A more disciplined Gladbach makes it work
In the reverse of this fixture earlier in the campaign when still under Lucien Favre, Gladbach gave away three penalties in the game, were a mess all over the pitch and panicked in defence. This time, however, Die Folhen’s back four held tight all match, not allowing each other to get isolated and be forced into last ditch tackles. They did still give away one penalty in this match though, a rash tackle from behind by Xhaka was the only blight on an otherwise good defensive performance.
There were good blocks and shutdowns, but the number of saving grace tackles deep in their own territory was almost non-existent. Andre Schubert and his team have instilled a different notion of defence into this team, encouraging the players to wear down opposition attacks before they are required to desperately intervene.
Sevilla’s press is not one to learn by
Following Gladbach’s first goal, it became to clear to Sevilla that they now needed to chase the game and they began to press higher when the home defence were on the ball. Vitolo, Kevin Gameiro and Konoplyanka combined as a unit of three when high, before dropping back into the 4-5-1 setup as Gladbach crossed halfway. However, their press allowed the hosts to cross far too many times, a lack of unit as a movement opening gaps that allowed deft passes through the line. A re-think of said strategy is needed if Sevilla are going to trouble better passing teams.
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