🔵Tactical FOCUS :
How did Spalletti utilize his midfield structure and automatisms to insist on runs in behind vs Liverpool ? đź”´
▫️Low build-up => draw in Liverpool
▫️Vertical passes and runs in behind
How did Spalletti utilize his midfield structure and automatisms to insist on runs in behind vs Liverpool ? đź”´
▫️Low build-up => draw in Liverpool
▫️Vertical passes and runs in behind
I. OFF-BALL STRUCTURE : FORCE LIVERPOOL TO CREATE IN POSSESSION
Liverpool’s 2-3 in first phase of possession has been well-analyzed by Napoli, and implemented various structures (such as Everton) to force ball carrier to find difficult passing angles to progress vertically.
Liverpool’s 2-3 in first phase of possession has been well-analyzed by Napoli, and implemented various structures (such as Everton) to force ball carrier to find difficult passing angles to progress vertically.
Napoli probably looked at Saturday’s Merseyside Derby and how Everton’s 4-4-2 out of possession block vertical progression, with the jump of one the midfielder (here Zielinski) to accompany Osihmen to end up in 2V2 situation in the first zone.
Yet, Napoli didn’t insist (different strategy than usual) on pressing repetitions. It was part of the plan to let Liverpool’s build-up progress and then, by blocking passing angles, recover the ball deep to then switch the mode into fast transitions and runs in behind.
II. LOW POSSESSION TO REACH RUNS IN BEHIND : THE IMPORTANCE OF LOBOTKA
Liverpool, during the first 10 minutes, were kind of surprised how easily Lobotka moved towards pressing structure to position perfectly and eased out pass schemes in low possession phase.
Liverpool, during the first 10 minutes, were kind of surprised how easily Lobotka moved towards pressing structure to position perfectly and eased out pass schemes in low possession phase.
Liverpool, to counter Napoli’s automatisms in build-up, should have narrowed distance between the two lines of pressure, to trap that Lobotka-Anguissa double pivot (only in first phase of possession). They fixed that issue after 20minutes.
Another key player, but in second phase of build-up : Piotr Zielinski. This player has technical ability to attempt vertical passes even in case of two man-oriented press (Fabinho-Eliott). Liverpool’s counter-pressing faced excellent on-ball players.
Even when Liverpool narrowed distances, with Milner much higher man-marking Lobotka, Napoli’s holding midifielder has systematically one step ahead. Already scanned his closest environment to decide best solution between ball retention or ball carrying.
Napoli has one the most efficient midfield in Serie A, because of one main feature : players have always different positions on the pitch (midfield articulations), but with the same role. That’s what makes it difficult for any kind of opponent to predict their moves.
Napoli’s off-ball structure was different, but mechanisms in build-up were the same. Back-pass to Meret, Lobotka’s automatic drop-off. Liverpools tried to answer the best way they could to these automatisms. Napoli could also draw in Liverpool’s block to use depth
III. RUNS IN BEHIND : ACCURATE PASSERS, ACCURATE RUNS
Napoli has changed its way to penetrate penalty box compared to the last 5 games. Liverpool had troubles in defensive discipline (LB positioning), easing out Napoli to take advantage w/ runs in behind (numerical superiority)
Napoli has changed its way to penetrate penalty box compared to the last 5 games. Liverpool had troubles in defensive discipline (LB positioning), easing out Napoli to take advantage w/ runs in behind (numerical superiority)
Kvaratskhelia and Di Lorenzo were the two main Napoli’s quaterbacks : passes and timing of runs were harmoniously coordinated. Napoli could rely on Osihmen’s deadly speed, and also a lack of scan from Liverpool central defenders, especially Gomez, who faced some issues
Depth implemented by Napoli forced Liverpool to agglomerate midfield + defensive line near penalty box. It consequently allowed Zielinski or Anguissa to have offensive positioning near penalty box
Another illustration to show how difficult it is to maintain a proactive defense (scans to anticipate forward’s runs and prevent them to pass before you). Kvarat-Lozano-Osihmen runs were coordinated and took advantage from Liverpool’s failures in these animations.
Napoli’s midfield short passes, added with Anguissa excellent ball carryings, catalyze Napoli’s new « depth-game », Osihmen starting his runs before Anguissa even started to run forward. Fabinho made a courageous game to cover wide zones, letting spaces available for Anguissa.
As I said earlier, Liverpool’s mistakes in defensive transitions (Van Djik, Arnold forgetting to defend) made Napoli’s transitions far easier, with Osihmen’s astonishing pace, and Kvarat taking advantage on man-marking’s failures.
As I said, Napoli didn’t implement high press as usual. However, they applied some pressing phases as a tool to utilize forward’s depth, such as here.
Anguissa-Zielinski automatisms are also interesting near penalty box: they exploited well passive zonal marking from Liverpool’s defense.
Conclusion :
Napoli adapted its offensive strategy to overthrow Liverpool, in a bad dynamic. Wide space occupations from Napoli players has been astonishing, because they repeated it during the whole game.
Napoli adapted its offensive strategy to overthrow Liverpool, in a bad dynamic. Wide space occupations from Napoli players has been astonishing, because they repeated it during the whole game.
Loading suggestions...