“We’re going to use two systems based on the 4-4-2 formation, but with certain variation,” explained the man at the helm since May 2009. “We’ve based our style of play on the work that has been done over the last three years, while at the same time keeping club history in mind.”
With 11 players gone and eight new arrivals, Dos Santos could have changed the system, especially considering his love for 4-3-3.
“The 4-3-3 requires a very good understanding of its principles and variations. It is a very complex system. We have players that come from a very different background and most of them were developed with different philosophies. Playing in a 4-3-3 is almost a culture and that cannot be built from night to day. After understanding the needs in our league we have decided to build our team in a 4-4-2.”
When the Impact doesn’t have the ball, it will tighten up defensively, ready to react as soon as it regains possession.
“Defensively, there won’t be much room to manœuvre. We don’t want to give anything away. We can certainly improve on that aspect compared to previous seasons. We need to make sure that we’re always first on the ball.”
Once the Impact has the ball, the goal will first be to hold onto it and then find a way to be productive with it.
“There will be a high level of mobility in our play, based on strong ball possession and a gradual progression up the field,” explained Dos Santos. “The speed at which we move the ball won’t be the same in the area near our goalkeeper as it will be in the offensive third. We also want to have the option to play long. That means we’ll have one forward in a fairly static position, with another more dynamic forward moving around him.”
The back line has been completely revamped. Only Nevio Pizzolitto will find his familiar spot on the field, while the other defenders will have to adjust to Matt Jordan’s successor.
“Gaudette and Bush are comfortable with the ball at their feet, so that helps the team’s ball possession. Pizzolitto has a lot of experience, Billy is a great communicator and Hatchi is very technically sound. They’ve all done a really good job of absorbing the principles of our zone defense. After playing centre-back in Miami, Tsiskaridze proved to Vancouver that he was a solid left-back. He’s able to jump up on offense, he’s physically imposing and has a good left foot. Simon Gatti, Hicham Aaboubou and Richard Pelletier are the other defenders capable of applying our principles.”
The midfield hasn’t changed as much, but the arrival of Hassoun Camara and Amir Lowery (1,88 / 6’2) gives us some size. We’ve also worked on a bunch of new plays.
“Camara is very good in the air, has solid technique, rarely loses the ball and has good soccer sense. We’ll have to pick our two central midfielders from him, Testo, Lowery and Ribeiro. Based on our positioning at midfield, the gap between them will be filled by a forward dropping down or a central midfielder playing up high. It’ll all depend on who’s on the field at the time. For example, we’ll play differently with or without Ribeiro. We have a number of variations to work with and the objective is to constantly create passing options and avoid becoming predictable.”
The variety will be on the wings, represented by players with various styles and profiles.
“On the right, Kreamalmeyer and Le Gall like to play deep along the lines. On the left, Di Lorenzo prefers to play the interior and receive the ball at his feet, which gives more opportunities to the left-back. It won’t be the same on both sides, but each time the lateral mids get up in the play, the defender behind him has to push up as well.”
At forward, the team will have to compensate for the departure of Sebrango and his notable presence in the box.
“The work can be done by Agourram, Mayard, Gerba and Ech Chergui. We don’t play the same way with or without Ech Chergui. Our forwards all have individual qualities and will be selected based on the match at hand and what our needs will be. There will always be someone playing with speed, while the other will be able to break off and play a more static role.”
At the end of last season, Ali Gerba accounted for 60% of the team’s offensive production. Marc Dos Santos is quick to point out that it doesn’t mean the Impact is unable to score without Gerba filling the net.
“He benefits from the hard work of the entire team. If Villa didn’t score for Spain at the World Cup, who did? Often, a team’s success appears to be dependant on a sniper, but in our case, Agourram can score goals and will have more playing time due to Sebrango’s departure. Kreamalmeyer, Le Gall, Mayard and Ech Chergui are also able to score. We’re also more dangerous now on set pieces because of our size and physical presence.”
The Impact head coach, nicknamed Maestro by some, is convinced that his team will perform in all aspects this season and supporters can’t wait to see what 2011 has to offer. The real season begins April 9 in Tampa Bay, with the home opener at Saputo Stadium set for April 23!
Matthias Van Halst, Impact Media
CFMTL Media
