Ex-Manager watch: Antonio Conte

[dontcallme]

Everyone is entitled to their view but I don’t think the football we’re playing is poor in the slightest.

We’re defending so well as a unit which many fans don’t appear to appreciate. We’re countering well. If Son was on top form we’d have been much more clinical in the first 4 games.

 

[wadewill]

Someone the other day posted a 10 min vid with Conte talking about his tactics with Owen Hargreaves. For anyone that hasn't seen it, it's well worth a watch. He goes into detail about how he sets up and how it forces teams into less threatening areas thus restricting their chances to be lesser % ones.

It's by design that we sit deep and restrict space between the lines. Yes they had 17 shots but they were on the whole low percentage ones. Basically if they were going to score it needed to be a worldy.

Exactly my feelings

At the moment teams have to work their absolute bollocks off to get a good chance against us.

All the while we are always going to get 2/3 great chances in a game when they make mistakes/we get a quick turnover

We are grinding teams down, hence the first half is looking like they are on top and we come back into in the second

Against both Wolves and Forest we really should have had 2/3 more goals in the second half of each game

Team will hate playing us soon, they will want to attack but they know it’s hard to break us down and we have so much threat it might not be worth the risk

Yet at the same time they could be looking at it thinking we ceed possession so they might be able to have a go. Bit like Forest did yesterday

There was about a 5 min period after the pen that I thought they might get one, but apart from that they never REALLY looked like scoring

 

[wadewill]

Everyone is entitled to their view but I don’t think the football we’re playing is poor in the slightest.

We’re defending so well as a unit which many fans don’t appear to appreciate. We’re countering well. If Son was on top form we’d have been much more clinical in the first 4 games.

This exactly, going forward we have been off it so far this season

When Son and Kane finally hit proper form, if teams try to attack us too much we will absolutely batter them

 

[G Ron]

the football on the break is effective we sucks sides in and its effective but only up to a point .
I think as we play better sides we need to retain the ball better and have some meaningful possession of the football so far this season we haven't done that

I think your last sentence is key here. We are letting the opposition have the ball and we’re happy to defend our 18 yard box, which is fine as we’re defending very well so far. What we need to be much better at is retaining the ball when we win it back as otherwise we have long spells defending deep and against the better teams we’ll eventually crack under sustained periods of pressure.

I'm pleased with the start, but agree we need to show more quality in possession to keep the ball. We’ve often been sloppy in surrendering possession easily and that’s where we really need to improve as it gives the defenders some respite and takes the sting out of the opposition.

Wednesday will be interesting as I don’t see that lot playing an extra man in midfield, so we should hopefully have more space. Let’s see.

 

[G Ron]

This exactly, going forward we have been off it so far this season

When Son and Kane finally hit proper form, if teams try to attack us too much we will absolutely batter them

This 100%. Kulusevski has been pretty good at retaining possession so far (Chelsea mistake aside), but by their extremely high standards Kane and Son have been wasteful quite often.

 

[mpickard2087]

I actually find it enjoyable to see us defend well as a team plus simultaneously create more chances than we need to win a game - while the opposition is forced to take risks and leave openings (despite controlling possession). There's something satisfying about seeing a team win by executing a well thought out game-plan, rather than taking a gung-ho approach or relying on themselves to have moments of individual brilliance / luck than their opponent.

And that's fine for you to enjoy the current style. Everyone will like different aspects within a performance. Take "attacking football" for instance, lots of people say they want that, but what do they mean? For some it would be pumping it in the box at every opportunity and competing hard, peppering the goal with shots etc. For others width and wingplay like we saw under Redknapp. A lot of people like 100mph counter attacks at every opportunity. Whilst many, but not all, want patient and probing possession. It's down to your individual preference. Some fans want high press, some not bothered. There's a thousand nuances to be had, and why the forum is about so we can all discuss it and our ideas....

If you enjoy how your team plays, great. My point merely was that if you don't enjoy it you are allowed to say, even if they're winning matches, and I respect those who are prepared to come out and say "well, actually I don't like it" coz there is pressure to conform or be silent and go along with the majority sentiments. What's definitely not needed then are those posts that go "shut up" or "we're winning, just enjoy the ride" or "you're too negative" or even, as I know happens, have people saying "you don't wanna win!!!!!!"........ Those sort of posts offer fuck all to the forum.

 

[dontcallme]

And that's fine for you to enjoy the current style. Everyone will like different aspects within a performance. Take "attacking football" for instance, lots of people say they want that, but what do they mean? For some it would be pumping it in the box at every opportunity and competing hard, peppering the goal with shots etc. For others width and wingplay like we saw under Redknapp. A lot of people like 100mph counter attacks at every opportunity. Whilst many, but not all, want patient and probing possession. It's down to your individual preference. Some fans want high press, some not bothered. There's a thousand nuances to be had, and why the forum is about so we can all discuss it and our ideas....

If you enjoy how your team plays, great. My point merely was that if you don't enjoy it you are allowed to say, even if they're winning matches, and I respect those who are prepared to come out and say "well, actually I don't like it" coz there is pressure to conform or be silent and go along with the majority sentiments. What's definitely not needed then are those posts that go "shut up" or "we're winning, just enjoy the ride" or "you're too negative" or even, as I know happens, have people saying "you don't wanna win!!!!!!"........ Those sort of posts offer fuck all to the forum.

Very true.

There are many styles of football and they can all be great or shit depending on the application.

I find the constant calls for us playing great football a bit tiring as it’s a bit of an empty, undefined phrase. But if some don’t like the way Conte has us playing they’re entitled to that view.

 

[Mr Pink]

Of course there's different styles and people are perfectly entitled to express their preferences.

But it's worth remembering Conte's style isn't going to deviate much and our recruitment is obviously based on such in terms of the skill sets he's seeking.

So if some don't like the way we're playing they really should of been against us getting Conte in the first place and I don't recall anyone in here against it.

 

[Dzejkob]

I get the impression we are playing within ourselves to conserve energy for the busy period. Or, we are still doing a lot of fitness work in a bit of an extended pre season snd hence a bit tired snd leggy in games. Either way I think it’s a calculated risk to start a bit slow but benefit later in the season

Agree with that. First of all we look like we know it is going to be a long season and it's just a beginning. And we just keep working hard, playing hard, suffering, knowing that it will benefit in the future. And don't forget we miss Romero, Bissouma is still to be integrated to the team and Son looking for form. We will get better with the ball. I look at Arsenal who are playing really but jeeez their team look like they are one week from quadruple. You can't keep that level of emotions whole season.

 

[EastUpperDK82]

Also... I really don't care if we have 80, 44 or 65 % possession... I care about what we do with the ball when we have it... this season we haven't been sharp enough with our passing and decisions with the ball. We've been throwing to many opportunities away when in good positions. But I know it's just a matter of rhythm. We have the right players and we know what we can do under Conte. And we are also able to show control on top of that. A good balance to have.

 

[C1w8]

Im not someone who particularly minds what the tactics are as such, so long as we dont give away too many chances and we create enough of our own and look we like we are playing with direction and intent. Doesnt have to be with possession (e.g. city away last year).

However the comments about us focussing on restricting chances against with our tactics, or conserving energy in the first half, become more difficult to believe when the opposition is against the Forests, Wolves of the league.

Rightly or wrongly there is a desire to be able to be more proactive against these teams because we are (or at least should be) a significantly better team than them and finish a lot higher up the league.

Why should we be trying to tackle forest by sitting back in passing lanes and restricting their way through, when we should be able to steal the ball off them and then keep it ourselves and create chances, and force them to use their energy chasing the ball rather than probing at our defence?

Either way I definitely think things will click better when it comes to our own passing whether by changing the line up or general sharpness/fitness a few more weeks into the season, and similarly our first half peformances to pick up also.

 

[Trix]

This issue for me is seeing teams like City and Liverpool who for the last few seasons have played an attacking brand of football that I enjoy watching and that wins them more games than not as well as delivering silverware. I prefer that brand of football and want my team to play like that. IF Conteball is guaranteed to deliver silverware, then I would take it - the end justifies the means.

At last someone that sits this side of the fence who is honest about it.

 

[Gb160]

This issue for me is seeing teams like City and Liverpool who for the last few seasons have played an attacking brand of football that I enjoy watching and that wins them more games than not as well as delivering silverware. I prefer that brand of football and want my team to play like that. IF Conteball is guaranteed to deliver silverware, then I would take it - the end justifies the means.

I can understand Liverpool, but quite honestly watching city when they're playing anyone outside the top 6 just bores me to fucking tears.

 

[EastUpperDK82]

Im not someone who particularly minds what the tactics are as such, so long as we dont give away too many chances and we create enough of our own and look we like we are playing with direction and intent. Doesnt have to be with possession (e.g. city away last year).

However the comments about us focussing on restricting chances against with our tactics, or conserving energy in the first half, become more difficult to believe when the opposition is against the Forests, Wolves of the league.

Rightly or wrongly there is a desire to be able to be more proactive against these teams because we are (or at least should be) a significantly better team than them and finish a lot higher up the league.

Why should we be trying to tackle forest by sitting back in passing lanes and restricting their way through, when we should be able to steal the ball off them and then keep it ourselves and create chances, and force them to use their energy chasing the ball rather than probing at our defence?

Either way I definitely think things will click better when it comes to our own passing whether by changing the line up or general sharpness/fitness a few more weeks into the season, and similarly our first half peformances to pick up also.

Yes... you're right... but to me it's not a matter of tactics. Because clearly Conte can give the same players a kick up the backside at half time and they come out a better and more aggressive team in the second half

Why it's been like that in a couple of games now I don't know.

But of course he should sometimes look at our central midfield. If we need 2 or 3 in there. I wouldn't mind a little tactical twist there sometimes when it's the right game to do it.

Maybe the attacking midfielder we are looking for is an answer to that ???

 

[spids]

I just listened to the LWOS podcast and had to turn it off halfway through. There was too much negativity about our playing style and massive misunderstanding of Conte's system and tactics. I agree we haven't played very well in the last three games, particularly first half. However, we are a lot better than they gave credit for and it is not luck - it is by design. Firstly, the season has just started and we are getting into our stride, as are Liverpool, Chelsea, and Man C. The biggest misunderstanding is that we need a creative CM to pass better as we are not controlling games. Conte is consciously conceding CM at times with his 3-4-3 system regularly pitting our 2 x CMs against 3 opponent CMs. Conte's happy to do this as his system is designed to:

A. Ensure a low bock and not concede any good chances - as reflected by the xG statistics, the number of saves Lloris has had to make, and the fact that we are he best club in the league at keeping opposing teams' chances furthest away from our goal. I also think we are starting slowly as we need to first ensure we do not concede whilst working out how to hurt the opponents. And we know we will hurt them.

B. Overload the flanks quickly after a transition and create chances. Lots of them. Yesterday we regularly had 3 vs 3 and 4 vs 3 situations on the break. Our first goal being a good example. If the forwards were more clinical yesterday we could, and probably should, have scored 4 or 5 goals. All of their defenders were on yellow cards after an hour. Our WBs are regularly making up a front 5, overloading opponents. This is not the drab counter attacking football under Jose - where we relied on perfect counter attack goals from Son and Kane. This is a team system where we have 5 attackers. We are creating enough chances to score 3 or 4 goals every game consistently, with chances distributed across 5 or 6 players.

How we get better:

1. Royal, despite his improved performances is still not good enough offensively. Spence, once acclimatised, will give us another dimension with his rapid pace and athleticism, and 1-on-1 ability.

2. Sanchez has defended excellently whilst deputising for Romero, and Davies has improved considerably under Conte. However, I feel having Romero and Lenglet either side of Dier will see our passing from the back massively improve and give us more control in games where our CMs are outnumbered.

Lloris

Romero --- Dier --- Lenglet

Spence --- Højbjerg* --- Bentancur* --- Perisic

Kulusevski --- Kane --- Son*

* Note - Bissouma and/or Richarlison could start and not weaken this team at all.​

I am really excited about what Conte can do with this squad and think we will have a fantastic season.

 

[longtimespur]

Having heard Conte say about "if you don't win make sure you don't lose" as his theory, to me it explains a lot about his way of playing.
Would I like football like the double winners again? For sure but atm I'm more than happy with not losing and being in the hunt for trophies.
Just have to see how the season unfolds but I'm very optimistic for this year!

 

[Mr Pink]

I just listened to the LWOS podcast and had to turn it off halfway through. There was too much negativity about our playing style and massive misunderstanding of Conte's system and tactics. I agree we haven't played very well in the last three games, particularly first half. However, we are a lot better than they gave credit for and it is not luck - it is by design. Firstly, the season has just started and we are getting into our stride, as are Liverpool, Chelsea, and Man C. The biggest misunderstanding is that we need a creative CM to pass better as we are not controlling games. Conte is consciously conceding CM at times with his 3-4-3 system regularly pitting our 2 x CMs against 3 opponent CMs. Conte's happy to do this as his system is designed to:

A. Ensure a low bock and not concede any good chances - as reflected by the xG statistics, the number of saves Lloris has had to make, and the fact that we are he best club in the league at keeping opposing teams' chances furthest away from our goal. I also think we are starting slowly as we need to first ensure we do not concede whilst working out how to hurt the opponents. And we know we will hurt them.

B. Overload the flanks quickly after a transition and create chances. Lots of them. Yesterday we regularly had 3 vs 3 and 4 vs 3 situations on the break. Our first goal being a good example. If the forwards were more clinical yesterday we could, and probably should, have scored 4 or 5 goals. All of their defenders were on yellow cards after an hour. Our WBs are regularly making up a front 5, overloading opponents. This is not the drab counter attacking football under Jose - where we relied on perfect counter attack goals from Son and Kane. This is a team system where we have 5 attackers. We are creating enough chances to score 3 or 4 goals every game consistently, with chances distributed across 5 or 6 players.

How we get better:

1. Royal, despite his improved performances is still not good enough offensively. Spence, once acclimatised, will give us another dimension with his rapid pace and athleticism, and 1-on-1 ability.

2. Sanchez has defended excellently whilst deputising for Romero, and Davies has improved considerably under Conte. However, I feel having Romero and Lenglet either side of Dier will see our passing from the back massively improve and give us more control in games where our CMs are outnumbered.

Lloris

Romero --- Dier --- Lenglet

Spence --- Højbjerg* --- Bentancur* --- Perisic

Kulusevski --- Kane --- Son*

* Note - Bissouma and/or Richarlison could start and not weaken this team at all.​

I am really excited about what Conte can do with this squad and think we will have a fantastic season.

Brilliant post mate.

Agree with every word.

I think Spence will be slowly integrated but he'll make that spot his second half of the season. Could see him being pivotal for us.

 

[dontcallme]

I just listened to the LWOS podcast and had to turn it off halfway through. There was too much negativity about our playing style and massive misunderstanding of Conte's system and tactics. I agree we haven't played very well in the last three games, particularly first half. However, we are a lot better than they gave credit for and it is not luck - it is by design. Firstly, the season has just started and we are getting into our stride, as are Liverpool, Chelsea, and Man C. The biggest misunderstanding is that we need a creative CM to pass better as we are not controlling games. Conte is consciously conceding CM at times with his 3-4-3 system regularly pitting our 2 x CMs against 3 opponent CMs. Conte's happy to do this as his system is designed to:

A. Ensure a low bock and not concede any good chances - as reflected by the xG statistics, the number of saves Lloris has had to make, and the fact that we are he best club in the league at keeping opposing teams' chances furthest away from our goal. I also think we are starting slowly as we need to first ensure we do not concede whilst working out how to hurt the opponents. And we know we will hurt them.

B. Overload the flanks quickly after a transition and create chances. Lots of them. Yesterday we regularly had 3 vs 3 and 4 vs 3 situations on the break. Our first goal being a good example. If the forwards were more clinical yesterday we could, and probably should, have scored 4 or 5 goals. All of their defenders were on yellow cards after an hour. Our WBs are regularly making up a front 5, overloading opponents. This is not the drab counter attacking football under Jose - where we relied on perfect counter attack goals from Son and Kane. This is a team system where we have 5 attackers. We are creating enough chances to score 3 or 4 goals every game consistently, with chances distributed across 5 or 6 players.

How we get better:

1. Royal, despite his improved performances is still not good enough offensively. Spence, once acclimatised, will give us another dimension with his rapid pace and athleticism, and 1-on-1 ability.

2. Sanchez has defended excellently whilst deputising for Romero, and Davies has improved considerably under Conte. However, I feel having Romero and Lenglet either side of Dier will see our passing from the back massively improve and give us more control in games where our CMs are outnumbered.

Lloris

Romero --- Dier --- Lenglet

Spence --- Højbjerg* --- Bentancur* --- Perisic

Kulusevski --- Kane --- Son*

* Note - Bissouma and/or Richarlison could start and not weaken this team at all.​

I am really excited about what Conte can do with this squad and think we will have a fantastic season.

Very good post.

 

[Ribble]

This 100%. Kulusevski has been pretty good at retaining possession so far (Chelsea mistake aside), but by their extremely high standards Kane and Son have been wasteful quite often.

Yeah this is it for me, the balance is off a little and it's just making things feel a little stilted but it's just a form thing rather than a larger fault. We've all seen what the team can do when it's properly up and running, it hasn't quite hit that yet this season but it is working well enough to win matches despite that.

I think what really highlights that is that when Richarlison has been coming on it makes everything look better. At the same time Son needs the game time to get his form back though, so I can entirely understand why Conte is still starting him.

 

[superted4]

I just listened to the LWOS podcast and had to turn it off halfway through. There was too much negativity about our playing style and massive misunderstanding of Conte's system and tactics. I agree we haven't played very well in the last three games, particularly first half. However, we are a lot better than they gave credit for and it is not luck - it is by design. Firstly, the season has just started and we are getting into our stride, as are Liverpool, Chelsea, and Man C. The biggest misunderstanding is that we need a creative CM to pass better as we are not controlling games. Conte is consciously conceding CM at times with his 3-4-3 system regularly pitting our 2 x CMs against 3 opponent CMs. Conte's happy to do this as his system is designed to:

A. Ensure a low bock and not concede any good chances - as reflected by the xG statistics, the number of saves Lloris has had to make, and the fact that we are he best club in the league at keeping opposing teams' chances furthest away from our goal. I also think we are starting slowly as we need to first ensure we do not concede whilst working out how to hurt the opponents. And we know we will hurt them.

B. Overload the flanks quickly after a transition and create chances. Lots of them. Yesterday we regularly had 3 vs 3 and 4 vs 3 situations on the break. Our first goal being a good example. If the forwards were more clinical yesterday we could, and probably should, have scored 4 or 5 goals. All of their defenders were on yellow cards after an hour. Our WBs are regularly making up a front 5, overloading opponents. This is not the drab counter attacking football under Jose - where we relied on perfect counter attack goals from Son and Kane. This is a team system where we have 5 attackers. We are creating enough chances to score 3 or 4 goals every game consistently, with chances distributed across 5 or 6 players.

How we get better:

1. Royal, despite his improved performances is still not good enough offensively. Spence, once acclimatised, will give us another dimension with his rapid pace and athleticism, and 1-on-1 ability.

2. Sanchez has defended excellently whilst deputising for Romero, and Davies has improved considerably under Conte. However, I feel having Romero and Lenglet either side of Dier will see our passing from the back massively improve and give us more control in games where our CMs are outnumbered.

Lloris

Romero --- Dier --- Lenglet

Spence --- Højbjerg* --- Bentancur* --- Perisic

Kulusevski --- Kane --- Son*

* Note - Bissouma and/or Richarlison could start and not weaken this team at all.​

I am really excited about what Conte can do with this squad and think we will have a fantastic season.

Fantastic post!

Only but I slightly disagree with is, Bissouma, will take our midfield to the next level when he is acclimatised to structure of the team