Still trying to get my head around how Leeds played second half. It almost felt like we had no fixed positions at times, Alioski was pushed right up on the wing and one of the midfielders kept dropping back into the left back position. But then on the otherside we had Dallas with Costa or Harrison ahead of him. Like nothing I've ever seen from a Leeds team.
Interesting post I saw suggesting that this is something Bielsa will do against packed defences. He's only able to do it now because the players understand his football so well. First half we loaded the left hand side leaving just Dallas on the right. Pablo was never really seen on that right wing. This led to the first goal, with all the team on the left apart from Dallas which created all that space. Their players followed ours, leaving just Dallas and their leftback.
Second half it swapped to the right side, leaving just Alioski on the left, creating the space for his goal and Bamford's. Aim is to confuse a packed defence and drag them out of position to create space for us to play in.
Can't remember where I heard it but someone said that Bielsa has not only raised players but also raised the fans' game. No manager has ever made me thing about tactics in this way before.
Formation change
posted on 25/8/19
Interesting stuff.so many ways to play the game .innovative tactics and players buying into them. it is a powerful combination.
Maybe also that year in the championship under his belt and no doubt going over last seasons matches again in the summer and Bielsa and his coaches are adapting and getting more savvy with their tactics.
Never too old to keep learning.players coaches and yes fans too .
posted on 25/8/19
Great post - yesterday's game is a great example if your theory is right. I suggest it only works because of the lightning speed with which it happens, and so suddenly, like a boxer using his jab; and may not be possible against a better team/better midfield than that offered by Stoke City, who are at the moment in a hole, it seems.
Even so, my Sunday has been enhanced by the memory of yesterday's performance. These are the games we should be winning comprehensively, and we are doing that now, whereas last year, it seemed that we struggled against the poorer sides.
Great stuff, very happy.
posted on 25/8/19
It was all hands to the deck
posted on 25/8/19
The big difference is how we control the game. Even with Pablo misfiring in the first 40 minutes, I never felt the result was in doubt. We looked dangerous all the time. As the Donn pointed out, Stoke must have been wondering where the next threat was going to come form. Without doubt, we are a better team than last season.
The match against Swansea next weekend is going to be fascinating. It is a tribute to Bielsa that Cooper has got them playing just like us, albeit not as fluently. They like to control the tempo of the game and then strike with pace and numbers. Van der Horn is their playmaker, a bit like Kalvin, and they have a lot of players who can move the ball quickly and hit the target. Ayew, Celina, Naughton and Borja can all cause problems. If Cooper is out, it could be a very tight contest.
posted on 25/8/19
Sorry, Best fans, it's your post, not the Donn's.
posted on 25/8/19
I think Bielsa’s preferred formation is 3-3-1-3 and he will try it again against Stoke. Gives more opportunities to interchange positions and confuse the other side.
This is something he has been famous for through out his career and when you watch clips of Bilbao for example it’s amazing. I guess it’s hard to implement at Championship level but he’s certainly getting there now.