Jericho09The 4-5-1 of Inter Milan (away possession) is currently the perfect defensive shape in Europe?
3 lines of players with a multy-diagonal net. Sneijder as the playmaker far from the defensive phase and three fast players behind him: Eto'o, Milito and Pandev (or Mario Balotelli, faster than Goran).

What do you think about?

09.04.2010

kabulblueAs a Chelsea fan I appreciate you trying to analyse what makes Inter tick defensively. What impressed me most about them is their ability to hold their shape when in the defensive phase yet still appear dangerous due to their front three and the technique and trickery of Sneijder.

I think Inter are looking very strong in Europe this season and I predict a similar game to Chelsea vs. Barca last season where Barca dominate possession yet Inter attempt to smother them and build from the back. Many people are looking to the group games to provide answers but I think the Semi-Finals are naturally more tense and I predict a very tight first and second leg with Barca nicking a 1 goal victory.

http://kabulblue.blogspot.com/

10.04.2010

Jericho09I'm afraid about the number of goals scored in the second leg in the whole competition this year (yes, I'm an Inter Milan supporter). I think we must concentrate on Xavi and Iniesta in their away shape shown against Stuttgart (http://www.zonalmarking.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/stuttgart-1-1-barcelona-ibrahimovic-cacau.jpg). I don't think Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi are so unbeatable without the huge number of passing by Xavi (95 in the first leg against Arsenal, 105 in the second one. 200 total!!!). Mourinho must counter those two players with Cambiasso and Stankovic and than Inter should try to find a hole between the lines with the sniper Wesley Sneijder. Berdyev (Rubin Kazan's coach) said "Our midfielders were told to shoot on sight." (after the 2-1 on Barça)...we have a lot of "srikers" midfielders (Sneijder of course, but also Stankovic, Motta and Cambiasso)

10.04.2010