Under the management of Xisco Munoz in the Championship, Watford were able to easily play a possession-based style focused on intricate wide play (namely through Sarr). A similar style was attempted in the Premier League, despite going from one of the best teams in the second tier to one of the worst in the top flight (as is natural on a player-by-player basis after promotion). Thus, Watford appeared to lack any identity as they tried to play possession-based football but could not. Claudio Ranieri can change that.
With neither intense-pressing nor constant-counter-attacking tactics, the vision for progression under Xisco blurred. Thus, talks were held, and the Spaniard departed. In came former Chelsea manager and Premier League winner with Leicester City Claudio Ranieri. He will look to give Watford an identity they desperately need if they are to maintain their Premier League status.
What to Expect From Claudio Ranieri at Watford
Formational Adaptability
In Leicester City’s fairytale 2015/16 Premier-League-winning season, Ranieri almost exclusively called for 4-4-2 formations (or super similar variations of it, such as the 4-4-1-1). With Sampdoria last season, he once more called for variations of the 4-4-2 (primarily the 4-4-1-1, as well as the 4-3-1-2).
However, even if rare, Ranieri has not hesitated to revert to three-at-the-back formations when he feels necessary. His preferred 4-4-2 (or variants of) setups are not exclusive to what he is good at drilling in. When he does revert to a back three for given matches, it is relatively successful.
His most recent Premier League stint was with an already-downward-spiraling Fulham (who had a squad who were destined for the drop due to having too many individuals incapable of becoming greater than the sum of their parts) in the middle of the 2018/19 season. At Craven Cottage, he picked up eight points from eight matches with back three formations, but only four points from nine in other setups.
Despite his poor points tally, he showed he is willing to adapt – and can successfully do so – if necessary (whereas Xisco did not change tactics at all after being played off the pitch by a poor Steve Bruce side ahead of a clash against a better-drilled, stronger Marcelo Bielsa squad).
Intense Pressing and Counter-Attacks Expected With Claudio Ranieri
Xisco was unable to stamp a tactical identity on the squad post-promotion. However, Ranieri should have no issue doing so. His tactics call for super-aggressive pressing from the front line while maintaining a deep block when pressure needs to be absorbed. Counter-attacks can easily be spurred from forcing errors from the opposition via the high pressing by the front line. The deep block also allows for more space to counter-attack, rather than reverting to trying to build up all attacks with possession in the middle of the pitch with players who are not suited to doing so.
Ranieri’s Sampdoria led the Serie A with 6,173 pressures last season, nearly 300 more than the next closest team. With Ranieri, the Hornets brought in Carlo Spignoli to be a fitness coach, suggesting the intense pressing tactics will become the focus of Watford’s play (Bielsa-esque in some senses).
Watford have moved from a head coach with no previous major top-flight managerial experience to one of the best-versed still in management. Watford’s managerial carousel is well-documented, though Ranieri is for sure the most notable name the Hornets have had in charge in recent memory. Whether he will be able to impose his tactics remains to be seen. What cannot be doubted, however, is the Hornets’ hierarchy’s intent on establishing a desirable identity to set up a 2022/23 campaign in the same league.
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