Ronald Koeman’s tactics compared to former Barcelona coaches.
Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman had already shocked many fans by his brutal team selection. The players whom he did not find useful for the club were given notice and told to leave the club. Luis Suarez, Arturo Vidal, Ivan Rakitic all fell prey to Koeman’s harsh but necessary decision.
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Even Lionel Messi was reportedly wanting to keep Suarez as the undisputed no. 9 but Koeman strongly believed that the Uruguayan is past his prime and the club is desperate for change. This shows that Koeman is going to be firm with the team and is ready to make drastic changes in order to take Barca back to their position with the elites of Europe.
Koeman is also willing to input his own philosophies to the great club even if it means stepping away from traditions a little bit. The Dutch manager changed the clubs attacking 4-3-3 to a more defensive 4-2-3-1. The formation albeit more defensive is very effective. It was the same formation that helped Netherlands reach the finals of the UEFA Nations League and it was also used by Ajax when they went on that marvelous run to beat Juventus and reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
Ernesto Valverde, Frank Rijkaard, and Bobby Robson all tried the 4-2-3-1 formation but the team was so attack-minded that a limiting two central midfielders by making them holding midfielders, never worked out in the club’s favor. On all three occasions, the formation was ditched for a more attacking 4-3-3 and ever since Pep Guardiola took over the club, that formation has become a staple for the club.
Koeman is taking a gamble by using this formation as historically it has never suited Barcelona’s attacking gameplay, however, the ex-Everton manager also understands the need to solidify the defense and thus will hope that the players get used to his new plans and strategies.
Will a defensive-minded tactic work for the Catalans?