Bad Neuenahr’s 4-3-3 formation against Wolfsburg offered tactical points of inspiration as to how other teams should play against Wolfsburg. It remains no secret that Wolfsburg is a dynamic offensive team that must be taken seriously. However, visiable defensive weaknesses were evident last year. Wolfsburg’s coach, Ralf Kellermann, may have a strong arsenal of offensive power including last season leading scorer, Pohlers, but he may have failed to correct his team’s major defensive weakness.
During Spieltag 2’s match against Bad Neuenahr, Wolfsburg's 4-4-2 struggled against a high pressuring 4-3-3. Wolfsburg back line, often playing in a U or an “umbrella” shape, struggled with marinating possession while under pressure from Bad Neuenahr’s front three. Poor off the ball movement combined with the midfielders playing too high created a difficult task for the defenders to progress the ball out of their defensive half. Bad Neuenahr’s pressure during the first half consisted of the forwards and midfielders moving together to create a very successful pressure/cover fundamental defensive soccer. Bad Neuenahr was so successful that they managed to score an early away goal.
Unfortunately, for some reason, Bad Neuenahr’s coach (or team) failed to continue this successful pressure in the second half. A switch in formation occurred. One true striker remained up top while the wings settled back into a more midfield role. No longer was Bad Neuenahr pressuring right at the feet of Wolfsburg’s back four. Rather, they were a few yards away—giving the defenders time and space. From this, Wolfsburg’s defenders could now easily advance the ball either by dribble or serve better passes to the midfielders. Wolfsburg dominated second half possession and wound up finding the equalizing goal.
Defeating Wolfsburg will not be easy during this Bundesliga season—but below are some ways a team might be successful against them:
- Attack on left side (Wolfsburg’s right defensively)
- Exploit 1v1 chances against defenders, especially against Bunte
- Take advantage of a quick counter after Wolfsburg’s outside marking backs have made runs into their offensive third—they are often slow and unwilling to immediately transition back to their defensive duties
- Put high effective pressure on defense and midfield. All players must be working together and shifting accordingly. Do not let the offensive player with the ball have too much space or time…quickly close in on her
- Take advantage of the midfield. Defensively, step up and intercept passes from Wolfsburg’s defensive line. Wolfsburg’s midfielders are often caught in a high offensive position, leaving too much space in between the defenders and midfielders. (Kellermann can ease this with a holding midfielder
- At all times, be aware of Connie Pohlers. Know where she is and do not give her any space, time, or freedom.
No comments:
Post a Comment