totaalvoetbal
Full Member
You say Pep doesn't coach defending then go on to say how he likes his team to defend...I think so, just like Mourinho does not coach attacking, pep does not coach defending. He likes to press the opposition and close the spaces to force the opposition to loose possession before they reach their box. Other European teams can play high high press and shield the ball and still build up decent attacks and that's where his defenders are not elite enough to be reactive yet defensively sound.
That Barcelona team was an exception with worlds best players playing in that team from defenders to midfielders to attacking players.
'Defending' in a low block is not the only way to defend. Attacking and defending are one thing. If you are organised optimally you defend immediately you lose the ball and attack when you recover it.
Pressing teams and covering the passing lanes and constrictiing spaces is defending. Pochettino, Klopp, Guardiola and now Maurizio Sarri are now coaching in your league. What more can be done for people to understand basic concepts?
Fernandinho aside, there is a clear dip in the teams organisation. It may be complacency, fatigue fdom the world cup but their pressing and organisation has almost reverted back to Pep Guaduiola's first season where they were susceptible to counter attacks.
Gabriel Jesus has not been the same since his injury. He needs to remove the fear of getting injured from his head.
Last edited: