The man who achieved back to back promotion with Volos NFC was roped in by FC Goa for the upcoming Indian Super League season. After having various stints at different clubs in Europe Juan Ferrando joined Volos NFC in its inception in 2017. The Volos based club started in the 3rd division of Greece and earned promotion in the first year itself. They did not have to spend much time in the 2nd division as Ferrando guided them to the Greece Super League the following year. However, due to health concerns, the highly successful manager’s reign at Volos ended abruptly and FC Goa were in luck to find such a manager at a crucial time.
In this tactical analysis, we will discuss the philosophy and tactics the Spaniard uses and believes in.
Formation and Philosophy
The Spaniard in his entire time with Volos played with two at the back and a lone striker. His formation varied from 4-2-3-1 to 4-4-1-1 to 4-3-3 basically different variations of the same formation. However, in the image below, it is shown Volos played with a 4-4-2 for the majority of games in 2019/20 due to their structure out of possession, which will be discussed later in the analysis.
In modern times, with the availability of enormous video and data resources, each team prepares differently for each and every opponent. However, the philosophy of a coach remains the same. Juan Ferrando loves to play a possession-based football with certain principles:
1. Overloading each phase of play
2. Rotation to create space and ‘free man’
3. Use of triangle and diamond
4. 3rd man principle
5. Vertical passing
6. Use of half space
7. Overload to isolate
