Cesena – Many new faces …perhaps too many
By David, bettingexpert.com | Published
Manager Giampaolo had replaced Ficcadenti at the helm as president Igor Campedelli tried to steer the team towards improvement and faster football. Giampaolo is not well known for the latter though and he may clash with the club’s plans as he tries to adapt to what is asked of him. How about changing management and bringing on a home grown man like Arrigoni?
Manager: Arrigoni
Tactics: 4-3-3
Players In: Mutu, Eder, Ghezzal, Martinez, M. Rossi, Comotto, Guana, Candreva, Martinho, Djokovic, Livaja, Rennella
Players Out: Giaccherini, Fabbri
Current Probable Formation: Antonioli, Ceccarelli, von Bergen, Benalouane, Lauro, Parolo, Colucci, Guana, Eder, Mutu, Martinez
The successful stint at Catania had pushed Giampaolo at the top of the list of most promising managers alongside present day Milan coach Allegri when the latter used to manage Cagliari. The paths of the two could not have been any more divergent though. Allegri was given the post at Milan whilst Giampaolo, with Catania fans demanding that the Argentine character of their team be expressed on the pitch, was shown the door.
Giampaolo may actually be more tactically aware than Allegri but his insistence with being cautious within the context of an Italian style that is shifting towards the faster paced European game has in the past months grown out of tune. Not many teams are looking for that kind of game nowadays and probably not even Cesena president Igor Campedelli.
The newly appointed manager has in fact had to settle for a 4-3-3 formation. Very offensive on paper but all his forwards, despite being true attackers, are asked to run back down with the players in midfield very often. This way last year’s problem with prolificacy in front of goal returns to haunt Cesena.
No striker who hovers primarily in the box is given space in this team. That leaves Bogdani on the bench. However, last season it was when the Albanian striker was given time to make his presence felt in the opponents’ box that Cesena were more dangerous. This time round it is the trio composed of Eder, Mutu and Martinez, or Ghezzal for the Argentine, that is preferred. Eder was the top scorer in Serie B two season ago. With instructions to stay deep and run on the right flank he will rarely rank high on efficacy. Martinez or Ghezzal may be more suited for that kind of job on the left although the Algerian is more of an attacking midfielder plying his trade in the centre of the pitch.
Mutu has been the big acquisition by Cesena. After a hard courtship that extended back to December of 2010 they finally convinced him to put a signature on the contract. The Romanian will not refuse to work for the team and make sacrifices by running back and forth to help his team mates. However, that will kill the whole project revolving around Mutu. He needs to be given his space and a player in front to set up. That is what he is used to doing brilliantly.
The team’s defence is not one of the strongest in the division. They struggled upon impact with the Serie A last season. Yet hopes are high that Giampaolo can organize the backline eventually. The midfield, on the other hand, offers some exciting names. Parolo is probably the hottest name around and it will surely be a matter of time before he lands at a big club and perhaps the national team as well. Candreva is another good signing but he is one of those players who has to find his position on the pitch before he can deliver results. Guana is less of a prospect but has got the experience to deliver grit to the side and bolster the midfield.
Predicted finishing position: 16th
All the starting players in midfield and in attack are new to the team. Giampaolo will be asking for time to get the cogs turning and bring out the best from the promising summer transfer market of the club. His problem has always been neglecting the attacking aspect and without goals you do not win games.
UPDATE: Giampaolo has been replaced by Arrigoni. The change came about after nine rounds in which Cesena had only managed three draws and three goals.
You must be logged in to post a comment! Sign up + or log in in the top right corner.
| 
|