The Half time adjustment
After dominating for 30 minute of the for first half of the game, Rijkaard decided to add more attackers in the second half, He made the mistake of being over attacking.
His sub of Guily and Ineista unbalance his team in the defense and midfield department and giving up some control of possession with no compensation in attack.
Liverpool was not even tired yet and this measure made Liverpool job’s even easier. He should of allow Barca to continue to monopolize possession with a high tempo and constantly and patiently pin them at center and wing.
Rafa on the hand decided that Gerrard was struggling a bit with Ronaldinho, So Rafa instructed Sissoko to help. Gerrard move a bit up the right midfield and pin Zambrota at the left back from overlapping.
With no runner in Zambrotta or Eto Ronaldinho flick was ineffective so he needed to penetrate alone. But Ronaldinho was now surrounded by Finnan, Gerrard and Sissoko
Messi was tired and now practically out of the game so Risse was allowed to push up. And finally Liverpool Kept the center strong with Xabi and Sissoko shielding the defense.
with the strikers and Gerarrd and Riise pressing, now all the Barca’s back-4 was pinned down and with little help from their midfield which became too lightweight. The Barca defense was constantly flapping, panicking and clearing their line while Liverpool defense maintain their composure and shape.
Deco and Xavi failed to dominated the midfield as both the outlay wing was neutralize , the defense being pin and little penetration from the center. By the constant pressure from the midfield and defense a few error were created and punish by Bellamy and Riise.
The Next Round II
Liverpool can now play Crouch and blitz Barca as they did against Chelsea earlier this year. The pitch here in Anfield is smaller so Crouch’s knockdown can not only benefit his partner but also the upcoming midfielder as they are closer to each other.
Liverpool can now play Argentine’s Mascherano as the holding midfield instead of Xabi. Liverpool can pressure Barca all over the pitch and all the time and then hammer them in the box. Only problem is they may be tired because Liverpool have a game against Man United the previous Saturday.
Barca will hope for a miracle in their star player. They will need to try to dominate the game like they did in the first 35 minute. With Messi fully fit and Eto back Barca need to constantly shift the attacked from left, center and right. Causing Liverpool midfield to stretch and then attack the defense.
Rijkaard also need a proper Defensive Midfield who not only shield the defence but act as a holding and ball spreading Midfielder who not only distribute the ball to the attacker but collects it from his defence so that the defense do not waste possession or tempo.
How Rikjaard has wish that he was 20 years younger!
