Who would you chose to take to Euro 2012?
Rooney or Carroll?
Terry or Cahill?
Gerrard or Wilshere?
Check out my latest article on http://www.epltalk.com/my-picks-for-englands-euro-2012-23-man-squad-37141 and let me know what you think!
Archive for November, 2011
Catch my latest article on EPLtalk.com!
http://www.epltalk.com/arsene-wenger-has-finally-learned-his-lesson-37054
My article discusses, Arsene Wenger’s latest change in methods and him learning from his mistakes to improve Arsenal!
Let me know what you guys think!
Looking at Spain, you have to stare and drool in amazement. Complete domination of the footballing world. They are what most nations now aspire to achieve, but it wasn’t done overnight. The Spanish Federation planned years ahead, developing players from a young age, and ensuring they were structured in their tiki-taka style. Yet still they failed at major events, failing to achieve any success. When that breakthrough came, that moment to win something; to break the duck; to dominate: that success lies with Luis Aragones. Despite everyone calling for his head, he buckled up and led Spain to European glory in 2008. Now in the present, another country faces similar conundrums – and they need that breakthrough.
The conundrum that is the Argentina national team: a conveyor belt of superstar players, great depth, the ‘Creole’ style football (a free flowing, attacking game) but no true leader on the pitch, no tactical solution, no glory since ’86. The solution they say lies with Alejandro Sabella: the former Estudiantes coach and recently appointed manager of the La Albiceleste. Even though, they – the press, the people, the critics – said that about Sergio Batista; who was constructing the team to play like Barcelona – with Lionel Messi being the centre point. That disastrous Copa America spelt of end of Batista’s reign. Sabella’s arrival to the press and people means Argentina has finally found their man. Despite trashing Chile 4-1 in the first game, they lost 1-0 to Venezuela three days later. So the question begs what must Sabella do to finally get Argentina clicking and winning?
Sabella has in the same way as Batista, constructed his team to be focused around Messi. The 56 year old went as far to name him captain of the national side. Good call? Probably not. Messi doesn’t sparkle for national team as he does for his Barcelona side. Being the best player in the world, there is the added pressure from critics for him to perform and do what he does week in and out in La Liga. Difference teams and therefore a different Messi. By being captain, the spotlight will be looming on Messi more than ever. If Messi fails to bail out Argentina in their hour of need, the hounds will be waiting and Sabella’s decision could backfire.
As such, Sabella has to accommodate a formation in which his captain can achieve the great heights. Problem is, and although it is early in his reign, he has alternated his formations from game to game. Changing of formations depending on the opposition isn’t wrong; however in terms of the national team, it is essential that the team be able to play in a coherent fashion. Why? National teams spent less time training, playing, together than in club level. It is essential that they have system and formation that they are accustomed too. Spain have theirs; as did Brazil under Dunga’s reign and so does Germany under Lowe, who has perfected the ability to put any player into his German formation of 4-2-3-1. Sabella needs to find out his preferred system. But what system should be used?
In the first game, against Chile, Sabella went with a 4-4-1-1 shape, with Messi playing off Higuain. With Rodrigo Brana and Ever Banega in holding position and Angel Di Maria and Jose Sosa supporting on the wings, Messi was able to roam free and be the creative force in the park. Brana and Banega gave great support for the weak Argentine backline of Nicolas Burdisso, Nicolas Otamendi, Pablo Zabaleta and Marcos Rojo. It was an impressive debut and one which individuals could see how Sabella was planning his construction of the team.
The honeymoon period didn’t last long however, as in the following match against Venezuela, Sabella went for three at the back and Argentina looked completely lost. Playing a 3-5-2, the Albiceleste struggled to adjust to the change in formation; the three at the back couldn’t play the ball out of midfield, but more importantly, the wingers (Zabaleta and Rojo) struggled to provide any width at all. Also, playing Di Maria in the centre next to Javier Mascherano was a wrong move, ensuring Argentina lost a lot of speed on their flanks.
Learning from his mistakes, it’s key that Sabella sorts out his formation and system quickly. Recent reports indicate that the manager is set to deputise Sergio Aguero and Fernando Gago into the squad. Assuming Gago will play in the centre with Mascherano and Sosa in midfield, Aguero will most certainly play in attack alongside Messi and Higuain. A 4-3-3 seems to be set in motion; which would be the best formation. With a defensive minded midfield covering the weak backline, the front three will be able to roam and attack teams.
If Sabella sticks with this formation it would be best suited to Argentina’s style and criteria of its players as it would easy to switch players in and out of the system (Much like Lowe does with Germany) to success. If Higuain is out, put in Aguero; if Aguero is injured, throw in Di Maria; Gago can’t play, get in young gun Javier Pastore in the centre. Sabella’s decision to stick to a 4-3-3 can benefit Argentina long term, as it has the players suited for this formation.
Higuain and Lavezzi; can they help lead Messi to glory?
As such, certain players on in squad are lucky to be there. In most cases they wouldn’t make the B-team. And it’s here that Sabella must prepare the cull and begin the implementation of newer players, giving them the chance to impress. Martin Demechilis, Burdisso have shown that they are not world class defenders. They commit errors and mistakes too frequently and surely they have to go soon. Nicolas Otamendi, while has had a slow start does have the potential to be star for the Argentine backline. Federico Fernandez from Napoli is another who should be given the chance. Optionally, Sabella could play Mascherano in the centre of defence, as he does for Barcelona. While it means, losing him in the midfield would hurt the team, there are ready made replacements waiting.
Gago, Brana, Banega and even the aged yet experience Esteban Cambiasso are more than capable to do the defensive work. Yet there is question that hasn’t been answered in midfield; why no Javier Pastore? There is no doubt the Paris St Germain player is gem. Similar to Kaka, he provides, speed, guile and the spark that team needs. He would be the perfect player to connect the midfield to the forward three. Sabella has used Sosa instead, which frankly has yet to sparkle in any sort of way. Sosa provides nothing of the sort of ability, that Pastore can, so surely he’ll walk the plank soon?
As for the forward line, no country in the world have the list that Argentina does, but who to use? Messi and Higuain are certainties; Argentina needs Higuain as their target man, they have always had one, from Valdano to Batistuta to Crespo. With Messi being Messi, that leaves the final spot up for grabs and frankly depending on how Sabella feels what might win him the game, he has the options. Aguero, Di Maria, Ezequiel Lavezzi will be fighting for the position. It certainly seems that Carlos Tevez (due to his constant problems with managers), Diego Milito (too old and underused in his time) Rodrigo Palacio (not good enough) are in the firing line.
World Cup Qualifiers are coming up fast for Sabella and his men. With Brazil out of it, by hosting the World Cup, they have the chance to easily qualify for the event. But qualifying isn’t enough; in the next two and half years, Sabella has to give the Albiceleste their identity back. Spain qualified and dominated the previous World Cup, playing their style of football. The beauty of Sabella is that he has time though; sparing a disastrous Maradona-like qualification campaign, the former Estudiantes manager will be in charge over the next few years. He just has to get the results needed and in the style too. Then, only then can Argentina have its own Luis Aragones.
See my latest article on who can be the next Sir Alex Ferguson!
http://www.epltalk.com/top-4-contenders-to-be-the-next-sir-alex-ferguson-at-manchester-united-36824
As a manager Felix Magath is known as “Quälix” to his players. “Quälix” is the mashed up word of his first name Felix and the German word for torture ‘quälen’. Quite a word, to describe your manager; but that’s what Magath is all about. Fitness, discipline, conditioning; “Quälix” is all about prepping up his players to battle it on the pitch. His detached man-management and strict methods, while harsh on players have produced the goods during his management career. Back at Wolfsburg, he’s aim once again is simple: make them champions.
“The last time (in 2009) it took two years to do it. Now the situation is a bit harder. So we should add a year to that,” said Magath in an interview with Sport 1 before die Wolfe 3-2 lost against Hertha Berlin. In 2009, Magath lead Wolfsburg to their first ever title, finishing two points above second place and former employer Bayern Munich. With star forwards Edin Dzeko and Grafite leading the line and the backline marshalled superbly by Andrea Barzagli and Marcel Schafer, the question is: can he do it again, with a completely new squad?
The answers are both yes and no. Magath has the record to prove he can achieve success at the club – he did it just two years ago. He also achieved it with the biggest club in Germany: Bayern. In his first two seasons at the Munich giants, he led the club to two consecutive league and cup doubles, the only time this has occurred in German football history.
His Bayern team, lead by Michael Ballack played a high pressure game, focusing on balance. Attack when needed and defend to grind out the results. Employing a 4-4-2, his team finished 14 points ahead of second placed Schalke 04 in 2004/2005. The following season, he slowly developed them into a 4-3-1-2 side, with Ballack the playmaker behind strikers Makaay and Pizarro. Magath similarly employed the exact same formation when he arrived at Wolfsburg. With Misimovic the playmaker in the team, he was placed in a role similar to Ballack’s where he was able to create. Brazilian Josue and Germans Christian Gentner and Sascha Reither offering support in the centre of the pitch.
Success though, isn’t all down to tactics and formation. Through his well-known brutal training sessions, Magath’s players where fit: able to last the 90 minutes without breaking a sweat. They were discipline and knew that if they committed too many errors or heaven forbid cost the team a game, Magath would punish them during training. His teams were fit, focused and motivated by
fear. Success was all that matters. Even Misimovic, the creator in the pack, he had to chase and harass for every ball.
There is, only so much players can take when they are being pushed and punished in training. Magath’s strict regime proved to be his undoing at Schalke 04. Wolfsburg’s 2009 title made Magath a Schalke target and he joined the club the following season, citing monetary reasons. Not much was expect and given that Magath had led Wolfsburg to glory, Schalke were happy to give him full control: buy the players he wanted, allowing his training regime and even gave him the chance to construct “Magath’s Mount” – a man-made hill aimed for pushing his players to the limit – and punishing them.
Finishing second in 09/10, many were impressed with Magath, but there was a growing tension underneath. Magath was quoted as saying: “I don’t pretend to be a hobby psychiatrist and I don’t ask how the players feel”. Clearly, Magath is not a compassionate man and his dictatorship rule can lead to players revolting. Former captain Manuel Neuer approached the Schalke board to complain about the manager’s training regime and man management style. However that complain was hardly the tip of the iceberg. Peruvian winger Jefferson Farfan didn’t want to extend his contract with the club, as he didn’t want to work with Magath; Croatian starlet, Ivan Rakitic left for Sevilla as he couldn’t stand Magath anymore and current Bayern right back, Rafinha had enough of Magath’s treatment of players. He was quoted as saying to the press: “It’s tough for a Brazilian to work with him…after the way he treated me, I think I could become a general in the Brazilian army.”
The tensions grew and despite leading the Royal Blues to a German Cup final and the semi-finals of the Champions league, Magath was sacked and replaced by Ralf Rangnick. 24 hours later he was back at his beloved Wolfsburg. It was not long before he started to implement his rule and to great effect, getting Wolfsburg out of relegation and into safety on the last matchday of the
season. The cracks though, started to surface before the start of the new season: creative midfielder Diego was ousted to Atletico Madrid for a season and defensive star Simon Kjaer was off to AS Roma. For reasons unexplained, but understandable, given Magath’s methods. It could be his methods: after four games into the season, sitting 15th in the Bundesliga, an unbelievable fine system was implemented. €100 docked for every minute a player is late to training, €250 for wearing headphones on the team bus, €500 if a defender lets the ball bounce in front of him before clearing, and €1000 for a player for every “unnecessary” backpass. Was it Magath’s madness yet again?
However, we’ve seen this all before at previous clubs. Magath has imposed his rules on the team, focusing once again on fitness and discipline. The Wolfsburg of 2011 play a 4-4-2 formation: could Magath be preparing his team like he did at Bayern Munich? The problem is though this isn’t the team of ’09. This is a far weaker team: players that lack the quality of Dzeko, Grafite, Misimovic and Barzagli, three of the team’s most important contributors that season. However, Dzeko was unknown when Magath bought him; Grafite never played for the Brazilian national team till he moved to Wolfsburg and Barzagli couldn’t have moved earned a move to Juventus. Magath made them great and into a championship team. The mantle has moved to Patrick Helmes, Mario Mandzukic and Christian Trasch to lead the team to glory. Can Magath win the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg again? Possibly: as they say, there is always a method to Qualix’s madness.
the trequartista 