Cardiff City's new defensive system explained
Tue Jul 26, 2016 10:35 am
Cardiff City's new defensive system explained by the man who'll be at the heart of it.
The ball playing centre-back will be key to the new system this season.
Matt Connolly will be a leader in defence for Cardiff this seasonMatt Connolly will be a leader in defence for Cardiff this season.
This time last year Matt Connolly was determined to nail down a starting spot in the Cardiff City team.
He did that and then some, landing the Player of the Year gong at the end of season awards.
This season looks to set to be another big one for the ball-playing centre-back, who will be a key player for Paul Trollope no matter what the system.
There's definitely a feeling, however, that he could be one of the first-teamers with a particularly important role to play in a 3-5-2.
A notoriously difficult system to adopt, Connolly talks our man in Germany through both the challenges and the positives it can bring...
PREPARATION
Speak to anyone in the game, and they'll tell you that switching to a back three can't be done overnight.
It takes time and serious application on the training ground. Here, Connolly outlines the importance of good preparation and high fitness levels among defenders...
“It is difficult to adapt, particularly as not all of us have played this formation before. I've played it a few times but we've been doing loads of work on it, the manager has been drilling it with us every day in training. You have to work on the shape and work out every person's responsibility within the system.
Huw Evans Picture AgencyTrollope has been working hard with his defence in pre-season
"It's a more demanding system, particularly for the full-backs, but also for us centre-backs who've got to shuffle across all the time. It helps to have a good pre-season and that time away has helped us bond. That helps us to prepare well.”
DISTRIBUTION
Two stars of Euro 2016, Leonardo Bonucci and Ben Davies, both benefited from playing in a back three and being a big part of their team's plans in possession. Connolly hopes it can be the same story for him this season...
“Distribution from the back is a huge part of this system, as it's often a way to start an attack.
“What's good at the moment is that when you have the ball it feels like you have so many options.
“You can go alongside you to a centre-back, or out wide to one of the full-backs. You can give it to a midfielder, or get it to the striker to hold it up.
Connolly takes the ball past Bobby ReidConnolly will get plenty of time on the ball this season
“Of course, it's important that players take responsibility and show for you, that they're willing to get on the ball.
“In the past I've not been able to believe some of the stuff we've done in training, the one-touch football we've played. For whatever reason we weren't always quite able to do that on the matchday. Hopefully we can now, as while we can't be too risky, we can take more responsibility on the ball.”
COMMUNICATION
Connolly, along with captain David Marshall, have been a reassuring presence for the young centre-backs thrown into action this pre-season. Even when the more experienced heads return, communication will still be key...
“Communication is absolutely massive, both for the centre-backs and the full-backs. It's key that everybody talks and and helps each other through the game. When I was young I really appreciated that help from team-mates.
“It's the same for Semi (Ajayi) and Dave (Tutonda), hopefully they can take any advice I can give on board, even if it feels a little bit like criticism!
“In pre-season fitness is always an issue which makes talking to each other even more important. Even if it is a bit of criticism, it's always better to know where you're all at.”
Paul Trollope has been impressed by the two youngsters alongside Connolly and the centre-back back says the competition will drive him on...
“Semi has been excellent, he's tall and really good in the air. What I like about him is that he's aggressive and picks good passes. As for Dave, I don't think I've ever seen anyone beat him in a one-on-one situation, which bodes well.
“I think they can both have a really good season, whether it's with us or out loan.
“It keeps us more experienced boys on our toes and it's healthy to have that competition.”
PERSONAL OPPORTUNITY
Connolly has already been identified by his new manager as key cog in the wheel...
“When the manager first came back from the Euros he said that he thought this would be a good system for me, with the opportunity to come into midfield and get onto the ball more.
“Hopefully I can do that, even though all us boys at the back are comfortable with the ball at our feet.
“It'll definitely be good to get a bit more involved in the attacking side of things, though.”
RESILIENCE
Playing fifty games in a season means the odd mistake is bound to creep in. Connolly tells us that resilience is key to making a new system like this work...
“A good support system is key. I scored a few own goals last season which was a real low point, but having a good set of lads around you is key to blocking it out. It's a long old season and even if you make a few silly errors you have to keep going. You can't get too high or too low.”
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/foot ... m-11661299?
The ball playing centre-back will be key to the new system this season.
Matt Connolly will be a leader in defence for Cardiff this seasonMatt Connolly will be a leader in defence for Cardiff this season.
This time last year Matt Connolly was determined to nail down a starting spot in the Cardiff City team.
He did that and then some, landing the Player of the Year gong at the end of season awards.
This season looks to set to be another big one for the ball-playing centre-back, who will be a key player for Paul Trollope no matter what the system.
There's definitely a feeling, however, that he could be one of the first-teamers with a particularly important role to play in a 3-5-2.
A notoriously difficult system to adopt, Connolly talks our man in Germany through both the challenges and the positives it can bring...
PREPARATION
Speak to anyone in the game, and they'll tell you that switching to a back three can't be done overnight.
It takes time and serious application on the training ground. Here, Connolly outlines the importance of good preparation and high fitness levels among defenders...
“It is difficult to adapt, particularly as not all of us have played this formation before. I've played it a few times but we've been doing loads of work on it, the manager has been drilling it with us every day in training. You have to work on the shape and work out every person's responsibility within the system.
Huw Evans Picture AgencyTrollope has been working hard with his defence in pre-season
"It's a more demanding system, particularly for the full-backs, but also for us centre-backs who've got to shuffle across all the time. It helps to have a good pre-season and that time away has helped us bond. That helps us to prepare well.”
DISTRIBUTION
Two stars of Euro 2016, Leonardo Bonucci and Ben Davies, both benefited from playing in a back three and being a big part of their team's plans in possession. Connolly hopes it can be the same story for him this season...
“Distribution from the back is a huge part of this system, as it's often a way to start an attack.
“What's good at the moment is that when you have the ball it feels like you have so many options.
“You can go alongside you to a centre-back, or out wide to one of the full-backs. You can give it to a midfielder, or get it to the striker to hold it up.
Connolly takes the ball past Bobby ReidConnolly will get plenty of time on the ball this season
“Of course, it's important that players take responsibility and show for you, that they're willing to get on the ball.
“In the past I've not been able to believe some of the stuff we've done in training, the one-touch football we've played. For whatever reason we weren't always quite able to do that on the matchday. Hopefully we can now, as while we can't be too risky, we can take more responsibility on the ball.”
COMMUNICATION
Connolly, along with captain David Marshall, have been a reassuring presence for the young centre-backs thrown into action this pre-season. Even when the more experienced heads return, communication will still be key...
“Communication is absolutely massive, both for the centre-backs and the full-backs. It's key that everybody talks and and helps each other through the game. When I was young I really appreciated that help from team-mates.
“It's the same for Semi (Ajayi) and Dave (Tutonda), hopefully they can take any advice I can give on board, even if it feels a little bit like criticism!
“In pre-season fitness is always an issue which makes talking to each other even more important. Even if it is a bit of criticism, it's always better to know where you're all at.”
Paul Trollope has been impressed by the two youngsters alongside Connolly and the centre-back back says the competition will drive him on...
“Semi has been excellent, he's tall and really good in the air. What I like about him is that he's aggressive and picks good passes. As for Dave, I don't think I've ever seen anyone beat him in a one-on-one situation, which bodes well.
“I think they can both have a really good season, whether it's with us or out loan.
“It keeps us more experienced boys on our toes and it's healthy to have that competition.”
PERSONAL OPPORTUNITY
Connolly has already been identified by his new manager as key cog in the wheel...
“When the manager first came back from the Euros he said that he thought this would be a good system for me, with the opportunity to come into midfield and get onto the ball more.
“Hopefully I can do that, even though all us boys at the back are comfortable with the ball at our feet.
“It'll definitely be good to get a bit more involved in the attacking side of things, though.”
RESILIENCE
Playing fifty games in a season means the odd mistake is bound to creep in. Connolly tells us that resilience is key to making a new system like this work...
“A good support system is key. I scored a few own goals last season which was a real low point, but having a good set of lads around you is key to blocking it out. It's a long old season and even if you make a few silly errors you have to keep going. You can't get too high or too low.”
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/foot ... m-11661299?
MATTHEW CONNOLLY TALKS DEFENCE
Tue Jul 26, 2016 11:53 am
Matthew Connolly explains Cardiff City's new defensive system
By Phil Smith
The ball playing centre-back will be key to the new system this season
Matt Connolly will be a leader in defence for Cardiff this seasonMatt Connolly will be a leader in defence for Cardiff this season
This time last year Matt Connolly was determined to nail down a starting spot in the Cardiff City team.
He did that and then some, landing the Player of the Year gong at the end of season awards.
This season looks to set to be another big one for the ball-playing centre-back, who will be a key player for Paul Trollope no matter what the system.
There's definitely a feeling, however, that he could be one of the first-teamers with a particularly important role to play in a 3-5-2.
A notoriously difficult system to adopt, Connolly talks our man in Germany through both the challenges and the positives it can bring...
PREPARATION
Speak to anyone in the game, and they'll tell you that switching to a back three can't be done overnight.
It takes time and serious application on the training ground. Here, Connolly outlines the importance of good preparation and high fitness levels among defenders...
“It is difficult to adapt, particularly as not all of us have played this formation before. I've played it a few times but we've been doing loads of work on it, the manager has been drilling it with us every day in training. You have to work on the shape and work out every person's responsibility within the system.
"It's a more demanding system, particularly for the full-backs, but also for us centre-backs who've got to shuffle across all the time. It helps to have a good pre-season and that time away has helped us bond. That helps us to prepare well.”
DISTRIBUTION
Two stars of Euro 2016, Leonardo Bonucci and Ben Davies, both benefited from playing in a back three and being a big part of their team's plans in possession. Connolly hopes it can be the same story for him this season...
“Distribution from the back is a huge part of this system, as it's often a way to start an attack.
“What's good at the moment is that when you have the ball it feels like you have so many options.
“You can go alongside you to a centre-back, or out wide to one of the full-backs. You can give it to a midfielder, or get it to the striker to hold it up.
“Of course, it's important that players take responsibility and show for you, that they're willing to get on the ball.
“In the past I've not been able to believe some of the stuff we've done in training, the one-touch football we've played. For whatever reason we weren't always quite able to do that on the matchday. Hopefully we can now, as while we can't be too risky, we can take more responsibility on the ball.”
COMMUNICATION
Connolly, along with captain David Marshall, have been a reassuring presence for the young centre-backs thrown into action this pre-season. Even when the more experienced heads return, communication will still be key...
“Communication is absolutely massive, both for the centre-backs and the full-backs. It's key that everybody talks and and helps each other through the game. When I was young I really appreciated that help from team-mates.
“It's the same for Semi (Ajayi) and Dave (Tutonda), hopefully they can take any advice I can give on board, even if it feels a little bit like criticism!
“In pre-season fitness is always an issue which makes talking to each other even more important. Even if it is a bit of criticism, it's always better to know where you're all at.”
COMPETITION
Paul Trollope has been impressed by the two youngsters alongside Connolly and the centre-back back says the competition will drive him on...
“Semi has been excellent, he's tall and really good in the air. What I like about him is that he's aggressive and picks good passes. As for Dave, I don't think I've ever seen anyone beat him in a one-on-one situation, which bodes well.
“I think they can both have a really good season, whether it's with us or out loan.
“It keeps us more experienced boys on our toes and it's healthy to have that competition.”
PERSONAL OPPORTUNITY
Connolly has already been identified by his new manager as key cog in the wheel...
“When the manager first came back from the Euros he said that he thought this would be a good system for me, with the opportunity to come into midfield and get onto the ball more.
“Hopefully I can do that, even though all us boys at the back are comfortable with the ball at our feet.
“It'll definitely be good to get a bit more involved in the attacking side of things, though.”
RESILIENCE
Playing fifty games in a season means the odd mistake is bound to creep in. Connolly tells us that resilience is key to making a new system like this work...
“A good support system is key. I scored a few own goals last season which was a real low point, but having a good set of lads around you is key to blocking it out. It's a long old season and even if you make a few silly errors you have to keep going. You can't get too high or too low.”
By Phil Smith
The ball playing centre-back will be key to the new system this season
Matt Connolly will be a leader in defence for Cardiff this seasonMatt Connolly will be a leader in defence for Cardiff this season
This time last year Matt Connolly was determined to nail down a starting spot in the Cardiff City team.
He did that and then some, landing the Player of the Year gong at the end of season awards.
This season looks to set to be another big one for the ball-playing centre-back, who will be a key player for Paul Trollope no matter what the system.
There's definitely a feeling, however, that he could be one of the first-teamers with a particularly important role to play in a 3-5-2.
A notoriously difficult system to adopt, Connolly talks our man in Germany through both the challenges and the positives it can bring...
PREPARATION
Speak to anyone in the game, and they'll tell you that switching to a back three can't be done overnight.
It takes time and serious application on the training ground. Here, Connolly outlines the importance of good preparation and high fitness levels among defenders...
“It is difficult to adapt, particularly as not all of us have played this formation before. I've played it a few times but we've been doing loads of work on it, the manager has been drilling it with us every day in training. You have to work on the shape and work out every person's responsibility within the system.
"It's a more demanding system, particularly for the full-backs, but also for us centre-backs who've got to shuffle across all the time. It helps to have a good pre-season and that time away has helped us bond. That helps us to prepare well.”
DISTRIBUTION
Two stars of Euro 2016, Leonardo Bonucci and Ben Davies, both benefited from playing in a back three and being a big part of their team's plans in possession. Connolly hopes it can be the same story for him this season...
“Distribution from the back is a huge part of this system, as it's often a way to start an attack.
“What's good at the moment is that when you have the ball it feels like you have so many options.
“You can go alongside you to a centre-back, or out wide to one of the full-backs. You can give it to a midfielder, or get it to the striker to hold it up.
“Of course, it's important that players take responsibility and show for you, that they're willing to get on the ball.
“In the past I've not been able to believe some of the stuff we've done in training, the one-touch football we've played. For whatever reason we weren't always quite able to do that on the matchday. Hopefully we can now, as while we can't be too risky, we can take more responsibility on the ball.”
COMMUNICATION
Connolly, along with captain David Marshall, have been a reassuring presence for the young centre-backs thrown into action this pre-season. Even when the more experienced heads return, communication will still be key...
“Communication is absolutely massive, both for the centre-backs and the full-backs. It's key that everybody talks and and helps each other through the game. When I was young I really appreciated that help from team-mates.
“It's the same for Semi (Ajayi) and Dave (Tutonda), hopefully they can take any advice I can give on board, even if it feels a little bit like criticism!
“In pre-season fitness is always an issue which makes talking to each other even more important. Even if it is a bit of criticism, it's always better to know where you're all at.”
COMPETITION
Paul Trollope has been impressed by the two youngsters alongside Connolly and the centre-back back says the competition will drive him on...
“Semi has been excellent, he's tall and really good in the air. What I like about him is that he's aggressive and picks good passes. As for Dave, I don't think I've ever seen anyone beat him in a one-on-one situation, which bodes well.
“I think they can both have a really good season, whether it's with us or out loan.
“It keeps us more experienced boys on our toes and it's healthy to have that competition.”
PERSONAL OPPORTUNITY
Connolly has already been identified by his new manager as key cog in the wheel...
“When the manager first came back from the Euros he said that he thought this would be a good system for me, with the opportunity to come into midfield and get onto the ball more.
“Hopefully I can do that, even though all us boys at the back are comfortable with the ball at our feet.
“It'll definitely be good to get a bit more involved in the attacking side of things, though.”
RESILIENCE
Playing fifty games in a season means the odd mistake is bound to creep in. Connolly tells us that resilience is key to making a new system like this work...
“A good support system is key. I scored a few own goals last season which was a real low point, but having a good set of lads around you is key to blocking it out. It's a long old season and even if you make a few silly errors you have to keep going. You can't get too high or too low.”
Re: MATTHEW CONNOLLY TALKS DEFENCE
Tue Jul 26, 2016 2:09 pm
Already posted this viewtopic.php?f=2&t=175390
Re: Cardiff City's new defensive system explained
Tue Jul 26, 2016 4:38 pm
Just reading Connolly talk about this gets me going, a manager who wants to do things right and focus on the football.
Re: MATTHEW CONNOLLY TALKS DEFENCE
Tue Jul 26, 2016 6:52 pm
NIGELNIGLE wrote:Already posted this viewtopic.php?f=2&t=175390
Not as neatly though! LOL
Thanks, NIGELNIGLE
I did look first but obviously missed it!
Re: MATTHEW CONNOLLY TALKS DEFENCE
Tue Jul 26, 2016 6:54 pm
Sven wrote:NIGELNIGLE wrote:Already posted this viewtopic.php?f=2&t=175390
Not as neatly though! LOL
Thanks, NIGLENIGLE
I did look first but obviously missed it!