Midterm Review of Juventus Under Carlo Ancelotti
Dear readers, I appreciate your request to discuss Juventus and their current performance under Carlo Ancelotti. It's a bittersweet moment for all Juve fans, and I will break down our analysis into three categories: Game, Roster, and Mindset.
The Game
The crux of the Juventus performance under Ancelotti lies in how the team plays. With an experienced manager like Ancelotti, the team capitalizes on the players' strengths to deliver an entertaining and functional style of football. The recent match against Barcelona, despite the latter's mixed performance, showcased Ancelotti's tactical prowess. The team maintained a high constant pressure, quick passing, and effective shooting with possession.
However, there are areas for improvement. One significant issue is the team's pressure on the opponents. Although Ancelotti employs a less aggressive version of Gegenpressing, some players still struggle to initiate pressure proactively. This trend stems from years of playing under Maurizio Allegri, who favored more defensive positioning schemes. Players need to move quickly and apply pressure more effectively, especially when off the ball.
In terms of offense and possession, Juventus performs well most of the time. The midfield, particularly, remains a challenge. The quick movement of Arthur and McKennie highlights the potential when the ball is moved swiftly. The lack of ball movement in the midfield causes the team to struggle, especially when initiating attacks. Ancelotti needs to distribute more plays effectively to exploit the wings and offensive midfielders' capabilities.
The Roster
Starting with the goalkeeping position, Silvio Gugoì steps up in style. While I appreciate his contributions, he needs to refine his catching technique to complement skilled keepers like Gigi Buffon. The defense includes a mix of strengths and weaknesses, led by the excellent De Ligt. Complementing De Ligt, another standout, Danilo, serves as a versatile emergency player. However, uncertainty surrounds the positions of Giorgio Chiellini and De Ligt's teammate, with injuries and underperformance being the primary issues.
The midfield is the most pressing area, with a three-player system that sees mixed results. Despite the efforts of Bentancur, Arthur remains a critical component. However, Bentancur's recent struggles require attention, and Ancelotti must strategize better to ensure he remains productive. Adjacent roles need similar attention, with Bentancur, Rabiot, and Ramsey needing consistent performance. The attacking midfield roles are also under scrutiny, with McKennie and Ramsey needing to find stability in their performances.
Mindset
The most significant challenge for Ancelotti lies in the players' mindset. A manager needs more than tactical acumen; he must align the players' mental approach with the team's goals. Players like Alejandro McAllister, Lionel Messi, and Paulo Dybala face internal issues that can negatively impact their game. Ancelotti's experience, while valuable, may need to be supplemented with continued psychological support and motivation techniques.
Moreover, the team's collective mindset appears to be lacking in match motivation, especially in Serie A fixtures. Ancelotti must foster a more competitive attitude to ensure players are engaged and focused. For example, against teams like Torino, Fiorentina, and Benevento, Juventus players need to exhibit more hustle and determination. Last-minute goals should not dictate team behavior; instead, the team should stay engaged throughout matches to maintain momentum.
In conclusion, Juventus has the players and the game plan. The ongoing issue lies in combining the perfect mindset with tactical precision. With an experienced coach like Ancelotti, improvement is achievable. Let's hope and cheer on our team until the very end!