The Arrigo Sacchi Code

Last night I watched the Sky coverage of Saturday's match vs Boro there was some interesting preamble, in particular the clean sheet-defensive record. Hyypia was interviewed and said he didn't want to let too much out of the bag, reffering to the reasons behind the new solidity of the defence as a "secret". however what was discussed was the defenders stepping up (the pitch) every time the ball went sideways or forwards which was reffered to as a tactic cultivated by Arrigo Sacchi when he was coach at AC Milan. It might take me some time to dig around Google for some more info on Arrigo Sacchi but his Milan tactics were described as a "zoning scheme with pressing by all players" which seems to tie in with the remarks on the defensive system.

Also of interest here is the now infamous sojourn Rafa took around various elite European clubs in 2000 which primarily included England and Italy. It's no coincidence then that Rafa is on the wanted list at Madrid, not just for the obvious birth-player-buttistant coach to Del Bosque reasons but perhaps tellingly that Saachi is the Director of Football at Real Madrid.

if anyone wants to buy me a xmas present then i'd be interested to read the recently published books on benitez in the hope of shedding some more light on where we're going.

-- "i'm just a soul whose intentions are good, Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood"