THE BALL GIVE US THE ORDER

When Cruyff came to Barça as Manager, he said that so well known and simple: "If I have the ball, you don’t have it and, therefore, you have two jobs: get the ball and score a goal". Then, the "Dream Team" came.

Pep Guardiola, Cruyff’s pupil (and also of Van Gaal, Capello, Lillo, Bielsa, etc.) rewrote the sentence and said that of "The ball gives us the order" which seems silly, but that says 2 things very clear:

1)     If I attack well, that is, if I'm well positioned on the pitch, when the ball is lost you’ll have many more options to recover it quickly (the "rule of six seconds": if not stolen in 6 seconds, regain initial positions) 
2)     If my shape is good when the opponent has the ball, I have many more options to intercept, steal, cut the pass, etc.

All this is beside the point that there is much talk lately about Barça's Vilanova and further compared with Guardiola: now there isn’t this pressure that existed before, the team is less "positional" (shorter attacks) and vertically (more "stretched”, etc.). I totally agree with this, but for me this is not the problem of the current Barça.

Isn’t there high pressure? Well, if I press right at the back, I’ll catch the ball. Remember where turnovers were done by Mourinho’s Inter or by Bayern the other day. Not in defence, no: In the space between the "creation area" and "end zone", which is commonly known as ¾ of the pitch.

What happens there? Well, there are 5-6 men behind the ball and 5-6 ahead, i.e. if I steal the ball, I have plenty of room to run and few players to defend. Where Bayern pressed? At the same place. To which players? The same that Inter: Xavi and Iniesta. These could pick up the ball more or less quietly in their own half, but by the time they passed the centre circle, agonizing pressure and forcing losses.

Why here? Well, here is where teams generally tend to be more disorganized: neither the defenders are out, neither the attackers are at place to start the static attack. Consequence: disorganized team and facility for the opponents. As we have not order, problems.

If this can be done to Barça, Barça can also do it, and this is what they DID before and what they DON’T do now. We talked before about the "six seconds". If the team did not recover the ball, they recovered the position, but they CONTINUED PRESSING. Now the team "floats" on the ball holder, and press only when it comes near the box and, for me this is a problem.

Now, the team recovers the ball, generally, far from goal. This allows for, obviously, many more spaces (Barça does it when attacking static, the others do the same). As there are spaces, 3-4 players go to counterattack quickly. If the play is finished, perfect, but if not, now there are problems. Before, when the team was leaving out, was leaving ALL, the 11 players, so that, if you could not finish the play, always had support behind to begin static attack. Not now. The ones for the counter go out and the rest of the team is practically on own half, a little bit "you’ll do it" and, when they can’t finish the play, there are just 6-7 players to defend, as the others have already been overcome. It is not to attack everyone, but it is to maintain the proper gap between lines, and it seems that currently it doesn’t happen. The problem is not to be more vertical. The problem is to have the team in place. Again the same: lose the ball at ¾ of the field with space for the opponents and, with few people to stop them.

There is a third point: finish the plays. In Guardiola’s “manual”, this was a basic principle. If I finish the play, I go to place to re-start the recovery of the ball (in case the goalkeeper saves or goal kick). If you don’t finish, I'm back in the previous case: as I have separate lines, there are spaces for the opponents.

Anyway, it’s always the same: to have the team ordered, well positioned. And, always, depending on where the ball is. You can’t start static attack if you are not well placed, because if you're not well placed, you’ll not move the opponents from side to side, and you will not find the spaces. And if you do not find spaces, you lose your calm and if you lose your calm, you make mistakes and, if you make mistakes ...

And, to be well placed, you must be close the ball, because "the ball gives us the order."

CAN SOMEONE EXPLAIN IT?

I've done a review of the past 10 seasons in Europe, including this one (Champions and Europa League). Spanish teams have been in semifinals 23 times (12+11), with 7 Titles (3+4). The English 20 (15+5), with 3 wins (3+0). Germany has 11 semifinalists (5+6) and 1 Title (0+1). The complete table can be seen below:

COUNTRY	SF	TITLES CL	TITLES EL	TOTAL
SPAIN	23	3	4	7
ENGLAND	20	3	0	3
GERMANY	11	0	1	1
PORTUGAL	7	1	1	2
ITALY	6	2	0	2
FRANCE	3	0	0	0
RUSSIA	2	0	2	2
UKRAINE	2	0	1	1
NETHERLANDS	2	0	0	0
ROUMANIA	1	0	0	0
SCOTLAND	1	0	0	0
SWITZERLAND	1	0	0	0
TURKEY	1	0	0	0

I've heard and read many things about the Champions League semifinals yesterday and before yesterday and also about the teams in Germany, England, etc.. Here are some of them:

• Spanish teams lose in Europe because the Spanish league is not competitive enough.
• If the league is too competitive, you don't arrive well at the end of the season.
• It is better that the league is not so competitive, because you arrive fresh at the end of the season.
• The league does not have a high level, because the champion is 20 points ahead of the second.
• This team plays badly, and loses, because it is in bad shape "physical".
• This team plays well and wins, it is in great shape "physical".
• English teams can not compete in Europe, as the level of English football is very low.
• The "tiki-taka" is not useful to go to Europe.
• The Germans are not creative.
• The English do direct play because the weather in the islands is pretty bad, and pitches are often muddy. With this you can not go to Europe.
• The English direct play is bad for the other teams, as they are not used to play against it
• 1 defensive midfielder just does not work, it has plenty of room to cover
• The double pivot does not work, because there is only 1 link with the forwards.
• 2 Forwards Centers is better than 1, as this is very lonely.
• It's better tot play with switched wingers, because the ball goes closing when crosses.
• It's better "classic" wingers, as they give more width
• You can not play every week with a different line-up
• Fans should know "by memory" the lineup.

Everything that comes here has been said and/or commented on by the big "gurus" that fill newspapers, magazines, radio and television. I simply have made a compilation/summary.

And, we could add a lot more. Ones, to one side, others, to the other. And speaking of players, the list of "sentences" is amazing. Today "X" is a phenomenon. Tomorrow, is useless. Today "Y" has not been fine. Today "Y" has been pretty good. The goalkeeper has failed in the second goal. The goalkeeper couldn't see in the second goal. And, whatever you want.

Anybody can explain how you can say so much different and contrary things and that everyone is right at the same time? Anybody can explain how to link the data set with everything that it is said? Because obviously, ALL are right! Or maybe not? Thank you!

LACK OF CULTURE IN FOOTBALL

Today, April 23rd, is "Sant Jordi" (Saint George), World Book Day. I think it is a very appropriate day to write about the lack of culture and reading in football.

From always it has been said that the football world was uneducated, with no studies, that they did not read, that they knew about additions and subtractions and a little bit more. Well, I think it's true. If not, it couldn't be understood that, with the amount of writing, news, information, blogs, etc.. that there are today in the world, the coaches continue to do ours.

And I'll explain. Still not finished the game (whatever it is), and there are already hundreds of  analysis on the next explaining what has been done wrong, why the match is lost and so on. If the player "X" must be Attacking Mifielder and not Central midfielder, if "Y" must be more wide, if "Z" was too wide and allowed to enter the #10 of the opponents, if you can not play with 3 defender under the current conditions, if that player is in bad shape ... all you want.

But that's not the worst. The worst thing is that everyone has solutions. Infallible, too. "X" must be the "false 9"; "Y" should play as Full-back; "Z" calls for being starter with his performances, rather than I don't know who; not to play high pressure, as you'll be caught at the back; don't wait and see, because you're away from goal; the 4-2-3-1 system is better (by the way, is 1-4-2-3-1, the Goalkeeper is quite important, ep!), that 1-4-3-3), the wingers have to play switched flanks and much more.

But we, coaches don't have culture and don't like to read. How can we avoidt everything the others say? How can we put always the same players? How is it possible that each week plays a different team? How is it possible that the player who misses so many chances to continue playing?How is it possible that Middfielder of the second team doesn'tt have opportunities? How is it possible that everyone has solutions without watching the training sessions and without knowing what happens inside the locker room?

Again. Lack of culture and reading. That's why we lose games and championships. Or maybe not?

Happy "Sant Jordi's" day to all. And read, read a lot!

THE LEAGUE IS OVER. STILL THE CUP

The Andorran League ended yesterday. With FC Lusitans as champion a couple of days before and, FC Santa Coloma second and therefore participate in the Europa League next year, interest at the Top were focused on the duel between UE Santa Coloma and UE Sant Julia to see who was third. Recall that the other place to go to Europe is for the Cup champion, and if none of the two teams for the final classifies, in principle would be for 3rd place in the league, if I'm not mistaken.

The interest was much higher, in principle, at the bottom, after the penultimate round, only CE Principality had secured the permanence: Inter Escaldes, FC Encamp and UE Engordany would be playing for the position of relegation and promotion. Inter, but impugned its match against Engordany by improper alignment and the appeal was accepted. Result, Inter winning it, so also claimed out of danger.

The matches of the last day were Engordany v Principat and Encamp v Inter. To avoid relegation, and Engordany should win, and Encamp, lose. Encamp, meanwhile, had enough with 1 point for playing the promotion. In the end, the two teams won (1-0 in both cases) and therefore UE Engordany lost the category, while promoting FC Encamp will play against an opponent yet to be decided, as the League in the 2nd division yet missing three days.

Next week takes up the Cup, with quarterfinals games. Duels are: CE Principat v UE Santa Coloma, FC Encamp v FC Santa Coloma, UE UE Sant Julia v UE Engordany and FC Ordino v FC Lusitans, with round matches. In principle, the first 4 of the League are favorites, but as always, you have to play!

MEMORIES FROM OSLO (and 5)

This is the last post about my trip to Norway to attend the UEFA Grassroots Workshop. Here I tell you some of the things I've found about the life in this country.
The first two things you notice when you arrive at the airport of Oslo are the prices and the cleanliness. A coffee costs around € 4, a pizza, 14-15 € m, a soft drink, about 7-8, a beer, € 12 and an entrecote, about 40-45 €. A taxi ride from the city center at the airport is about 90 €, although the ride is about 35-40 minutes. It is true that the standard of living around here is very high, but if you compare it to what's in Andorra or Spain, it's crazy. Yes, taxes are high, but also noticeable in education, health, infrastructure, ec.
The other thing, as I said, is cleaning: is not even a paper or a cigarette on the floor (the cigarettes have also a scandalous price, by the way), but it must be said that there are ashtrays and wastebaskets in all parts. The hotels, restaurants, office buildings, etc., all have out great ashtrays for smokers and, when you go down the street, there is one every 4 steps.
The salmon. It is known that salmon is one of the most typical things of Norway, and it appears in all meals. So, even at dinner the last day, the starter was based on salmon, prepared in 3 different ways. I must say all, and the "surimi" of salmon we had in our meal's buffet was absolutely delicious.
The issue of technology is another important point. I have already spoken of the great presence "on-line" for coaching courses, design sessions, etc.. but is that even buses and taxis have wi-fi! We discovered it the second day, when we went to dinner, and the last one, when we went to the airport (a mini-bus for 15 people), also had wi-fi. Incidentally, at the airport in Oslo you also have 2 hours of free Wi-fi (as in Barcelona!).
As I said, the issue of volunteers is another important thing in this country. Among the standard of living they have, working hours (working day ends around 3.30 to 4 pm and the school about 2-3 pm), there are many free hours and people is engaged in many things (including sport and volunteering in all its facets).
Another thing I've noticed is that people who work with the public always has a smile on his face. Interestingly, these people, who has a reputation for "cold", is usually the most friendly (I have also seen it in Sweden or Finland, ie it is not a rare thing), when it comes to working for others. They have very clear that it is the customer who does a favor by going to your business and not the store or restaurant that makes a "favor" to the client. Over here you should take note of these things.
So, this is what I got from this trip to Oslo. I hope you liked these posts and that you enjoy reading them as I did writing them!

MEMORIES FROM OSLO (4)

The last day of the course (Thursday, 11TH), began with a chat with Fernando Hierro (ex-player R. Madrid), Stig Bjornebye (Liverpool, among others) and Ioan Lupescu (Dinamo Bucharest and Borussia Moenchengladbach and current UEFA Technical Chief), moderated by journalist Graham Turner (who was a translator at Barcelona in the press conferences of Terry Venables). They talked about their beginnings as players, matches in the street with friends, the beginning in organized football (where there was only 11-a-side football and huge pitches for children like them (9-10-11 years old): the three agreed on the importance of existing formats 4v4 or 7v7 (8v8 in some places), as steps up to 11v11.Also highlighted the importance and influence of the grassroots coaches and their role as trainers/educators for youngsters.

Then, we had a review of the Discussion Groups, with the presence of the Leaders of each group and moderated by Per Omdal. There were two basic issues raised: 

1) What are the benefits of implementing the "UEFA Grasroots Charter" and how  UEFA could help increase the number of players, girls, etc. 

2) The establishment of a "Quality Club Charter "

The results were similar in all groups. Everyone said that the implementation of the Charter had been interesting and beneficial, it did raise the quality levels while establishing quality standards for all european countries.

An important point is the retention of players once they arrive to 18; here, the problem is different depending on the country, having enough influence its size. In small countries it is the case that many players leave the game for the simple fact that they have to go study to a foreign country.

It's considered important the introduction of the Charter for Clubs (in fact, some Federations have already done it) but, again, there are differences between large and small countries. When the country is more professional, easier to establish a Charter. It was also quite clear that they must be Professional Clubs who should be in front of these implementations. 

After a short break, Frank Castillo (New Zealand) and Martin Roberts (Australia), spoke of the social programs that are made outside Europe, in this case, the Pacific area, where discrimination against women and the disabled is high (the disabled are seen as "sick"). They want to have more disabled players and coaches, so people will have a different view of their role and function in the society. They talked about programs where, beyond football, is the idea of ​​introducing regular physical activitity and healthy eating habits. 

After lunch, they talked about "Innovative Projects in the Grassroots". Timo Hutunnen (Finland), spoke of the "Fortum Tutor" (Fortum is a sponsor), which has created a kind of consulting to offer support for Clubs and Coaches. The sponsor pays 80% of the wages of these tutors and clubs the other 20%. Each "Tutor" meets their "coaches" 3-4 times a year. Needless to say that "on-line" platforms for all these projects is very high.

Steen Jorgensen (Denmark) said that in his country there is a similar project, called "Project Consultants" with the idea to support the clubs and help them, as each club is different (size, facilities, volunteers, etc..). Help is free for Clubs requesting it.

Then Ghenadie Scurtul (Technical Director of Moldova FA) explained the case in his country. They have 6 "Stars" on the Grassroots Charter, having created an appropriate structure within the Technical Department, which has served to increase the number of players, the Coach Education level, support for volunteers (a small pay, or sports equipment , etc..), increasing the number of facilities thanks to a good relationship with the government (national and regional) and obviously a promotion in all media (press, radio, TV).

The last act of the course was a chat moderated by Karen Espelund (Member of the Executive Committee of UEFA and one of the persons who has done and does more for women's football), with the participation of representatives of Norway, Montenegro, Iceland, Belarus and Malta. They talked about the importance of women's football and how to increase their participation, as there is great potential.They talked about how they started their countries, and that in general, all them are going to look for the girls at schools, organizing events, lectures, etc.

Finally, we had a review of what we have seen during the three days of the course with Frank Ludolph and Ioan Lupescu and later, we had a dinner hosted by UEFA.

This is what has been given to us in this "UEFA Grassroots Workshop". I will make one last entry explaining some curious things I've found in Norway. For some it will be known and, for others, no.

I hope all of you enjoyed this series of posts!