Leopold Method Strikes Again

Read this excellent piece on the tactics being used by Ange Postecoglu and how the Socceroos are implementing them. It's on the Leopold Method. website and is written by the excellent Kate Cohen who along with Tony Tannous is one of the best analysts of tactics in Australian football today.

Below are some snippets from her article that stuck in my mind. You should mos def read the whole thing.

For the full Kate Cohen's article go to the link here

Socceroos and the forward Pass

"One of the key elements to the attacking brand of football Australia is now attempting to play is clearly demonstrated in the frequency and way in which the Socceroos look to play forward passes"

Louis Van Gaal, who will be in the opposite dugout to Postecoglou when Australia faces the Netherlands is another who believes a vertical, or forward, pass is often the less risky option.

“The vertical pass is not a risk because you always have people behind the ball,” Van Gaal said. “So, the vertical is the pass without risk, [but] the width pass is always risky.”

Andy Harper is Wrong

James Holland, all fingers pointing towards him,” Andy Harper said. “It was ill-disciplined possession from James Holland, he was too aggressive with his pass. It was a low percentage pass that was picked off, it opened up the field and South Africa swept up field and finished the business.”

A similar message, criticising Australia’s willingness to play forward occurred in the game against Croatia – “those straight balls in the midfield are just being asked to be intercepted, the ball needs to go out to the fullbacks,” Harper said.

But, if this is something that Postecoglou demands from his players, how can a player be criticised for following instructions?