Does the new tactic work?

I have changed my tactic to a 4-2-3-1 to see if that can improve my form. My first match was at home to Tromso for my second leg of the EURO Cup 4th Qualifying Round. We went into the match with a 2-1 advantage.

The match started well for us and I was really pleased that we were playing better under the new tactic. We took the lead after 15 minutes when Claudio Pizzaro smashed in from 10 yards out. We continued to dominate and we doubled our lead straight before half-time when Pizzaro played Hernanes in and the Brazilian duly slotted home. I was thrilled at half time and was especially pleased with my 4 more foward minded players as they were all playing well. The second half seen us continue to dominate but the match finsihed 2-0. I was pleased with the performance and was glad that we got through to the next round. I hope we can play like this again in the next game, which was in the league.

Man of the match as to be Pizzaro for setting up and scoring a goal.

Before my next game, the EURO cup group stages draw was made. We were drawn along with APOEL, Maccabi Hafia and Braga. I feel we should progress through this group with relative ease.

My next game was away against Gladbach and I really wanted to take my European form into the German league.

We didn’t play well the whole first half and they went in deservedly 1-0 up. I was raging at half-time and was allowed a sigh of relief when Hernanes smashed in from 20 yards from a free kick. They should have won as the had many chances in the dying stages and I was dissapointed with our performance. Gladfully, it finished 1-1. To sum it all up, my best right back is now injured for 5 months which is extremely annoying.

I am not going to change the tactic again as the confidence in the team is building slightly and I hope that after a while when they are more confident they will perform better.

It is now an international break and a 13 day rest for me after a frustrating start with Bremen. We had 3 wins (all in cup competitions though 😦 ), 3 draws and 1 loss, which sees us in the 2nd round of the German Cup, in the group stage in the EURO Cup but 15th in the German League! 😦 I hope that after the break my players will come back and play better.

So, can I answer the question whether my new tactic works or not. My answer right now is ‘I’m not sure!’ 😀 If it doesn’t work after the international break I will probably go with 4-4-2.

Thank you and wish me luck!