Maresca may be an easy target but sedate Chelsea need to up the tempo | Jacob Steinberg
While the sense of alienation at Stamford Bridge runs deep, formulaic football is not helping the managerβs cause Andoni Iraola does not want automatons. If space is there to be attacked, Bournemouthβs manager asks his players to be bold and seize the initiative. It is about having faith in creative instincts, throwing off the shackles as the shift away from Pep Guardiolaβs positional football gathers pace. It would be unlike Iraola to threaten to substitute a goalkeeper for kicking long or a midfielder for trying a risky pass when a safer ball would allow his team to maintain their shape. Enzo Maresca sees the game differently. Chelseaβs head coach is from the Guardiola school and has built his tactical vision around carefully hoarding possession, which leaves little room for improvisation and is contributing heavily to the sullen atmosphere at Stamford Bridge. βThe people have to understand this is our way,β Maresca has said of the lukewarm reaction to his more sedate style. βThis is the way weβre going to play.β Continue reading...
