3 tactical alterations Sarri should make to win Carabao cup final
The English league is the most competitive and result oriented league in the world. A while ago, top six managers did not consider the domestic cup competitions to be important because they were trying to make it to the top four. These domestic cup competitions have become increasingly important as a means of alleviating pressure from managers.
Arsene Wenger's FA Cup triumph in 2013 and 2014 were factors that helped in prolonging his stay at Arsenal F.C. The competitiveness of these cup competitions has also seen the use of young players in these competitions decline and renewed interest from the top six to win them. .
Sunday, 24 February 2019 is going to be a very important day in the tenure of Maurizio Sarri. Win and the increasing pressure on the former Napoli manager somewhat reduces. Another discouraging defeat coupled with the off-field happenings and a genuine chance of missing out on the top four for the second consecutive season could spell the end for the Italian manager.
With Sarri in desperate need for results and facing the team that absolutely dismantled his team about two weeks ago, it is important that tactical alterations be made to the now infamous Sarriball philosophy.
Here's a look at three tactical alterations that Sarri should make to win the Carabao cup final;
#1 Play Kante alongside Jorginho as a double pivot midfield
"In that position, I want a player able to move the ball very fast. This is not the best characteristic of N'Golo. N'Golo is very useful for us, but this one is not his best characteristic."
Sarri has been questioned so much about his stance on N'golo Kante's position in his team that he is probably tired of answering such questions. In his press conference before the Europa League round of 32-second leg against Malmo, he made the above comments.
When Sarri was quizzed on the fact that Kante had won the world cup and two PL titles playing in that position. His reply was straight forward and full of meaning. He simply said, "in a different system".
Sarri has so idolized this 4-3-3 Sarriball philosophy that even after several key losses he has not questioned the system nor adapted it to suit his best players and simultaneously cancel out the opposition.
Manchester City have been in this process with Pep Guardiola for about two years. It will be very unwise for the Italian tactician to think that his team can outplay City at their own game. He cannot afford to think this, especially after the 6;0 mauling showed otherwise.
In the Carabao cup final, N'golo Kante must be asked to sit alongside Jorginho and help snuff out the danger that the City attack will present. Kante's reading of the game, the ability to tackle and intercept is what makes him arguably the best defensive midfielder in the world. These attributes must be put to good use against the reigning EPL champions in the cup final.
In a double pivot, Kante's primary job will be winning the ball back. When the ball needs a quick movement like Sarri said then Jorginho can resume pass master duties. A creator-destroyer midfield partnership has proven to be successful for Chelsea before with Matic and Fabregas. The Jorginho-Kante midfield pivot has the potential to eclipse that.