After stints under Steve Cooper and Ruud Van Nistelrooy left Leicester City devoid of clear principles and patterns, Marti Cifuentes looks to have made his mark immediately. The Spaniard took the job less than a week ago, but has already implemented distinct tactics. Friendlies against ZTE, Karpaty, and Koln provided a range of tests for his side, as they gear up for the gruelling Championship campaign.
First Look At Marti Cifuentes’ Tactics In Three Friendlies
Fluidity
One key feature of Cifuentes’ side is the fluidity and rotations, as managers prior, such as Enzo Maresca, opted for more positional principles. Whereas players now have more freedom and can move into new areas to confuse defenders. One example is through the fullbacks, as they both at times invert next to the pivot, play in the half space, or make a three alongside the centre-backs. Similarly, Harry Winks or Oliver Skipp in the regista role are constantly rotating between dropping between the centre-backs, forming a double pivot, advancing and also dropping to the ‘base’.
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When further forward, the fluidity increases even more through the use of wide triangles. This is the relationship between the winger, attacking midfielder, and full-back as they are constantly alternating between positions. This has led to Kasey McAteer coming inside or Bilal El Khannouss playing out wide, as they constantly look to unsettle the opposition backline with new ideas.
Patterns
Another distinct aspect is how his side sets up from a goal kick. In a similar way to Robert De Zerbi, the pivot drops deep and is just outside the box, with the full-backs out wide but on the same line, whilst the centre-backs are in the penalty area. The idea of this is to create triangles so that each player has two options when pressed. This also forces the opposition to press high and commit bodies, which also opens up space between the lines for a forward to drop into. The 2-4-2-2 used in this situation creates a double box, which further helps find a numerical superiority when building from the back.
Furthermore, the strong-to-weak principle is present throughout his three games in charge. This sees his side overload one side and then switch the ball to the opposite side, as the winger becomes isolated. El Khannouss’ passing range significantly helped the switch of play to the opposite side, whilst attackers like Jeremy Monga and Abdul Fatawu flourish when one versus one.
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In addition, the Foxes have also utilised more one-touch passing and combinations. Although this doesn’t always lead to success, promising signs are already there.
Out Of Possession
On the other hand, out of possession, a high press is now a prominent part of City’s game. The six-second pressing rule, an idea used by the likes of Pep Guardiola, is also at the forefront as they look to create turnovers and win possession as soon as possible. High pressing even led to McAteer’s goal versus Koln, with Monga winning the ball from the keeper, before sliding it across to Louis Page.
How the Spaniard’s side attacks simultaneously supports the press, with many players in the same area, in case of a turnover in possession. Improving the triggers and the coordination will take time to improve, especially based on the trio of games.
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When talking after Friday’s double header, Cifuentes said: “We definitely need to improve how we press high.” Whilst this comes as no surprise, the countdown to the opening day clash with Sheffield Wednesday is now down to 13 days, which could become an issue.
Defensive Profiles
In between the sticks, Jakub Stolarczyk has provided a safe pair of hands with some crucial saves. The academy graduate has also managed to be reliable on the ball, which is significant for his new manager. Meanwhile, the centre-backs need to possess strong passing, due to the use of techniques like diagonals. Conor Coady and Jannik Vestergaard’s lack of pace in transition highlighted more issues, and the need for athletic centre-halves.
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Full-backs Ricardo Pereira and James Justin provide the inverted option, as they are comfortable with cutting in. With the need for goals this season, both of these options could increase their output, as they are confident inside and outside of the box. Less technical profiles like Victor Kristiansen and Luke Thomas consequently don’t fit the system, due to their lack of ability in tight, central areas.
Offensive Profiles
Winks, Skipp and Boubakary Soumaré as registas look to dictate games, and on occasion move in between the centre-backs. Meanwhile Skipp, Winks and Wilfred Ndidi have all featured next to the metronome thus far; they can advance into the half space or remain deep. El Khannouss in the number 10 drops deep, and adds to the idea of fluidity as he often aids build up. Despite rumours of a move back to the Premier League, the Moroccan International has been in fine form and even assisted Patson Daka with a line-breaking pass.
Finally, centre-forwards Jordan Ayew and Daka look to drop between the lines and press high. The link-up play from Ayew has particularly stood out, as he brings others into play and frees up space in behind. This idea was ever present against Koln as Olabade Aluko penetrated the space and created a three-versus-two situation. Wingers want to be in one-versus-one situations, whilst also having the license to roam and rotate.
Any Issues
Despite a clear identity, the lack of time has shown with many errors coming against the recently promoted Bundesliga side. An example of this is the press being ineffective at times and leading to the backline being vulnerable in transition. McAteer even noted the issues in his post-match interview, as he stated: “From the first half we didn’t deliver the manager’s gameplan”.
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As expected, the system offers many positives, but simultaneously carries risks. The foxes attack as a unit and commit bodies forward, which helps the press. However, when played through, problems can arise. The upcoming campaign is likely to bring chaotic games, especially when compared to the type of football played by Maresca.
With no Kiernan Dewsbury Hall this time in the Championship, a lack of box penetration may become problematic. Due to this, the onus will be on the full-backs and midfielders to provide increased output. Whilst this may get the best out of Justin and Pereira, others may struggle and City may become unstuck when there’s a lack of options in the penalty area.
