Getting back to The Swansea Way...
TSW's tactics guru Jon Trew on what may be different next year…and what may stay the same
Tactical nuance and
formation
Swansea fans have become accustomed to the 4-2-3-1 formation. It's been engrained in our play since the days of Martinez, but as football evolves so should we. Through the
different managers in Martinez, Sousa, Rodgers and Laudrup we played variations of the 4-2-3-1 with differing attacking ideas. Martinez was the first to
bring ‘the continental style of play’ to the club and the style was then
evolved and moulded by the following managers. Rodgers to my recollection was
the only one to test three at the back in the home game against Wolves (when we were
winning 3-0 and then drew 4-4), although I do remember us having a go during the Colin Addison era...but
that’s a different story...
Rodgers and Martinez have evolved their philosophy and style of play
at the clubs they've ended up in charge of (Liverpool, Wigan and Everton). Martinez often
favoured playing three at the back at Wigan and despite being relegated they
played some entertaining football. Rodgers also at times last season dabbled
with three at the back and adjusted his team each game. You could argue that
towards the end of Laudrup’s tenure ‘The Swansea Way’ regressed, and the
entertaining football of old was slowly being replaced by a slower counter
attacking one.
Monk played a few different formations during the games as
caretaker - most notably the 2-2 draw at Arsenal. Changing the Swansea system after so long with 4-2-3-1 being a foregone conclusion was always going to be a massive tactical risk, and to do it away at Arsenal whilst still a caretaker manager showed huge tactical confidence. Since then, rather than sticking with one
formation for each game, Monk has adjusted his team and set the team up depending
on the opposition.
Garry Monk now has a full pre-season to put his ideas into practice on the
training field and it wouldn’t surprise me if next season we saw a variation of the 4-2-3-1 to
more of a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 or even a bold 3-4-3. Personally I prefer playing four at the
back with attacking wing backs as it gives more going forward, and it's always easier to
organise the defence with a flat back four. Playing three at the back would take a lot
of tactical work and organisation by Monk but it could be something that we see
introduced towards the end of the season.
Set pieces
During Monk’s short spell as caretaker manager we saw a change in
approach to the attacking set pieces. We saw the return of the in swinging corner
to trouble the keeper, coupled with a different set up of players in the box.
Our players were placed in and around the six-yard box trying to disrupt the
keeper, and it worked as these set pieces were more successful than they had been under Laudrup - it was refreshing to see something different, and to see Garry Monk bringing his
own ideas to the table.
Brendan Rodgers was famously very meticulous when planning corners - every player had a specific role whether it was placement, making a run or
blocking a defensive player. I imagine a lot of work went into set pieces on
the training field under Rodgers, and this is something we can look forward to
seeing under Monk.
Throw ins
The last time I saw a long throw was down the Vetch. Right in front
of the North bank, John ‘The fastest postman in football’
WIlliams launched a poor looping effort into the mixer. We rarely see long
throws in football at all these days. The Jon Challinor’s and Rory Delap’s of
this world seem to have disappeared, but why? Let’s be fair, it’s an
opportunity to get the ball immediately into the box and cause some trouble, and over the last few home games we saw Rangel and Shelvey attempting this.
Bony
was shouting to get the ball to him in the box, and again this is something
different we can utilise which could be highly effective if used in the correct way. Bony’s
ability to hold the ball up and shield from any defenders could upset the
oppositions defence and allow other players to run on to a ball or receive a
lay off from him. This tactic is also something I expect to be used more and
more under Garry Monk.
Passion
Towards the end of Laudrup’s reign some of the players looked jaded - especially Ashley Williams to name just one. Then came Monk’s first game and the win
over Cardiff City. I don’t think anyone needs reminding of the image of
Williams running over and hugging Monk - the old guard are definitely behind
Monk and will run through walls for him. It remains to be seen if the ‘newer’
players will back the new inexperienced manager though. Chico and Michu are clearly
two passionate players but it’s rarely, if ever, channeled in the correct way.
Michu, as
talented as he is, is often very petulant on the field and this can have a negative
effect on the team if he moans or complains too much. Chico too often gets too
excited, and loses his head. I feel he's guilty of, at times, trying to impress the crowd rather than playing for the team. If the two Spaniards are to remain at Swansea we
will see Monk attempting to channel this passion in the correct manner.
Bravery and predictability
Brendan Rodgers always spoke (as our manager) and speaks (as the
Liverpool manager) about being brave with the ball. Dictating the play and not
losing your head under pressure. Remember that goal Rangel effectively gave
away against Man Utd at home? A silly pass led immediately to a goal. Rodgers
always wanted Swansea to play our way out of danger and told us we had to be
brave in front of the opposition and dictate play - this bravery to pass the
ball out of dangerous situations with the tiki taka triangles was something that went missing under Laudrup.
He preferred the team to go long or maybe clear the ball
straight away which would mean the opposition would pick the ball up and have a
go again. The team lost it’s ‘mojo’ and every attack was too predictable. When
a certain player picked up the ball it was obvious what he would do, who would
make a run, to where and what would happen. As mentioned previously, Monk has
already brought some unpredictable factors into the Swansea game (set pieces,
long throw ins, different formations), and this could be a major factor next
season.
Trust is a hugely important word bandied about by Rodgers, and this is
something that Laudrup maybe did not have with his players. Garry Monk needs to
trust the players to play under pressure, to be brave, and equally the players need
to trust Monk with his ideas and see the benefit in mixing things up.
Tight defence and pressing
We conceded too many goals last season from individual errors either
coming from midfield (see Jonjo Shelvey at home against Liverpool) or costly
mistakes coming from any one of the back four. Monk, as an experienced
defender, knows exactly what it takes to boss the defence and turn the team
once more into a more coherent defensive unit. In previous articles I’ve spoken
about Bony’s increase in defensive work rate, and how the team are now working as
one when defending - not just defence/attack. The wingers now track back
(Arsenal being an excellent example - the work rate of Routledge and De Guzman was outstanding), and Bony now defends from the front and closes down the defender with the ball.
We
now also become a 4-4-2 when the opposition defence is in possession of the ball.
It has been very interesting to see the central attacker (mainly Pablo Hernandez) coming
up alongside Bony to close the two central defenders down - this hurries the opposition
and in turn can lead to mistakes or the opposition giving up possession by
sending a long ball up the field. The final home game against Southampton could be a
huge learning curve for Monk. Southampton were by far the best team I’ve seen
at the Liberty when it comes to closing down and pressing the opposition. Again
though, Monk needs to organise the team well, increase fitness levels and learn
from previous mistakes.
Disbanding of cliques
This summer we could see the sinking of the Spanish Armarda. I personally wouldn’t
be surprised to see Chico, Puzuelo, Michu and Canas leaving this summer. I
would love to see Chico and Michu stay as I think Monk can have a positive
influence on both and would get the best out of them, but if they were to leave
it I’m confident Monk has players in mind that he could replace them with. Amat
stepped up to the plate when he played in place of Chico during his suspension
and on the rare occasion Bartley played, he did well. Chico has a huge amount
of talent and he played under Pep Guardiola and Tito Villanova for Barcelona B.
You must have something special to have played under them. If he stays then he
must immediately improve his English as this I feel has held him back (Michu
joined the same time and has no problems in communicating) and he must channel
the passion I spoke about earlier.
Monk’s tenure so far has seen mixed results, but crucially they've been more positive than
negative. There’s a lot to be excited about when looking at the changes that he
has started to implement, and I fully expect these to continue into next season. The next few weeks and
months are going to be extremely interesting as a Swansea fan - don’t judge the
pre-season on the results. It’s 100% not about that. Monk will use it to
galvanise the team, put across his new ideas, and raise fitness levels that he thought
weren’t up to scratch under Laudrup.
Most importantly though, it appears he's well aware of the need to oversee the continued evolution of ‘the
Swansea way’.
You can follow Jon on twitter @jon_inspire - Also if you’re an
aspiring football coaches please visit his website www.inspirefootballcoaching.com
and check out the football events that Inspire organise (conferences and practical
sessions).