The Belated Post
Sorry for the late post but What a game it was and what a great nite too. Again Rafa has shown to the world why he is regarded the as the Master tactician of the new generation. Capello of Madrid was once regarded like this too but he is of Fergie’s generation. Ferguson currently rely heavily on his no.2 Queroz in this aspect of the game.
The Pundit
Before the game everyone was belittling Liverpool chance with their best hope of achieving a goalless draw. Jamie Redknapp even think Liverpool will be lucky to have an away goal? Lucky one? Well Rafa gave you two and a win too!
The Build up
The build up between Barca and Liverpool was relatively quiet. The only thing that seam to make news was the non-playing/non-singing events. There were no argument and heat between both of the club. Earlier Edilmison of Barca said that Liverpool were bigger than Mourinho’s Men. Indeed Liverpool are the true giant of Europe.
The Strategy
Barcelona overall strategy was simple. Keep the majority of ball, move the ball around the pitch quickly and attack. Don’t overextend,keep the pace up and attack from all angle.. left, right and center too.Constantly wear and tire the Liverpool player.
Liverpool strategy was to maintain compact formation all the time and to overpower them. Wait for the right time and hit them on the counter or by attacking from the air.
The Barca Tactic
Barca employ their basic tactic with a little adjustment. First Messi was restored to the left midfield even if he was fit for only 40 minutes. secondly Saviola nimbleness and quickness was preferred over the well known former Chelsea player Gudjohnson. Then the introduction Of Motta instead of Edmilson as a Defensive Midfielder to counter against Peter Crouch second ball. Barca had prepare a special play to foil Crouch.
The Liverpool Tactic
Double up the wing with Gerrard playing as a right Midfielder and Risse as a left Midfielder in a flat 4-4-2 formation with no wingers. The introduction of a athletic and fast left-defender even if he is a right back in the newly purchase Arbeloa because mobility and quickness is more vital than power and strength in this part of the field.
The use of two striker instead of one as a measure to pin the opposing central defenders instead of the need to control the center. The use of Bellamy pace instead of what Rijkaard prepare for Peter Crouch height! This was the shocker that made Rijkaard in disbelief. The size of the pitch factor was the other reason why Crouch was deem unsuited for and even with the Karaoke incident Bellamy pace was chosen ahead of Crouch.
to be continue…
