​Germany’s stunning success at the recent FIFA World Cup has convinced Adelaide United boss Josep Gombau he needs to tinker with his football philosophy to make the Reds the best in the Hyundai A-League.
Gombau, who was schooled at Barcelona’s famous football academy, has always held a strong belief of how he believes his teams should play.
While that distinct style won’t change in the upcoming A-League season, Germany’s brilliance in to lift the World Cup trophy in Brazil has caught the attention of the Reds’ mentor. Â Â Â Â Â
“Football is changing a lot. It’s more physical than skilful,” Gombau said in the Sunday Mail Adelaide.
“Germany are playing the style of football I like. The tiki-taka, possession game…but also the aggressive and strong defence when they lose the ball.
“They mix these two things.”
So impressed was the Foxtel A-League All Stars coach with Germany’s swashbuckling style at the World Cup, Gombau concedes they have revolutionised the way the game is being played.
While Spain have taken the world by storm in recent years, playing some sublime football and winning every major trophy between 2008 and 2012, they failed to get out of the group stage in Brazil.
Gombau says the Germans have taken football to new heights and admits he will make some minor adjustments to his tactics and style for the new campaign.
“The basics will be the same but we’ll change some movements because we need to add things,” Gombau said.
“And also we’ve changed a few players which changes things. We need to have more options in attack, more movement.
“My philosophy was built over many years at Barcelona, but as a coach you have to be ready for the way football is being played today.
“You cannot stay in the old place.”
The Reds continued their build up to the new A-League season with a 1-0 friendly win against Perth Glory at Sydney’s Belmore Sports Ground on Sunday.
Defender Nigel Boogard struck the only goal of the game late in the second half.
Adelaide’s inaugural FFA Cup clash is against Wellington Phoenix at Marden Sports Complex on Tuesday, August 5.
And this Friday, they face Malaga in a friendly at Adelaide Oval.
For Adelaide United v Malaga tickets head here http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=AUFCMAL14&v=ADO
