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Five things to expect from Bert van Marwijk's Socceroos

Bert van Marwijk. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)
Roar Pro
22nd March, 2018
9

With Bert van Marwijk set to take charge of the Socceroos for the first time against Norway on Saturday morning Australian time, here are five things we should expect to see from the Socceroos during the international break.

1. No more three at the back
Bert van Marwijk will bin the much-maligned three at the back system that became the main bone of contention towards the end of Ange Postecoglou’s reign as Socceroos manager.

This will no doubt please fans across the country, as the players never quite seem to adapt to the system.

2. 4-2-3-1
Like death and taxes, Bert van Marwijk’s use of the 4-2-3-1 system is a certainty, in fact Mat Leckie confirmed this when talking to the media the other day.

Leckie himself should be very happy with the change, as he will no doubt be thrust further forward in one of the wide berths. This system should allow the Socceroos to defend in two banks of four.

Matthew Leckie

(AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

3. Defensive structure
Bert likes his teams to keep their defensive shape such that they are not as vulnerable on the counterattack.

It’ll be a change of tact from what we’ve been used to under Postecoglou with a defence first approach from the Socceroos.

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This will have no doubt been a key part of training this week as van Marwijk gets himself acquainted with the Socceroos. It will also be a welcome relief to fans, as the Socceroos have looked very vulnerable in defence of late.

4. Quick transitions
Leckie has let the Australian press know that the emphasis has been on quick, short and sharp passing in training so far under van Marwijk.

Bert also mentioned about the modern game being based around transitions. This will also be a departure from the Postecoglou era where the Socceroos would rotate the ball very slowly at times.

Expect sharp, quick and more direct passing from the Socceroos.

5. Aussie spirit
You can always count on the Aussie spirit and Bert van Marwijk will no doubt sense this quickly and use it.

His sides have traditionally been team first, which will suit the Socceroos mentality. His finest work was in getting the massive egos of the Dutch team in 2010 to work together and make the World Cup final.

It should be a perfect match.

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