"...an unrelenting and tireless harassment of the opponent to regain possession of the ball, and not giving up the initiative of the attack to the opponent at any price, counting on two basic requirements: an unbreakable fighting spirit and perfect physical preparation, without which the system will inevitably collapse".
Rinus Michels
Adaptability.
Adaptability was the first word that came to mind when the signing of the “King Midas” of Mexican football was announced. Some happy some not so much. I feel that this was the right move for Pelaez and Vergara. Victor Manuel Vucetich’ managing style is perfect for the type of players we have.
Let me explain why.
Similarly to Rinus Michels, the legendary Dutch trainer attributed to have been the developer of futbol total, Vucetich focusses his management style on several key points.
Conditioning. First and foremost, in order for Vuce’s version of Chivas to run like a well-oiled machine, is physical preparation along with the already present fighting spirit. Our boys have heart but they need to prep themselves more.
The consistency and physical condition of the players is fundamental for the goals to be achieved on the field and for the establishment of the playing style that Victor Manuel Vucetich proposes be developed. I have noticed that Chivas runs out of gas after the 70th minute. They run a lot instead of allowing the ball to “run” for them. And its understandable they get tired after proposing the game and pressing hard for those seventy minutes, so the DT’s fitness coach will need to work with the first string and the bench to be in top notch condition.
Once this point is achieved, the next key point needs to be tackled: pressure after loss.
The team needs to be trained and accustomed to making it an automatic team reaction that once ball possession is lost, they need to pressure the opposing team until they are forced to produce a turnover and recover the ball.
Pressing is something that is sorely lacking in the Chivas midfield. The only player that actively does this is Beltrán, that’s why when he isn’t on the pitch there is a vacuum in Chivas game style. Vucetich’s teams are characterized on keeping possession of the ball much longer than the opponents, in this way defending themselves with ball possession.
The last point to be highlighted is linked to his playing style.
From what I have managed to observe, Vucetich might start off with a 4-3-3, where team members move around looking for the free space to make it easier for their teammates to move quickly and accurately transition the ball with numerous passes until they reach the opponent's goal.
The key to this lies in the flexibility with which Victor Manuel Vucetich moves his resources even within the same game. His teams have shown a 4-1-4-1 that can mutate into a 4-4-2 and even a 4-3-1-2, depending on the conditions on the pitch. The speed and versatility our players have will play a major role in making Vuce’s version of pressing football work.
Victor Manuel Vucetich seems to hold himself in check, reserved. Some thought that the former DT needed to be more energetic with the players, especially those that somes times went off track, affecting their on field performance. I don’t think this will happen with Vuce. One thing he definitely knows how to do is how to handle his dressing room. He speaks softly and Carries a Big Stick.
Vuce’s calling card “El Rey Midas” has created a buzz around the league again, now that he has found a home as Shephard of “el Rebaño”. After all, Vucetich has an incredible resume, having won five league championships, two Mexican Cups, three CONCACAF Champions League championships, one Interliga and two Second Division championships.
I have a feeling that with these Chivas, El Rey is on the road to bringing home a couple more.
