Season 1 Tactic
As mentioned in a previous post I will be looking to draw inspiration from the way Newcastle play under Eddie Howe focusing more on the fundamentals of how I see them play rather than focusing on formation and roles specifically. That being said, season 1 we will be lining up in a 433, but as the seasons progress I want the flexibility to chop and change as I see fit depending on what is in front of us in either a specific game or at the start of the season due to players available or unavailable to us.
That being said we will at all times be trying to adhere to the following principles:
High Pressing
Quick in transition
Aggressive defence
This might seem overly simplified or perhaps broad, but I like to keep things simple. I'm not overly fussed by possession. If we have it, I want us to use it effectively. If that means going direct then that's what we will do, if a more patient approach is needed then I hope with limited in possession instructions the players will make the right decisions which of course will influence my transfer strategy as we go through this save.
Here is how we will set up.
The full back positions will be a work in progress as the midfield 3 and the front 3 will be quite high up the pitch when we are in possession. So committing too many bodies forward might not work especially against the big teams, that being said I would like to play really positive football against anyone, especially at home.
In possession, keeping it simple. Play out from the back, let the player roles do the talking and play for set pieces - any opportunity to create more opportunities is a good opportunity. The roaming playmaker at the base of midfield is how I see Bruno Guimares playing for Newcastle. I like this role to be 6/8 hybrid and I'm not sure how this will play out in the match engine and in game but we shall see but I want the midfield to contribute at both ends of the pitch. The BBM and a player in the DM position hopefully should ensure that. Obviously the Mez on attack will be the most advanced of the roles but I'm fine with that. I have never gotten much tune out of a pressing forward in previous versions from a goal contribution point of view, so hopefully that changes this version. This role might change, but it suits our pressing style.
In transition - lets win the ball back as soon as possible and get on the front foot. Ball Playing defenders should help with transitions. I will need to improve my CB’s passing and vision via training and I will look at this if we need replacements in the transfer market.
Out of possession we will press high up the pitch, our defensive line will be adjusted against certain teams and away from home. I want us to sit narrow and compact as a unit and force the opposition out wide. We have some tall players in our team, particularly in defence so I hope this strategy will play into our hands by forcing the opposition to cross more. Height is definitely something I will look for when looking for new players, height and strength, I want this team to be incredibly hard to play against. The front three will be key in winning the ball high up the pitch and will be the first line of defence.
I am by no means a tactic bod, but I'm hoping we should be able to get a tune out of this.
Next up will be signings and then on to the first few league games.
Cheers,
Wils.