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Pep Guardiola: Playing the Cruyff way

By Jason Bardwell

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 16: Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City gives his team instructions as Mikel Arteta, Manchester City coach looks on during the Manchester City Training Session at the Etihad Stadium on October 16, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 16: Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City gives his team instructions as Mikel Arteta, Manchester City coach looks on during the Manchester City Training Session at the Etihad Stadium on October 16, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) /
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Ball Does The Work.

HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 26: Nike match ball on the pedestal during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Southampton at John Smith’s Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 26: Nike match ball on the pedestal during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Southampton at John Smith’s Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images) /

A very simple thought, but very true. The ball moves quicker than any player. The quicker you can receive and control the ball, the quicker you can move it on.

Having players who can do this, as we have now, can tire opposition players out so quickly. Chasing shadows around the pitch does nothing for the morale or fitness of the opposition.

On the other side of the game, when you lose the ball the three second press is so important. Closing down, pressuring the player on the ball, might lead to a turnover. However, it is not something you want to keep up for long periods and so, after that initial press, you’ll see players drop off.

A small detail. When you see a throw in awarded deep in the opposition half, it’s usually the right back or left back who takes it. Cruyff would prefer it be the winger on that side to take it. The reason for that is because usually the taker of the throw in gets it back. Who is better facing, and attempting to beat, a defender in a one on one?