Football New Era > Ligue 1 Focus >
-
Ex-Real Madrid Coach Cengiz Ünder's Tactical Insight at Marseille: Wing Defense Analysis
### Ex-Real Madrid Coach Cengiz Ünder's Tactical Insight at Marseille: Wing Defense Analysis
#### Introduction
Cengiz Ünder, ex-Real Madrid coach, has been hailed as one of the most innovative and tactical minds in football history. His approach to training and strategy has revolutionized European football, particularly in France. In his time at Marseille, Ünder not only improved the team's performance but also highlighted the importance of wing defense.
In this article, we delve into the tactical insights provided by Cengiz Ünder at Marseille, focusing on his analysis of wing defense strategies. This insight will be crucial for understanding how he navigated Marseille’s complex league environment during his tenure.
#### Understanding the Winging System
The waging system is a defensive tactic that involves positioning players along the wings of the pitch to disrupt the opposition’s passing game. It’s often used against medium-sized teams like Marseille, which have a relatively small number of defenders compared to their opponents. The goal is to create gaps between defenders and attackers, making it difficult for them to pass effectively.
#### Analyzing Wing Defense Strategies
When Ünder analyzed Marseille’s wing defense, several key aspects became clear:
1. **Defensive Line Layout**: Marseille had a strong defensive line consisting of three central defenders (Ronaldo, Griezmann,Football New Era and Solskjaer) and two wide defenders (Lukaku and Dzeko). These positions were well-placed to block opposing attacks from the wings.
2. **Passing Strategy**: The team was known for its efficient passing system, allowing players to run down the field with ease. However, the opposition had a knack for breaking through these lines.
3. **Interceptions**: Despite being good at blocking, Marseille made some poor interceptions. This could be attributed to their lack of experience with passing defenses or their reliance on counter-attacking tactics.
4. **Counter-Attacking**: The team demonstrated some counter-attacking ability, particularly when they found openings in the opposition’s passing game. This was evident in their goal-scoring efforts.
5. **Offside Trap**: There were instances where Marseille attempted to use an offside trap, attempting to draw opposition defenders back to the penalty area. This strategy worked against the opposition but could also lead to mismatches.
6. **Defensive Structure**: The team’s defensive structure was not overly rigid. They were able to adapt quickly to changes in the opposition’s play, using various formations to exploit weaknesses.
#### Conclusion
Cengiz Ünder’s tactical insights at Marseille were instrumental in improving Marseille’s performance. By understanding the nuances of Marseille’s wing defense, UEFA Champions League winners can now better strategize against them. The team’s success under Ünder’s guidance underscores the value of adapting to different playing styles and environments within the sport.
This article serves as a foundation for further exploration of Ünder’s coaching philosophy and his impact on Marseille’s defensive capabilities. As UEFA champions, Marseille will likely continue to face challenges, yet the strategic brilliance displayed by Ünder’s Marseille teammates remains a testament to his unique talent and leadership qualities.