------De Jong-----Marchisio---------------------

Lucas Moura-----------Quintero-------------Berardi

-------------------------Rossi--------------------------------

comment by Robin (U3899)

posted on 9/8/14

Aaron Ramsey
Lucas Ocampos
Aymeric Laporte
Abou Diaby


---------------Hart-----------------
Lahm---Kompany--Boateng---Gibbs
--------Busquets--Herrera----------
Reus----------Yaya---------Ronaldo
--------------Aguero----------------

Subs: Lopez, Vermaelan, Ramires, Silva, Chamberlain, Podolski, Campbell

A change in style this year where we look to add more width and pace to our team. When needed we will sit in an absorb pressure pouncing on any opportunity to counter attack with or deadly trio up front and yaya the beast (madrid style)

Lahm and Gibbs two natural full backs. I want them upon and down the pitch providing options for our attack. Also I want them to defend responsibly and not risk being caught out. They mark man for man and force the opposition down the wing.

Kompany and Boateng, A good mix of power, pace, aerial ability and composure on the ball, allows us to be commanding at the back and limit the amount of opportunities for the opposition. Both will control the back four and make sure everybody is doing their job correctly by using their excellent leadership skills. Kompany and Boateng will stay close to each other not allowing the opposition to open up space. Boateng looks to defend the first ball coming towards our defence, using his reading of the game to get there before the striker and clear, he'll use his great tackling to shut him down around the area and then look to get the ball back.Kompany stays in position when Boateng does this covering the remaining space, he will be able to clear the second ball if it gets beyond Boateng.

The idea in midfield today is to control the midfield against a not so attacking chelsea midfield. Also i feel it is more beneficial to play yaya in the AM role in order to counter pirlos/vidals threat and limit their effect on the game providing they plays.

Busquets and Herrera will be our two deepest central midfielders. As usual
Busquets holds while Herrera plays box to box. Herrera uses his amazing
energy to track down opposition in pressing while also making late runs intothe box. Busquets helps us tick over. Yaya will play the AM role and will occasionally swap with herrera.

This year we aim to be more pacy and direct therefore the AM will be the
focal point of this type of attack. However with a player like Ronaldo in the team it is more than likely that he will be the focal point. Reus starts on the right wing and we want him to give us natural width. Similarly with Ronaldo on the left wing but as usual he will have a free role.

Up front is Aguero, he should always look to make runs in behind and hold
his own when possible holding the ball up and getting others involved whilst occasionally coming deeper to dictate the player whilst they go on beyond.

If winning 75

Reus and aguero off
Campbell and ox on

If drawing 75
Silva for herrera '-- yaya goes deep
Reus for ox

If losing 75
Herrera off for Silva yaya deep
Busquets off for ox .ox cm

posted on 27/12/14

Book friendlies here

comment by (U7889)

posted on 27/12/14

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posted on 27/12/14

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