sidgurung97
Member
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2010
- Messages
- 1,482
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 0
SIDDHARTHA GURUNG - FUTURE JOSE MOURINHO?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Post categories: Premier League, Chelsea
Phil McNulty | 17:21 UK time, Friday, 6 May 2011
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 May, 2011. Just a couple of days ago the football world were shocked yet again as Chelsea get through to the Champions League Final, beating Inter Milan (last year's winner) 6-2 at aggregate.
It seems like Siddhartha Gurung keeps surprising the whole world with his consecutive great results. Now, it might seem like a easy thing with Chelsea, but you have to remember: this is Gurung's first managerial experience ever. Before this job, Siddhartha used to be the assistant mangers of AFC Wimbledon, QPR and, before he left, Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea. When he first got the job there was major uproar from everywhere. As Chelsea fans blasted at Roman Abromavich for appointing such rookie at a crucial part of the season, the rest just clapped for making such decision. As for Gurung... well, he is quite with the press.
But how did Gurung turn 5th place Chelsea, with a threat of no Champions League spot, to Premier League challenger at mid-season?
Firstly, Gurung has the advantage that many new managers usually don't - he knows the club. How? Well, he was the second hand man of Ancelotti after Wilkins left. Siddhartha must have known the players very well; he did train them. Maybe that's one of the reasons why the Chelsea board appointed him. Anyhow, this must have been a huge advantage for Mr Gurung as it means he doesn't really have to adapt to the club.
Another reason has to be the in-form Fernando Torres. El Nino, as his nicknames goes, has scored sixteen goals in fourteen starts, with four assists too, ever since Mr Gurung took over. Ever since the £50 million bid was accepted by Liverpool, most football fans had said that Torres would be a flop at Chelsea, since his favourite role of lone striker would be taken away because of Drogba. These two players were too similar; both want the ball given to them, both are prolific goal scorers, both normally play alone. But Gurung had somehow come up with a tactic that suits both players. Drogba hasn't no where near scored as much as Torres, although he still comes up with crucial goals and compliments Fernando too. Now, they are the perfect pair.
Torres has been on goal-scoring streak ever since Gurung took over Photo: Getty
Finally, the tactic Gurung uses seems to have triggered a spark at the Chelsea squad. Suddenly, they were winning 6-2 against very high reputable teams like AC Milan. The formation is a 4-1-2-2-1, and it consists of, that's right, one striker. This was mainly used after Drogba got injured for six weeks. Before that, Chelsea were playing with a 4-1-2-1-2. Let's concentrate on the former.
This is the tactic in picture:
As you can see, this is a bit similar to the Barcelona formation. As the defence goes, Terry and Luiz should do a great job, and they have been also been help attacking with their threat from set-pieces and rare long balls. Ivanovic and Ashley Cole are both great full-backs both attack and defence, so that's sorted. It's the midfield that's the most interesting section of the tactic.
There are five players at the centre of the field - three at the middle and two out wide. Essien is a brilliant defensive midfielder who goes forward at time to time, but really he normally stays just in front of the defence. Ramires is a all-around player; he defends and attacks whenever the chance appears. His stamina and some speed helps him on this role. Lampard plays as the main 'playmaker', setting passes to Torres and the wingers while also going out to shoot for himself. He is a very attacking-minded midfielder so this role is perfect for him. Benayoun and Malouda are both our wingers, and they will supply crosses and through balls to Torres. So the midfield is all-good, just like the defence.
Finally, Fernando Torres, our lone striker. He plays very well in this role - when he gets the ball he can use his skill and flair to get past the defenders. He is also a clinical finisher; if anyone remembers that stunning volley against Blackburn back at 2009 you will know what I'm talking about. His a great finisher, got flair and can score from just about anywhere, whether it's a header or a tight-angle volley, Torres can make it go in.
Well, we just have been through three evidences about how Gurung has achieved what is a remarkable achievement of winning all his games (except the draw with West Brom). Whether he will keep this form going on or not I do not know, but what I do know is this - this guy has got potential to be a great manager.
---------- Post added at 02:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:16 AM ----------
Any comments?
