For Coaches, Matches

How to “Gegenpress” and Counter-Attack Effectively – Soccer Fitness Gols Video Blog #64: 12/19/2017

Leave a comment

Hi Everyone,

In this edition of the Soccer Fitness Gols Video Blog, I discuss the recent UEFA Champions League group match between Liverpool and Spartak Moscow.

In this match, Liverpool was able to dominate by pressing high up the pitch and counter-attacking at high speed once they regained possession (the style of play nicknamed “Gegenpressing” by their manager, Jurgen Klopp).

The end result? A 7-0 victory, seeing Liverpool winning their group and progressing to the Round of 16. I analyse some of Liverpool’s best pressing and counter-attacking moments in the match, and provide some useful tips and suggestions for Canadian coaches and players.

Hope you like the video and as always, please feel free to post your thoughts/comments!

For Coaches, Matches

Why Carlo Ancelotti Should NOT Have Been Fired by Bayern Munich – Soccer Fitness Gols Video Blog #55: 10/7/2017

Leave a comment

Hi Everyone,

In this edition of the Soccer Fitness Gols Video Blog, I discuss the recent firing of Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti, following the team’s 3-0 defeat at the hand of Paris Saint-Germain in a UEFA Champions League group match last week. In my opinion, the decision to sack Ancelotti – a 3-time UEFA Champions League winner with clubs from two different countries – after only 3 weeks of the season, was not a good one, as it displays a profound lack of patience from the club.

I hope you like the video and as always, please feel free to post your thoughts/comments!

Fitness, For Coaches, For Parents

How NOT to Defend Leo Messi – UEFA Champions League Analysis – Soccer Fitness Gols Video Blog #55: 9/27/2017

Leave a comment

Hi Everyone,

It’s that time of year again – the start of the 2017/2018 UEFA Champions League!

As such, in this edition of the Soccer Fitness Gols Video Blog, I discuss the recent group match between Barcelona and Juventus (a rematch of the 2016-17 Semi-Final), and how in this match (as opposed to the Semi-Final matches this past spring), Juventus was uncharacteristically shaky in their defence. Of particular interest was centre back Benatia, who made two crucial mistakes as the “covering” defender during dribbling runs by Leo Messi that led to Barcelona’s first and third goals.

I hope you like the video and as always, please feel free to post your thoughts/comments!

For Coaches, Matches

Defence Wins Championships – UEFA Champions League Analysis – Gols Video Blog #42: 5/20/2017

Leave a comment

Hi Everyone,

In this edition of the Soccer Fitness Gols Video Blog, I discuss and review the defensive performance of Juventus’ centre back Giorgio Chielini, from their mot recent UEFA Champion League match, the second-leg of the semi-final versus AC Monaco.  Chielini’s defending in this match was one of the key factors that helped Juventus to win and progress to the Final next weekend.

I hope you like it and as always, please feel free to post your thoughts and comments!