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.
(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.
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.
LuckyEddie
Guest
I'm hoping that Bert has a plan B and C unlike like the Japan relegation manager big Ange and his sad solitary plan A.
shirtpants
Roar Guru
Was just about to post a similar reply.
Kangajets
Guest
Van marvviik reputation with holland at work Cup 2010 was to tackle brutally and spring forward on the counter . Therefore I see big roles for brilliante petratos and Nabbout Expecting Australia to win 3-1 and everyone will be feeling optimistic tomorrow
chris
Guest
It's a little cringe worthy when i hear/read about "aussie team spirit". Its like no one else in the world has it. They just give up when they are 2 goals down. Only aussies have that spirit. Oh please.
reuster75
Roar Rookie
Aussie Spirit - ah yes that's what was wrong under AP, no spirit. With the famed Aussie spirit back I expect we'll never again lose a match.
reuster75
Roar Rookie
"The idea that Ange woke up one morning and thought “a 3 man defence might be fun” is ridiculous." Ha brilliantly said. People seem to forget Ange said it was a deliberate process that had been planned for quite some time. Also on top of the problems defensively we also weren't creating enough chances to score which was another factor in Ange's decision to swicth to a back three to create overlapping fullbacks.
Grobbelaar
Roar Guru
Arguably, points 1 to 3 could have been wrapped up in the one point.
chris
Guest
Thanks for the article Alex. I was a critic of the back 3 when Ange first introduced it. However I could see that the team was slowly adapting to it and actually seemed quite comfortable with it in the last few games. However Bert has to be pragmatic and go with the back 4, as you would need lots of time re sessions and games to make it effective. Time is one thing Bert doesnt have.
Kris
Guest
The idea that Ange woke up one morning and thought "a 3 man defence might be fun" is ridiculous. His team was facing not qualifying. It was defending badly. He had tried every fullback in the nation and they had all been found wanting. He had some capable centrebacks on his bench twiddling their thumbs. He was 'forced' into a pretty obvious decision. Keeping playing pumpkins in the fullback positions, or dump them, switch to 3 at the back, and get one of the good centrebacks on his bench onto the park. Aussie Bert might well have made some statements about how he would like to play. Let's see how he is lining up in a few friendlies time, or whether he too reads the tea leaves and makes the obvious change (even reluctantly and against his instiincts).