The Boot Room
Issue 10 August 2014
Key Themes
Concentration Communication Teamwork
Real Madrid v Man United 1st Leg Champions League quarter fi nal
Concentration – We knew that we wanted to have a lot of the ball, but were also aware Manchester United provided a threat on the counter-attack so there had to be an emphasis on concentration throughout the 90 minutes in order not to concede.
Communication - We selected individuals who had strong communication and organisational skills. Xabi Alonso was a good example of this and was the leader of the team - he told people how and when to go and press and would get people in and around him to ensure good positioning.
Teamwork – From our research, it was clear that this was Madrid’s main strength. Everyone had an attacking responsibility and everyone had a defensive responsibility. In one of Madrid's previous games against Bayern Munich they didn’t leave two
attackers up the pitch when defending, instead two recovered and defended within their own half to win the ball back. When they had regained
possession they split and attacked quickly.
Strategy
• Concentration • Communication • Teamwork • In possession: adopt a 4-3-3 with a focus on controlling possession and having more of the ball than the opposition. Benzema will play as a false 9 with a focus on dragging the opposition's central defenders into withdrawn positions for Di Maria, Bale and Ronaldo to exploit the space in behind
• Out of possession: we would adopt an engagement line to create a defensive trap with a focus on regaining and countering
• Changes: team shape with a change to a 4-3-3 if a 2-0 lead occurs. The change in formation will focus on protecting the lead and exploiting the opposition through counter-attacks
Starting formation: Benzema would play as the central striker with Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo deployed in wide areas. We anticipated Man United sitting deep and focused on creating space in behind their back four for our players to run into at pace.
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