Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has rejoined former club Bayer Leverkusen on a two-year contract.
The 33-year-old Germany international was handed a free contract at the end of last season after failing to agree a new contract with the Stamford Bridge club.
Ballack, who picked up an ankle injury in May's FA Cup final which prevented him from playing in the World Cup finals, was believed to be holding out for a two-year deal but the Blues were only offering a 12-month extension.
The midfielder has now returned to the Bundesliga with the club he helped reach a Champions League final in 2002, before leaving to join Bayern Munich.
"With my transfer to Bayer Leverkusen a circle is complete. I had a beautiful and successful time here on which I like to look back on a lot," he told the club's official website.
"That was a factor in my decision. But above all the good sporting potential of this young and attractive team were persuasive.
"I am especially looking forward to the great fans, who naturally have been key in my decision to return to Bayer."
Meanwhile, Bayer sporting director Rudi Voller is delighted that Ballack chose his club ahead of a host of other suitors.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"With Michael Ballack our team is getting an enormous boost in quality," he said.
"That his preference was for Bayer despite our limited financial possibilities in comparison to the competition shows his emotional attachment to the club."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Manchester United chief executive David Gill has revealed there is money to spend should Sir Alex Ferguson want to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season.
Young defender Chris Smalling from Fulham and Mexico starlet Javier Hernandez are the only two new arrivals at Old Trafford so far this summer.
The Red Devils have been linked with a host of big-name signings from across Europe as they attempt to win back the Premier League crown from Chelsea.
World Cup stars Mesut Ozil of Germany and Netherlands' Wesley Sneijder are two reported transfer targets.
But despite Ferguson keeping his powder relatively dry in the summer transfer market so far, Gill has revealed there are funds available to spend should he decide to strengthen his squad.
"The money is there if we believe there is a player who can improve what we believe is a very good squad," he told the Manchester Evening News.
"The team has been together for a number of years and done very well. In order to improve it a player has to be of a very high quality.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"Overall I think Sir Alex is very comfortable with the squad composition. That's not to say something won't happen, but I think it is a 'might', not a 'will'.
"We will see what happens over the next six weeks."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Tottenham Hotspur’s season has been preceded by bold claims from the manager and the playing staff. Heurelho Gomes believes they can finish higher than last season while star striker Jermaine Defoe rates their chances of going further than Arsenal in the Champions League. This brash confidence is matched by manager Harry Redknapp who has also targeted the club’s north London rivals: “We have been behind Arsenal by miles for years and years and years, but now we’ve got a chance to really push them and get above them.” William Gallas is a name who has been mentioned around White Hart Lane for different reasons lately. Could his signing give Spurs the advantage against their old foes this season and would the supporters wear it?
Tribal loyalties are only of minimal significance to Redknapp, who identified the former Arsenal centre-back together with Joe Cole and David James as this summer’s outstanding free transfers. It is to be expected that Redknapp would seek to downplay talk of loyalty and long-standing rivalry. The Poplar born manager who supported Arsenal as a boy, trained at Spurs before becoming a professional player at West Ham. He later managed the Hammers and crossed the Southampton Portsmouth divide before becoming Tottenham boss. Redknapp has made no secret of his desire to sign Gallas in recent weeks. “It is a possibility. He has not been greedy at all. His people rung up and we have spoke about it.” Reminded of Gallas’ previous allegiance, Redknapp was quick to highlight the defender’s five year stint at Chelsea. But is Redknapp being too quixotic in his approach? He acknowledged last year that Sol Campbell could never be accepted back at Tottenham and his alleged interest in Patrick Viera triggered some unease amongst fans.
Yet in their quest to usurp the Gunners and improve on last season could the signing of the 32-year old free agent give them the edge? Gallas certainly has experience of playing in teams mounting a sustained championship push having won successive PL titles at Chelsea. Upon leaving Stamford Bridge Jose Mourinho accused him of “lacking respect” and he was no stranger to controversy at Arsenal too. His sit down protest at Birmingham and public revelations about team-mates are etched in the minds of Arsenal fans.
While his personality has been described as abrasive, Gallas’ displays on the pitch continue to solicit interest. A graduate of the infamous Clairefontaine academy, the halcyon days of Gallas’ career are arguably over but he still has much to offer. Most comfortable in central defence the Frenchman is known for his speed and strength. Indeed Gallas navigates the football pitch with consummate ease, often supporting an attack. Intelligent movement is also a key feature of the stopper’s game as he anticipates opposition forwards, halting the attack before it develops. He is a proficient man-marker who is willing to use a well-timed foul if his judgment temporarily goes awry.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Redknapp is the envy of many managers for having so-called strength in depth. Ledley King and Michael Dawson are his preferred central defensive pairing but the former is unlikely to be risked twice in a week. Vedran Corulka can play at centre-back and whilst Jonathan Woodgate remains absent, Sebastien Bassong and Younes Kaboul are able deputies. Nevertheless Spurs made a virtue of having options where their direct opponents did not last season. If the experienced Gallas is recruited Tottenham’s varied back line would provide a impressive contrast to the Gunner’s currently depleted defence. Gallas to Spurs may have appeared a bizarre transfer prediction a few months back but according to Redknapp, who has been curiously quiet in transfer dealings, the chances are now “fifty-fifty.”
West Ham United’s utility man Valon Behrami has expressed a wish to return to Italy, citing his families’ inability to adapt to London life. The ex-Lazio player could return to the Stadio Olimpico but with fierce city rivals Roma. His desire to move resembles the recent comments of Javier Mascherano who stated that his wife had failed to settle in Liverpool. Previous transfer windows have associated Valon Behrami with moves to Palmero and Juventus. But is the unsettled midfielder’s reason for leaving adequate or is it a convenient digression to exit Upton Park and play Champions League football?
Behrami was signed by Alan Curbishley two summers ago for a fee of £5 million. He was initially deployed at right-back but was soon more commonly found either in right or central midfield. His first season ended prematurely as he sustained a serious knee injury in the club’s 1-0 victory over Manchester City but he had won over the fans with his tireless work ethic. Other Hammers players can be described as having this attribute but not to the extent of Behrami who ceases to stop running throughout an entire match. He is extremely effective at breaking up opposition attacks by using this energetic, rambunctious style. It is a surprising statistic that in 27 Premier League appearances last season he did not receive a single yellow card.
The Kosovo born, Swiss international did not find World Cup referees as lenient this summer as he was handed a straight red in his side’s group stage defeat to Chile. Regrettably Behrami’s incessant running often translates into a rushed and wild approach to the game. His passing is invariably inaccurate and for a pacy player who can go forward he has only scored one goal in each of his PL seasons. However, he took his goal against Hull this year comfortably after playing a quick one-two with Guillermo Franco. The number 21 could have added two more that day but was denied by the outstanding athleticism of Boaz Myhill.
Regardless of his flaws, a player who exhibits such hard work and can adapt to a variety of positions will entice the interest of other clubs, the latest being Roma. Their apparent interest is strengthened by his family feeling unsettled. “My daughter Sofia is now 18 months old and it is not easy to bring up a child in London. Besides Elena (his wife) does not have a big circle of friends here.” The player who once fervently celebrated in front of the Lazio ultras after scoring the winner in the Rome derby, says he would have no problem turning out for the Giallorossi. But are his comments a poor excuse for wanting to leave Upton Park? The location of the east London club and its Essex training base mean there are plenty of options beyond living in the city. Being fluent in English, Albanian and Italian he has previously helped players such as, Alessandro Diamanti adapt to their new club. Surely the former Verona player would be more believable if he admitted to the lure of playing alongside Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi in the Champions League under the stewardship of Claudio Ranieri.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Leaving the speculation surrounding his motivation for a transfer aside, Behrami is arguably a player West Ham can afford to lose. It is questionable whether he would be shifted to back to defence and the likes of Mark Noble, Scott Parker and Radoslav Kovac and Thomas Hitzlsperger can operate in a similar midfield role. A fee of around £8 million would help West Ham financially after a busy summer of spending. This potential move may make sense for all parties but the Sensi family who have owned Roma since 1993 are looking for buyers, having struggled to contain the club’s debt. Funds are scarce and therefore Behrami and his family may have to redouble their efforts to acclimatise to English life.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has no problems with the rough and tumble of the Premier League, but he does want to see players adopt a more cautious approach when they go in for tackles.
The Gunners will be without Abou Diaby for Wednesday's Champions League opener against Braga after he suffered injury in the weekend victory over Bolton Wanderers.
Diaby was pole-axed by a full-blooded challenge from Trotters hard-man Paul Robinson and, although Wenger is relaxed over the physical nature of some of his side's opponents, he doesn't want to see things get out of hand.
"I would say even the English referees are different when they have matches in Europe. There is less permissive on goalkeepers, on commitment," he said.
"But more protection can become boring as well – I have seen some countries when every little push or shoulder-to-shoulder is a foul and then it becomes boring because they interrupt the game too much.
"I prefer, by miles, the philosophy of the English game – but you need to know everyone goes for the ball.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"I must say I love the way the English game is played in England and the one restriction has to be full commitment with the intention of going for the ball and only for the ball.
"Then, I prefer English football, ten times as much to the European game. The English game becomes dangerous when the players go to hurt each other."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has heaped praise on his expensively assembled side following their 2-0 victory at Wigan Athletic on Sunday.
Carlos Tevez opened the scoring just before the break as he chipped over the advancing Ali Al Habsi before turning provider for Yaya Toure, who secured all three points with his first goal for the club as the Citizens jumped from 13th to fourth in the table with their second success of the campaign.
The win was crucial ahead of next weekend's pivotal test with champions and league leaders Chelsea at Eastlands and Mancini was delighted that his men adapted to the troublesome conditions at the DW Stadium.
He said:"We played a good game. It wasn't easy because Wigan played very well and aggressive.
"The pitch was very hard and difficult to play on.
"The first goal was very important for us. The goal changed the match.
"Against Sunderland and Blackburn we had chances to score goals, so when Tevez scored, it obviously changed the game.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"We never took any risks and never gave away any chances at the back, which I was very pleased about.
"We played better in the second half than the first."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Sir Alex Ferguson is the granddaddy of all football managers having won 11 league titles, five FA Cups and two Champions League medals during a glittering 24-year spell at Old Trafford.
Despite rumours suggesting Sir Alex will retire at the end of this season, the 68-year-old has always claimed he will remain at the Theatre of Dreams as long as his health remains in fine order. The Glaswegian’s comments earlier this year certainly confirm that United fans should have nothing to worry about concerning their manager’s immediate health.
“The only thing that determines whether I stay here is my health. And I am in rude health,” he confirmed.
When the former Aberdeen boss does finally decide to retire he will leave gigantic boots to fill in Manchester having been fundamental to United’s success over the last two decades. Current Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has frequently been mentioned as a possible replacement, yet it is impossible to say how long he will be at the Bernabeu or the level of success he will have in the Spanish capital.
Other names mentioned at various stages over the last few years have included former United players Steve Bruce, Laurent Blanc, Roy Keane and Mark Hughes. Former club stalwarts who have all gone onto become respected managers in their own right having worked under Ferguson’s stewardship. New French manager Blanc is the current favourite being tipped to eventually takeover the Old Trafford hot seat and his support will rise should he equip himself well on the international stage over the next few years.
Yet perhaps a more intriguing option could come from Ferguson’s latest bunch of managerial fledglings, who will soon be ready to dip their feet into the crazy world of football management. Baby-faced assassin Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed this week that he would like manage the Red Devils someday, but admitted it’s an ambition which would take decades of hard work and success to achieve:
“I think if you ask any Man United player at any time of his career if you want to manage somewhere you want to manage Man United, because it’s the best place to be,” Solskjaer told talkSPORT.
“But to get there, to manage Man United, you need to go somewhere else and learn your trade so 15, 20 years from now maybe.”
Current squad veterans Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand have all hinted at a possible move into management, while former winger David Beckham has been urged by Fabio Capello to consider a similar undertaking. Everton captain Phil Neville has also publically revealed his desire to try his hand in a management role. Should any of these impress over the next few years then they too could be linked with a possible management role at the club.
Keane, Bruce and Hughes all started their managerial and coaching careers away from Old Trafford and very few former players remain on the club’s staff immediately after hanging up their boots. Yet Ferguson should perhaps consider making an exception and keeping ambassadors such as Giggs and Neville on the club’s coaching staff, with a view to eventually becoming a United manager of the future.
Fergie should make the most of assets such as Giggs, a player who would likely relish the chance of earning his coaching badges and learning his trade under the guidance of Ferguson. These players will eventually have to gain experience outside of the club, but a closer link to the United management set-up from an early stage would be a major positive for both parties.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Manchester United legend Ferguson looks certain to retire in the next few years and it seems one aspect of his legacy will be the large majority of his former players staying involved in football via a career in management.
Yet whether one of the candidates will ever be good enough to eventually replace the great man himself remains to be seen.
You can read more of my blogs HERE or follow me on Twitter.
The facts say that Tottenham lost 2 – 0 on Saturday. Despite the defeat Spurs remain in the top six of what is a very tight Premier League. But what else did the game tell us?
Here are five things that we learnt about Tottenham after Saturday’s game:
The Hoodoo continues
Ok, this one should perhaps be in a ‘5 things we already knew about Tottenham’ list. Tottenham’s poor record against the top four away from home is well documented, so putting another dash in the defeat column shouldn’t have been too much of a surprise. But let’s put things into perspective; Anfield, Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and the Emirates are hard places to go, and away teams don’t often go to these stadia and win. However, Tottenham are a team threatening to cement their place as one of the best teams in the league and until they can take the points from one of these cursed away days then many will never see them as true contenders. Unfortunately, Saturday went to a similar script as many have done before, Manchester United were good for their win and Tottenham never truly threatened despite having a good share of possession.
Oh no Huerelho!
Huerelho Gomes is a fine goalkeeper and we’re all aware of the nature of his game, both good and bad. So Manchester United’s final goal on Saturday evening served as another reminder that however good he is, he is still prone to moments of eccentricity and absurdity. I have no sympathy for Gomes and his blunder – and whatever people think of Mark Clattenburg’s part in the goal, it was Gomes’ fault. You should play to the whistle, and while Nani obviously handled the ball, you don’t put the ball down in your own penalty area to take a free-kick if the referee hasn’t given one. Clattenburg gave no indication to Gomes that he’d awarded anything, so he should have played on. Gomes’ form towards the end of last season secured fourth spot, I don’t think anyone would disagree with that, but he remains as unpredictable as ever.
More questions than answers
Without a clean sheet since week one it has been Tottenham’s attacking players that have won them games, yet it is the attacking six that will give Harry Redknapp his biggest headache on Tuesday against Inter Milan. Short of providing answers, Saturday’s game has given Redknapp, and fans, even more to think about. The possible injury to Rafael van der Vaart is a huge blow. Since joining, he has been Spurs’ best player and it was obvious that he was missing when Spurs went to Milan two weeks ago. With Van der Vaart potentially missing, it means thst Jermaine Jenas or Wilson Palacios could come into the side, but neither have been playing well of late. So if Redknapp changes formation to a 4-4-2 in reponse to the Dutchman’s absence, who should play up-front? After all, none of Spurs’ strikers are on form and even though Robbie Keane started against United he was very ineffectual despite all of the running and effort he put in (though it should be considered that Keane’s game doesn’t lend itself well to being a lone front man). Gareth Bale’s league form hasn’t matched his Champions League form and on Saturday he was kept reasonably quiet. If Tom Huddlestone regains fitness and is ready for the game he will fill one of the midfield holes, but what Redknapp does with the rest remains to be seen.
Different season, same old controversy.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Over the last five years one thing that is certain is that you won’t get a dull game when Spurs go to Old Trafford. And as much as it’s beginning to sound terribly familiar, Tottenham always seem to be on the wrong end of refereeing controversy when they go to United. Remember in 2005 when Pedro Mendes’ lob went over the line? Of course you do. Then there was also 2007 when Berbatov’s shot was handled in the area, and two years ago when a penalty was awarded for Gomes’ fair challenge on Carrick when Spurs were 0 – 2 up. But Spurs’ ill-luck continued at the weekend and you can forgive fans for feeling a little irked. As I’ve said, Gomes could have averted this whole affair by being a little more switched on, but surely a slice of good fortune at the home of the Red Devils is a little overdue?
Will Niko Kranjcar ever get a game?
The talented Croat is yet to make a league appearance despite his fine form last season and goalscoring returns for Croatia in their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign. Harry Redknapp has been saying all the right things to the media; that he’s a good lad, he’s been training well and that he won’t be sold in January – but fans, and I’m sure the player, must be getting frustrated. Saturday would have been the perfect time to reintroduce Kranjcar to league affairs as a replacement for Van der Vaart. Being 1- 0 and with nothing to lose, Kranjcar could have had 15 minutes to bring something a little different to the game and help snatch an equaliser. There would be no shortage of suitors for Kranjcar should he decide that he would rather play his football elsewhere and maybe it’s becoming clear that he is surplus to requirements at the Lane.
Article courtesy of our friends at Stretford End Arising
*
To paraphrase Sir Alex, 4-4-2 is the best formation in order to move the ball with speed from back to front but increasingly 4-2-3-1 has become the shape of the “noughties”, and for good reason. Jonathan Wilson in 2008, discusses with greater aplomb than I the rationale behind the collective shift here The Question: why has 4-4-2 been superseded by 4-2-3-1?, but the main premise is simple: playing with four forward players supported by a structured defensive shape is more conducive to sustained attacking play, and encourages greater cohesion in general. Ferguson, an underrated tactician and fully aware of the pitfalls of both systems, must be reflecting of late on the catastrophic defensive flaws which have been all too frequent on the domestic front – and thinking, justifiably, of a reversion to the 2008 ECL-winning formation – the formation he continues to use in the majority of European games and in the bigger domestic fixtures.
I will happily admit that I was in favour of the tactical change which sought to revert to the swashbuckling attacking dynamism which was the blueprint for success in the 1990’s (seemingly stemming from the purchase of Berbatov, the replacement for the less refined Tevez). The 4-4-2 on paper was in reality a 4-2-4 or at the very least a 4-4-1-1 in which Valencia was recruited as your typical wide right midfielder, able to hug the touchline and take up some very useful attacking and crossing positions; and with Giggs or Nani utilised on the opposite flank, memories of the Beckham Keane Scholes Giggs era came flooding back. But although United remain unbeaten (and joint top of EPL), the system (and the performance level) has raised more questions than it has given us answers. In short, United look devoid of fluidity, shape and direction and must alter their approach soon to stop this awfully abject season descending into an anti-climax.
The problem United have with 4-4-2
4-4-2 is a system in fairness that has served United well in the last 2 decades or so. Actually Ferguson goes to great lengths in fact to stress that he has never actually played a strict 4-4-2 and with the deep lying striker a symbol of his success: Yorke, Berbatov, Hughes, McClair and of course Cantona are fine examples. As with all tactical discussions and coaching instruction, it is the player’s ability to interpret the message on the field as part of the collective assignment which is essential.
However, due to injury and largely inconsistent rotation by Ferguson, United have yet to look at their tantalizing best; This season has seen the team performing in a lackluster manner with collective lapses in concentration (starting at Fulham and continuing on the road) typifying our frustrations. United have often been forced to chase the game either looking for that winning goal or as versus Bolton, Stoke and Villa of late, searching for that vital equalizer. For me, United simply do not have the right midfield dynamic to apply the 4-4-2 with a parallel high pressing game; The net result being that United have been hugely vulnerable to the counter-attack when committing men forward (goals from Cahill, Petrov, Elmander, Tuncay, Ebanks-Blake spring to mind, as does the counter for the penalty for Liverpool and the Fletcher chance for Wolves to kill the game at 1-1 recently).
The problem is two-fold: Not only do the vast majority of top European clubs (including Chelsea, Arsenal, {City}) not utilise this system – meaning that Ferguson often adopts a 5-man midfield when against such teams – but that the destructor/creator model implicit in the 4-4-2 does not suit the abilities of the central midfielders available to Ferguson; Scholes can no longer consistently apply the creative finesse (and high up the pitch); Fletcher whilst having a fantastic engine and passing range is no Roy Keane or Bryan Robson just yet; and although Carrick is invaluable to United’s defensive shape and has a fantastic football brain Michael Carrick: Midfield Genius his abilities are more conducive to the first band of midfielders within the 4-band system.
Take Barcelona’s front six with Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta, Messi, Pedro and Villa performing with such elegance (and dominance) in recent times; Mourinho’s Madrid, with Khedira and Alonso sitting in, Di Maria, Oezil and Ronaldo interchanging beautifully behind Higuain. The system is coached to perfection and there is no reason why Ferguson (with Phelan), cannot try to replicate this model once again (Ferguson had his very own unique brand of this formation when he and Queiroz conquered Europe with Ronaldo, Tevez and Rooney leading the line).
Why 4-2-3-1?
One of Valery Lobanovskyi’s famous quotes is: “I don’t like players having positions. There is no such thing as a striker, a midfielder, a defender. There are only footballers and they should be able to do everything on the pitch.”
Now whilst this appears to be a sleight against tactics per se, upon reflection the implication seems clear: Players must proactively seek to improve the balance of the system and act with autonomy given any circumstance. Lobanovskyi actually talked about an “energy system” which can ebb and flow during a game, but which must be able to capitalise in a timely fashion. 4-2-3-1, applied in an astute manner is the most obvious formation which allows this energy to system to be most effective. Indeed it is no coincidence that the vast majority of the World Cup competitors utilised this system, with FIFA making this point in its technical report stating: “Of the four semi-finalists, only Uruguay played in a formation that resembled 4-4-2, although the position occupied by Diego Forlan merits further examination. In effect, Forlan had a free role and was always looking to keep play moving before driving forward.”
One benefit to United would be control of the ball and thus the systematic attacking “pressure” elicited which is defined by the formation; Another positive being that if the energy system dictates that the players adopt a 4-2-2-2 shape for example, Rafael and Evra would attack the space in front of them to provide the much needed width. With Berbatov, Rooney, Hernandez, Nani, Valencia, Giggs, Macheda, Obertan and Park all able to adapt individual roles and function in a fluent attacking front four Ferguson could benefit in three key areas: 1. Improve overall motivation of squad by increasing the game-time of the forward players in question and 2. Improve the overall efficiency and attacking potency by encouraging the players to develop and hone their forward play. And 3. Release the attacking energy and enthusiasm of a certain Wayne Rooney (at least until the summer!), allowing him to play off the front man and interchange with the other members of the quartet. Adopting this system would also give the elusive Anderson and youngsters such as the promising Cleverly a chance to shine, as well as allowing the vastly improved Nani the freedom to work across the line and maximise his creative output. It goes without saying that crucial to this system would be the positional maturity of Carrick and Fletcher, the former fantastic at intercepting the ball and the latter able to contribute both defensively and combatively in the middle third.
Which leads us to the role of the much unloved Dimitar Berbatov. For all his detractors he has still scored 6 goals in 14 games (so 1 in 2) and has been crucial to the side in recent performances, not least the Manchester derby. Whilst it is true he has not played particularly well since the Spurs game, it is pertinent to state that he is no more a “failure” for a few off games than Rooney is for not scoring from open play since March 2010. It is perhaps the right time however to experiment with the Bulgarian, and many are now asking the question as to whether he can build on his impressive false 9 role in behind Rooney, creating chances and maintaining vital possession, and then keeping that position (see Formation A below) which would take the onus off him in terms of “hitting the box”. See here for Berbatov-Rooney starting positions/movement:
It is certainly unlikely, but given his creative abilities it is one that Ferguson can not fail to have thought about. (Here, we can see the forward’s influence on United’s overall performance, the team winning far more games when he is a starter than when a substitute: Berba’s century.
Continued on Page TWO
The options:
Formation A
—————— Carrick——————-Fletcher————-
Nani————————- Berbatov—————————-Giggs
——————————- Rooney———————————-
Formation B
—————— Carrick——————-Fletcher————-
Rooney———————— Scholes—————————-Nani
——————————- Berbatov———————————-
In Summary
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
There are benefits of both the 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1 systems, with the former allowing Ferguson two decades of success, especially on the domestic front. What is clear is that despite the differing descriptions of tactical application, United have to improve their defensive shape, meaning that 2 of 6 forward players must keep their positional discipline and provide much needed defensive solidity and cover for the back four. With International teams also prospering with the system (at England’s expense!), and many successful teams now engineering it’s next phase of development, now is a very opportune time for United to revert back to it.
Perhaps it is due to the youthful nature (though ferociously talented) of United’s squad that Ferguson has delayed in imposing a system which requires concentration and intelligence; Or simply that the 4-4-2 is more suited to the spontaneity, freedom and attacking verve on which Manchester United has based its footballing principles. Either way, United have the players to adopt an attacking 4-2-3-1 and the system should now be adopted as United seek to stay at the forefront of dynamic and entertaining football as we edge ever closer to that elusive 19th League title.
Written By Nik Storey (www.twitter.com/Sleepy_Nik)
*
If you wish to discuss this issue further with myself, Nik or other members of the Stretford End Arising community, you can do so in the SEA: Forum or visit their excellent website below:
Down the years Celtic have acquired some pretty awful players, today, we take a look at 10 of the worst.
10. Adam Virgo – Virgo arrived from Brighton In July 2005, the move came as a surprise move to most Celtic fans. He cost a reported £1.5 million. Virgo endured an indifferent start to his Celtic career, being substituted in his first starting appearance after conceding a penalty. Subsequently Virgo lost his starting place in the team and never really got it back.
9. Martin Hayes – Hayes joined from Arsenal in 1990. Hayes only played seven matches for Celtic and never had a lengthy spell in the team. Due to Hayes’ lack feature such a measly amount of times he defiantly deserves his place in this top 10.
8. Jeremie Aliadiere – In the summer of 2005 Aliadière was sent on loan to Celtic for the entire 2005–06 season in order to play regular first team football. Despite his limited appearances, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had stated he had a future at Arsenal, but was being kept out of the side by the form of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp. In the end, he made just two substitute appearances for the club, one in each leg of Celtic’s loss to Artmedia Bratislava.
[divider]
NEXT
7. David Hannah – Hannah moved to Celtic in a £650k deal. Hannah went on to make over forty league appearances for the Bhoys, picking up a League winners’ medal and a League Cup medal during the 1997-98 season, and completing a clean sweep of domestic honours. This said Hannah never oozed Celtic class and was never really taken into the hearts of the faithful. Well, less so than others ever were.
6. Henri Camara – Camara joined Celtic for 1.5m during the 2004-2005 season and although he didn’t have a bad scoring record it was always evident that the club had a bad apple in their ranks. From the onset Camara was never going to settle at Celtic. “Camara claimed in the press that he would replace Henrik Larsson, who had just left the club. He also requested Larsson’s squad number 7 which he had had at a previous club as well, but was instead given number 27.”
5. Ramon Vega – Vega only spent 6 months at Parkhead and was reasonably successful during his short stay. However, the Swiss was never going to be a Celtic favourite having rejected the club 6 months before he eventually joined the Glasgow giants. Vega was quickly forgotten after his short spell at the club and it is more than fair to say that we didn’t really miss the towering defender.
4. Paul Telfer – Telfer spent just under two seasons with Celtic but never really found great form. Although playing in some high profile matches, it was always evident that Telfers career at the club was going to be limited not only due to his ability, but his age too.
[divider]
NEXT
3. Du Wei – At Celtic Du wei made several appearances on the bench before he finally made his debut in the Scottish Cup third round tie against Clyde on 9 January 2006 in a shock 2-1 defeat. “His uninspiring first team debut saw him substituted at half time by Celtic manager Gordon Strachan, with his display seeing him being outplayed by the opposition and being at fault for Clyde’s two goals. After that display he was dropped from the team and his loan was cut short with him returning back to Shanghai.”
2. Tony Cascarino – Cascarino had a nightmare spell at Celtic Park. The striker could barely hit a barn door. In 24 appearances Cascarino only netted 4 times. For a man who played 88 times for his country, his spell at Celtic was shocking.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
1. Raphael Scheidt – There is no doubt that Scheidt is Celtics worst ever transfer mistake. It was rumoured that Celtic’s manager John Barnes had signed him without anyone at the club having seen him play, and given the reports of just how bad he actually was this is most probably the case. Horrified by the cold, wet, Scottish winter, baffled by talk of deep fried Mars bars, and hampered by injuries, it’s no wonder he struggled to settle in.
So there you have it, inevitably I will have missed quite a few shocking transfers such as Ian Wright and Dion Dublin. Why not comment and bring them to light!
*
If you like what I’ve written why not follow me on Twitter