Only came across this now found it interesting so thought I'd post it.
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Arrigo Sacchi: "Bayern Munich: A Lesson of Total Football to Juventus."
15 April 2013
Former AC Milan, Parma, Atletico Madrid and Azzurri manager, Arrigo Sacchi, wrote an intriguing and detailed analysis about the recent Bayern Munich elimination of Juventus in the Champions League (aggregate of 4-0 for the Germans).
Mr. Sacchi made incisive comments not only about this particular Champions League tie, but also, how Italian football needed to change. He felt that the Germans presented Juventus individually, and Italian football collectively, with a much-needed lesson in total football.
Let's see what Mr. Sacchi had to say.
Discussion Items
* On a lesson of total football that focuses on the collective.
* On how Bayern Munich had 11 who play total football; Juventus, six or seven.
* On how the first line of defense for the Germans was their attackers.
* On the defensive shortcomings of Juventus.
* On how Bayern Munich exploited both the offensive and defensive phases.
* On the common thread of the great teams from the last 30 to 40 years (Ajax, Liverpool, Milan and Barcelona).
"Bayern Munich won. The best team won. The Germans gave a lesson in total football and like 30 years ago, it will be highlighted by few. Generally, it will be said that they have physicality and superior individual qualities without taking into account the work to obtain these feats.
On Wednesday (10 April), the collective interpretation of 11 players all functioning in a system of play based on their value won out. In a collaborative effort so well inclined. Bayern faced Juventus, perhaps the only Italian team with the national team players of Cesare Prandelli and Devis Mangia (U-21 manager) and few others, who are trying to escape our conservatism. Antonio Conte is doing a great job and this lesson will help his players to grow ultimately."
"They say that it will be fundamental to improve individual qualities. I think that ahead of everything, it will be important to find 11 functioning footballers in total football. Today, Juventus doesn't have more than six or seven. These are sufficient enough to win in Italy where football is mostly interpreted in a individualized, prudent, specialist way and doesn't involve more than four or five players.
The difference between the Bavarians and Juventus was the conscious of the collective. A difficult value in a country such as ours that is primarily individualistic. Then, players who are characterized as team players, know how to manage an offensive and defensive phase. (Mandzukic cost 10 to 12 million euro and wasn't a specialist, but in Italy they look for players who make magical plays. Not those who interpret the play.)"
"The attackers of Bayern, when they didn't have the ball, were their first defenders. Can you say the same of the Juventus players? Think how much that limited the play of Juventus and exalted their opponents. The difference is that in total football, you defend by running ahead applying your own rhythms and personality. While in Italian football, you run behind creating a defensive density and leave the initiative and play to others. Pressing and collaboration have made the difference and amplified solutions and individual qualities by withering those of your rivals. But to carry out all that can happen in a set-up that involves all 11 athletes."
"In areas with the ball, you need to attack the opponent at the right time and at the same time while coverage must come from your teammates who are farther away. Juventus played a pure defensive style but used double teaming, collapsing down (too far away and not compact), and the times of pressing and involvement of everyone was not optimal.
During ball possession, Heynckes' men were close to the football with players who were always moving and covering up. Others you saw up front and some were supporting on the flanks. This helped out the solutions and facilitated the technical aspect. Very few long passes into space, many very-low passes (grassburners), a compact side, organic, harmonious, who took advantage of the whole width of the pitch during the offensive phase while in the defensive phase, everyone was compact and close together."
"Organization and compactness are the fruits of a great effort and a conscious of everything that is footballing knowledge. It's evident that in positive and prospective situations such as these, everyone expressed and exalted themselves.
The great teams who made history in the last 30 to 40 years were those who interpreted this splendid sport by taking full advantage of the concepts of total football (Ajax, Liverpool, AC Milan and Barcelona). We, unfortunately, mostly have remained an episodic, prudent and specialized small kick: A football that does not appreciate techniques and being a protagonist. Juventus is our hope for a better future."
--- Arrigo Sacchi
