I look at the dross that’s been served up by Brisbane in recent seasons and for the life of me can’t understand why our coaches don’t follow an approach that has been proven in the A-league, J-league, SPL and now EPL?
I’ve watched a few games from the Ange era and a few things I’ve noticed.
1. There was more structure. Players knew when they playing out of defence that other players would be in certain positions to receive the pass. Eg at a certain point in the attack, you’d know the full back would be on the touch line stretching the defence, No need to take an extra touch while making sure they’d be there. If they weren’t there, Ange would be up them.
2. Passing was more intentional and more accurate. Even passing across the backline, there was a clear aim to get the ball as quickly and accurately to the next player to stretch the opposition. None of this just playing a slow pass anywhere within 3 metres of the next player, making him turn around and slowing the play.
3. More urgency and care factor. When in possession the aim was to play quickly. Players sprinted into the position they knew they should be in. If someone didn’t do their job, Smith, Mckay or Steffanuto would be tearing them a new one.
4. A plan once they got in the final third. So much more movement again with players knowing how to move in a coordinated manner to create openings.
So, why is no one trying to emulate the Ange game plan?
I think one problem is that it places high demands on players. To me it just feels that recent coaches have had lower expectations and don’t hold players to the same standards of play and disciplined application of tactics. Players look like they are going through the motions. Watching us go forward, it’s just a random shambles that at some point sees the front 3 stationary waiting for a midfielder to lob it in the box.
I can barely watch games these days.