Almeyda stands firm on Sevilla's tactical approach amid mounting criticism
The Argentine coach defends his flexible system against critics, insisting his defensive approach isn't man-marking despite individual assignments in Sevilla's recent matches.
Matías Almeyda is digging his heels in over Sevilla’s tactical identity, despite growing concerns about the defensive vulnerabilities his approach has exposed in recent weeks.
System in flux
Since taking the reins at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Almeyda has been anything but dogmatic about formation. The gaffer has tinkered with everything from a 4-2-3-1 in his early days to the recent 5-3-2, with stops at 3-4-2-1 and 4-4-2 along the way.
This tactical flexibility comes with a consistent philosophy though – brave, vertical football that requires precise collective coordination. When it clicks, it’s proper tidy. When it doesn’t, opponents have been having a field day exploiting the spaces and disorder.
“We try to modify systems, movements, pressing approaches as we search for solutions,” Almeyda explained before the Girona clash. Fair play to him – he’s not been shy about making changes.
Not man-marking… sort of
The defensive approach has raised the most eyebrows among the Sevilla faithful. Their high pressing and what appear to be individual matchups have had many critics suggesting Almeyda is implementing a rigid man-marking system – something the Argentine firmly denies.
“Man-marking means one-on-one across the entire pitch and we’re not doing that,” he insisted after the Girona draw, acknowledging that while he’s used such approaches successfully elsewhere, “I know I can’t do that here.”
The free man concept
Almeyda has recently modified his system to include what he calls a “free man” – typically positioned between the full-back and central defender, though the exact location varies. Against Girona, this role fell to Azpilicueta, while in other matches Mendy has taken up these duties.
This adjustment seems designed to shore up Sevilla’s defensive structure while maintaining their aggressive pressing game. The positioning of this free man changes depending on where Almeyda wants to strengthen the press in any given match.
Bristling at the criticism
The Argentine seems to be getting a bit narky with the constant tactical scrutiny. “It’s very easy to sit down and move pieces around,” he remarked with noticeable irritation. “Football has many ingredients. Everyone’s a champion when they’re just talking.”
With characteristic bluntness, he concluded: “We’re working, and if I’m rubbish, they’ll sack me.”
Whether his tactical approach will bear fruit remains to be seen, but one thing’s for certain – Almeyda isn’t about to change his football philosophy just because a few pundits have got the hump.