What can we expect from Ralph Rangnick’s Manchester?

« The first objective is to bring balance to the team. We concede two goals on average, that’s too much. Surprisingly, when the Anglo-Saxon press questioned Ralph Rangnick on his ideas for the game, it is on defense that the new Manchester United coach (who receives Crystal Palace this Sunday) has emphasized.

Control, the key to matches

Not to mention a change of device – United are playing 4-2-3-1 this season – the German coach wants his team to be stronger behind. Above all, he insisted at length on the importance of keeping control of matches. “In football, everything depends on control. If you want to win games you have to be in control no matter if you have the ball or not“. A stranglehold that seems to be possible only if the four usual offensives (Rashford, Sancho, Fernandes, Ronaldo) strive to be more rigorous in their withdrawal.

Citing Arrigo Sacchi’s Milan as the ultimate example, Rangnick expressed his wish to have a strong defensive footing. But unlike the Italian, the new Manchester technician wants to get it by attacking the opponent, with his sacrosanct counterpressing.

Eight seconds to recover the ball

Depicted as the benchmark of coaches like Jürgen Klopp or Thomas Tuchel, the former Leipzig has made counter pressing his trademark. When the ball is lost, his players will have eight seconds to recover it and ten to go to goal. After this period, it is time for the defensive replacement, as a team block.

Asked about the possibility of implementing this philosophy, Rangnick assured that his players – and in particular the offensives – were capable of it. “ I know that it is possible to constantly press, to give the impression to the other that we have one or two more players on the field, he assured. It is possible if we work seriously on a daily basis towards a common idea. “It is still necessary that the players adhere, which does not really worry the technician.

Make the right decisions

Present this Wednesday in the stands during the victory against Arsenal (3-2), the coach believes he has a modern vision of football. Even if he remains aware of the physical dimension of the championship, the German intends to advance players like Rashford or Sancho on another key element: the brain. “ Football has become much more physical, vertical. We will have to work physically of course but also make the players think, help them make the right decisions. »

The technician also considered himself “ fortunate “To have so many good players available and has no plans to recruit this winter. “ There are enough players, we will talk about transfers after Christmas. From my experience, I know that the best transfers are not made in the winter transfer window. “. What cut short the rumors that would send Erling Haaland, whose father is close to Rangnick, to Manchester.