JPL U18 NL 2024/2025 (Junior Premier League) - Juventus London Academy

A very difficult game.

Due to the characteristics of the players available and thinking on the play time of each one, I decided to risk it at the beginning of the game in a 1-3-4-1-2.

The team struggled understanding the dynamics of this formation, as we haven't practiced yet this season. So the theory into practice was poor. The opposition played in a 1-4-4-2. This theoritcally, would give us superiority playing out and also in defense (3v2). Moreover, in possession the wingbacks had the role to overload the midfield. However, their understanding wasn't brilliant, also, the team seemed a bit stiff in the first half.  We couldn't link the game between units, as either our first touch wasn't great or some lack of movement, or movements from players to the same area. With no surprise, we conceded in the first 10 minutes of the game.  with 20 minutes played, I moved the team back to our classic 1-4-3-3. In the first time we managed to get a set piece and get some numbers in the box, we managed to equalise. After the 1-1, the team kept the same lack of intensity for another ten minutes. The last fifteen minutes we finally showed a bit of the quality and pace we could bring to the game. But then we allowed the opposition to score their second with roughly 5 minutes to halftime.

At halftime, despite of understanding that my initial decision of playing in a formation where the team had no routines, wasn't a good move, it would justify the poor performance until then. I know the limitations our squad has, but I also know the potential that each one has on the team, and how to bring  each player qualities to build a competitive team, a team that can fight and guarantee 3 points. Our team has a problem, they think to much in the past ("we played this team a few seasons ago, and we smash them"). The fact of the team has embraced a winning philosophy in the last few years, seems that it takes over their brains, which put them in a more relaxed game mode. That cannot happen, especially when we want to Win titles, the next game is always the more important one, and needs to be main focus, with a mentality of confidence in what we can do as a team.

This in one way was a bit of my message at halftime, I felt the need to touch in their egos.

The second half, we started well, more aggressive out of possession, more engaged. However, after losing possession in one play, we didn't react as we can and usually do, to neutralise that long/through ball, and got caught in our left side, conceding the 3-1.

The positive, is that the team had a vry decent first minutes of the second half, and even without playing magnificient, we were becoming dangerous and more dangerous.
We reduced to 3-2. It was notorious, the wish of turning this game around, when I see one of our players running inside the goal to bring the ball to the KO spot. The same happens after the 3-3.

We dominated, and  we were getting closer to the winning goal, that happens from a great pass and a great run from the scorer.

The last five minutes, the team could have managed better the 4-3, assuming fewer risks. and keeping possession. Something that might be related to their trust on their potential.  The team lost several players from last season. Quality wise they might think the team is not as strong as in the last season. I disagree. I couldn't be happier with the players I have in the squad. Again, it is important to have good numbers in training, to help the process, and increase our chances to keep the "dream" ALIVE!

Next Saturday we will face the same opposition but for the Cup group stages. A win is the objective, as it is every match that we are about to play.

This match was about getting the 3 points, and the boys managed to them. Not all the time we are going be able to play attractive football and win. As long as we keep winning, is a matter of time to get all the players to get a good understanding of each other weaknesses and strengths, therefore, get the result but adding some good play into it.

Well done guys. Another 3 points. Game by game.