Welcome back folks!
Kaka was one of the biggest reasons why Manchester United lost to AC Milan in the semi-finals of the Champions League. In the second leg, John O'Shea was reportedly assigned to shadow him. Instead, he was left chasing shadows on the pitch.
On that rainy night in Milan, Kaka drifted left and right, and cleverly evaded the attentions of Man United's defensive midfielder Michael Carrick. Even Paul Scholes didn't know what to do with him when he came within close range. Nemanja Vidic and Wes Brown were torn between having to stay back in central defence and roaming up to close down Kaka (right) as their team-mates became confused.
In other words, chaos ruled in Man United's ranks as Kaka romped over them. Very soon, it will be Liverpool's turn to face Kaka and Milan in the Champions League final.
The Postman's Question of the Week: If you were Liverpool's manager Rafael Benitez - who's known for his tactical supremacy in Europe - how would you stop Kaka, by using the players you have at your disposal?
Answer in not more than 200 words, by 3pm on Monday, and the usual spread of letters will be carried on Tuesday, in The New Paper.
Post your views here by clicking on "comments" below my poll here, or e-mail to The New Paper's sports desk under the title "Dear Postman" (by clicking the link on the right).
At your service,
Ernest Luis
The Postman
The New Paper
(PS. E-mailers and bloggers, you all should e-mail us your full name, age, occupation, contact numbers and favourite teams, so you can be selected as prize winners or have your letters published.)
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42 comments:
I'd play five defenders. Left wing back - John Arne Riise. Central defence - Daniel Agger, Jamie Carraghe and Sami Hyypia. Right wing back - Steve Finnan.
This will be called area marking. When Kaka drifts to the left or right, there will be Riise and Finnan to stop him. When Kaka dribles from the centre, Agger and Hyypia will stop him in the central zone.
Jamie Carragher will be given the job to mark Kaka out of the game with or without the ball.
When one Liverpool defender is busy with Kaka, the others can mark out or tackle the ball from other AC Milan players.
5-3-2 for Liverpool against AC Milan.
In the Utd game, i think O Shea wasn't tasked to shadow him. Instead, Utd played a system where the nearest man would pick him up. However, as we all know, Kaka drifts around so I would envisage that Benitez would use Mascherano dubbed 'The Destroyer' to stick to Kaka.
Kaka is not an out-and-out striker and it could cause confusion and a gap in the Liverpool ranks if he drops back deep to allow the likes of Seedorf to move forward.
My idea in using Mascherano-
1. Liverpool can play their normal system. They might flood their midfield with an additional player playing a 4-5-1, but i do not see Benitez committing and extra defender.
2. Kaka drops back deep most of the time and thus a midfielder would be better suited to the job.
3. Mascherano is adept at tackling and at ball distribution. If he wins the ball early, he can spray those early passes to counterattack.
As Ancelotti has acknowledged, Utd allows teams to play unlike Pool. Kaka could find himself with lesser space to roam even if Mascherano fails in his duty.
Cheers,
kel
Kel, I think Javier Mascherano isn't suitable for the defensive midfield role. Let Jamie Carragher play that role along with central defence duties like an anchorman. Javier ain't no Paul Ince. Sorry.
That would mean Carra would be played out of his best position. Carra should play in his normal position where he has shown that he can make those last ditch tackles or organise the Pool defence. Hyypia hasn't played much this season and it would definitely be a risk to play him in such a big game. I believe Mascherano is good enough to play as anchor doing the spadework after seeing play that way for Argentina.
Or how about 5-3-2 with Mascherano as the defensive midfielder with Gerrard and Alonso as the central midfielders. My strikers will be Dirk Kuyt and Peter Crouch. Like that, both of us will be happy, eh, Kel. :)
I'll play 4-4-2, having the midfielders to protect the defence. In this way, there are at least two players providing defensive duties in my own half. Just like how Liverpool will usually play, Zenden will run back to provide defensive cover for Riise. Mascherano will stay back to cover for the central defence, with Gerrard running back to make crucial tackles and important interceptions. The right midfield is quite a problematic one, so I'll shift Gerrard to the right and have Alonso back in the centre. Finnan will do a good job as right back. The consistent Carragher will pair up with Angger in the central defence. This shouldn't apply only to Kaka, it should be all their attackers. The main idea is to deny their creative players time and space to do any damage.
Toh Siong Keong, 22
Undergraduate
90484685
Liverpool
To Stop Kaka, you need to marry him with Javier Mascherano.
Mascherano will be the dutiful wife holding his arm tightly so that he can't do any damage to Liverpool.
This result in either Kaka being red-carded for hitting back his wife Mascherano or leaving the field early due to his injuries inflicted by his over zealous wife.
Make sure there are 2 Liverpool players keep Kaka happy with their arms holding him tightly should he briefly escape the clutches of wife Mascherano.
If all fails, allow Jamie Carragher welcome Kaka with open arms, hold him another, squeeze him harder with lots of affection that both Kaka and him are red-carded together.
From: Chester Low
I will employ the 4-1-3-2 formation,keeping the shape of defence intact with Carragher,Agger in the middle,Finnan on the right and Risse on the left.Since this quartet have been very astute for most of the season,I see no change in them.Sissoko in the defensive midfield,Gonzalez,Alonso and Gerrard completes the midfield and Kuyt partnering Crouch up front.
Players like Kaka are just not meant for man-marking.Not only because he can give the man-marker the slip with skills any moment in the match but also I would have been disposed of the utilities of the man-marker.Just take the case of Essien,playing center defence rob Chelsea of a good midfielder and a not so sound defence.So the defenders just need to make sure they are up to their job in zonal-marking and alert to dangerous situation.
The way Milan employ Kaka is simple,free role to romp in the midfield and changing position with Seedorf from time to time.So the way to neutralise the threats from Kaka will be from midfield,which means a defensive midfielder will be of good use in this match.Sissoko can do quite a good job in front of the backline but his main problem is his passing,if that becomes a main problem then the less physical Mascherano can comes in.
The idea is not to worry too much about Kaka because Milan is not just about Kaka,there is still Seedorf,Inzaghi,Pirlo and Gilardino who could do damage.Defend from the front and be patient with finding a scoring chance will be my way.
It isnt just Kaka. Underestimate the other players in the Milan team at your peril.
Danger men for me: Kaka, Seedorf, Pirlo, Gattuso.
Weaknesses: Dida, Inzaghi.
Yeah, agreed with all that there are more dangermen than just Kaka. Kaka tends to drop back deep and when he does so, the likes of Seedorf moves to take up his position. That is the system Ancelotti's team plays with players interchanging position often. What a task for Benitez to have on his hands because he can't possibly man-mark everyone. But having said that, if Kaka is neutralised, half the battle is gone because he has gotta be definitely the most important player in the italian side.
Liverpool will clamp up and attempt to hit on the break because coming straight at the experienced Milanese defence would be tough. I guess Pool's best chance would be to tire their ageing opponents by keeping possesion of the ball well. There is only so much the italians can do without the ball but i doubt Pool could do that. I know i would upset many by saying this but at the moment, Milan packs too much class for Pool to handle.
Cheers,
kel
sorry, forgot to add my 2cents worth:
And i think Benitez will probably flood the midfield to give it extra muscle, which means that either Kuyt or Crouch would be dropped. With Milan's system of playing with just 1 recognised striker, playing with just 4 in midfield could see them being exposed.
No matter how supremely talented Kaka is, he cannot cause damage without possession of the ball. Therefore, to stop Kaka, Liverpool needs to deny passes from reaching the Brazilian maestro.
This is done by adopting a high-tempo pressing game and not allowing Milan the luxury of time and space in possession to pick a pass, especially in their own half. Using a diamond formation in the middle of the park, Liverpool must also ensure they are first to the second balls, especially in midfield and not dwell when in possession.
While Kaka is Liverpool's main concern, the Reds must crucially prevent the likes of Seerdorf and Pirlo from dictating play and supplying those passes to Kaka. By stopping the source, it will inevitably force Kaka to drop deep to receive the ball in areas where he is incapable of hurting Liverpool.
Man-marking Kaka is not recommended as he tends to float around so Benitez should probably stick to zonal marking, with players coming across to help cover the defender whenever Kaka has the ball.
Stopping the world’s best player at the moment is easier said than done but if successful, a sixth European triumph is a possibility.
My prediction before the match was Chelsea 2 Manchester United 0. Drogba and Cole were my predicted scorers. Well 1-0 and I was very close. CONGRATULATIONS CHELSEA FOR BEING THE FIRST WINNER OF THE FA CUP AT THE NEW WEMBLEY STADIUM!!
I'm going to pujangga malam's street soccer court to rub in on him but at the same time to console him. 5pm...today. Hope it doesn't rain.
In the final 2 years ago, Kaka was absolutely tearing Liverpool apart in the 1st half with his runs and passes. Rafa then brought on defensive midfielder Hamann to contain the Kaka threat, and we started controlling the midfield a lot better from the 2nd half onwards.
Though Hamann is no longer with Liverpool, and Kaka has developed into an even better player than he was 2 years ago, Rafa can still adopt a similar tactic in stopping Kaka. Rafa can choose to employ Mascherano, who is a similar type of defensive midfielder, and the Argentine-Brazilian rivalry will also probably add spice to the intriguing battle between the two.
Basically not only do you have to get the ball off Kaka, you also have to stop the ball from getting played to Kaka. That will mean stopping the likes of Gattuso and Pirlo as well. That may mean that Rafa may choose to play 3 central midfielders in Mascherano, Gerrard and Alonso, with Gerrard in a slightly more advanced position. It’d be interesting to see which trio triumphs on the day itself, but just in case, if all else fails… there’s Carragher and Reina at the last line of defence…
If I have to get someone to mark kaka, i also have to consider getting 1 player to mark Pirlo, as he is also a dangerous player
I will chose to play 4-5-1 formation. Defender will be Finnan, Agger, Carragher and Riise. Midfield will consist of Pennant, kewell as winger. Gerrard, Alonso and Mascherano. Kuyt will be the lone striker. Mascherano will play as a Defensive midfield to help the back 4 and also to stop kaka if he get into the middle. If kaka goes to either flank, it will be pennant and kewell to mark him. Kuyt will drop back to help out in Midfield when Milan are attacking. Kuyt will be marking Pirlo. WHen pirlo gets the ball, Kuyt will pressure him to made sure he have no chance to distribute the ball forward. Kuyt stamina is good, he should be able to do that.
With Kaka and Pirlo being shut out, the creative in attack from milan would be reduced.
Liverpool still have Gerrard and alonso to roam the midfield area. But liverpool still have to take note of other dangerous player like Seedorf, Inzaghi, Gilardino and even defender like maldini, cafu can suddenly become attacker. Therefore liverpool have to play with 200% concentration if they want to win AC milan. Made a mistake and they might get punished by Milan. Meanwhile for Milan, they also cannot afford a mistake as liverpool can be deadly in attack sometime, especially in major match. This match will end either 0-0 or 1-1 in 90 minutes. Penalty shootout is very likely to happen again.
I would play 3 in the centre of the park: Alonso, Mascherano and Sissoko. The main men against Kaka would be the very disciplined Mascherano and Sissoko. This of course means Gerrard on the right, meaning Pennant will be on the bench, but this is a better decision. Gerrard's defensive qualities would be much needed to stop Clarence Seedorf, who would most probably start on Milan's left. Mascherano and Sissoko must play, since they give so much energy to the Pool midfield. Sissoko runs everywhere and he can track Kaka everywhere he goes without tiring. Mascherano to double-team Kaka. Of course, Pool will also need to look out for Pirlo, who can split a defence real well. All in all, for Liverpool to win, they need a midfield who can run non-stop for 90 minutes, and are not afraid to dive into tackles.
I am hoping Hyypia plays because his experience is greatly needed, but I just dont see Benitez sacrificing Liverpool's fasest defender (Agger).
My formation would be: 4-5-1.
Keep pressing Milan and be patient in launching quick counter attacks (through Alonso, Kewell, Gerrard and Bellamy).
Get ready for a real energy-sapping night, Pool. YNWA
Goh Yong Xing, 16, Student, 67917727, Liverpool.
Milan’s midfield is awesome but Liverpool can bypass it by playing the direct football they tried against Chelsea. Long balls, set-pieces and two big guys up front simple but Milan hate it. Mascherano , xabi Alonso and sissoko are all the players with such capabilities but I choose mascherano.
In Mascherano, Liverpool have that man. A man from Argentina who will take enormous pleasure in being asked to pursue Milan’s majestic Brazilian all over the pitch. His never give up attitude will be that x factor to contain kaka throughout the game. In the first half in Istanbul, Kaka and his colleagues dominated Liverpool as easily as they did United in Milan. But once Hamann provided protection to the back four, Liverpool were able to attack with more confidence this is where mascherano come in.As Mascherano demonstrated so impressively he is a destructive force and a player seemingly created in Argentina for the sole task of combating Brazil’s most dangerous players.
kaka is a great player .mascherano and gerrard will make his life hectic at the very least . dont delude yourself into thinking he is going to break down one of the worlds best defenses...
ruben 17 liverpool fan
I think Liverpool are being seriously underrated here. This Milan team is virtually the same team that lost to a Liverpool side that contained the likes of Dudek, Traore, Smicer, Baros and Cisse.
No doubt Kaka is a better player than he was 2 years ago, Maldini, Nesta, Seedorf and Serginho are all 2 years older. Also, Shevchenko and Crespo is no longer there. Dida is made to look better than he actually is.
Liverpool though, are a much stronger side than in 2005. Reina is twice the keeper Dudek was, Agger beats Traore hands down, and Kuyt, Crouch, Bellamy and Pennant pose a much greater attacking threat than the class of 2005.
It is the same Milan team that made so much hard work of getting past Celtic, but after beating Man U,they are proclaimed as world beaters. Cut off Kaka and Pirlo and I'd struggle to see where the goals will come from. Seedorf will get nowhere as much space around the box as he did against Man U, and I doubt he'll get much joy out of Finnan. Inzaghi is way past his best.
I get the feeling that Milan are slightly overconfident. They think they won't screw up this time against a "technically inferior" Liverpool side.
Well, Barcelona are best team technically in Europe, and they were comprehensively outwitted by Benitez. Liverpool managed to handle a team that had creative maestros like Ronaldinho, Messi, Deco and Iniesta. I don't see why they can't handle a Milan team with just Kaka.
Milan wiped the floor with Man U because the Red Devils were forced to play a makeshift defence with a half-fit Vidic, while Carrick is no Mascherano. A high tempo pressing game could fluster the Italians. Give them no space to breathe. Rattle Kaka and Pirlo with a few hard tackles early on. Milan won't like a physical game. Bring on Bellamy after about an hour. His pace will leave Maldini and Nesta trailing in his wake. Not such a one-sided affair now huh?
no point marking any one from MIlan
LIverpool is losing anyway
Ac Milan attack bulid up from a very strong Midfield trio of Gattuso, Pirlo and
Seedorf.. Playing with 5-3-2 will only allow Ac Milan to control the midfield and attack with ease... Stupid tactie...
Playing against Ac Milan, the key will be the battle of Midfield..
Control the midfield and you will control Ac Milan.
Playing Mascherano is a MUST as to fend off any kaka threat.. (QS. Mascherano is a very good player, pls do ur homework)
I would play Zenden as MC together with Gerrard, Mascherano and Alonso... But since Zenden out with injuries, sissoko may play instead... Liverpool need a hardworking player to run down the neck of every Milan player..
Kuyt cannot play as lone Striker as he isnt a player who tend to stay in the danger zone. His style of play is he loves to drift back to Midfield area to recieve the ball...
I would play Kuyt and Crouch upfront with Bellamy coming on as a sub in the 2nd half.
And ya,
Carragher will keep Kaka in his pocket....
And Liverpool will win the Champion League and shut all Manu Players mouth UP.
Contrary to what some have said, I feel there should be a man marking Kaka. -- preferably Mascherano or Carragher. In addition to containing Kaka, the other players must also help out and go for a 2-on-1 or even a 3-on-1 whenever the situation calls for it. Though Kaka can give his man-marker the slip at any moment, he would find it difficult to break free from other surrounding players easy. Look at how Ronaldo was nullified in the two games against Milan and Chelsea. It is possible to render Kaka ineffective too. The main difference is Kaka would not be frustrated that easily and in the process of doing so, the Liverpool players would be more tired and would lose out if there‘s extra-time. I suggest a 4-5-1 attempt first before switching to a 4-4-2 attacking approach (in the 2nd half) with Bellamy and Kuyt upfront to get the winner.
*I would be rooting for Milan though muahahah*
The answer is simple.
No one can stop Kaka.
ok jk
I would play a 4-1-3-2 formation. Finnan and Riise the fullbacks. Agger to partner Carragher in the centre. Mascherano to sit in front of the back four. Gerrard to play behind targetmen Crouch and Kuyt.
Liverpool's fullbacks should curb their overlapping instincts so as to cope with Milan's counter attacks through Kaka, much like how Ferreira and Bridge snuffed out Ronaldo in the Fa Cup final. In the match against Man U, Kaka was the first man Milan looked to when they launched their counter attack. Mascherano should be the man to shadow Kaka. Alonso should drop back to protect the back four as well. Sissoko is another choice provided he’s available.
If all else fail, Rafa should bring on Craig Bellamy to get Kaka. Someone bring him his golf club please..
-Raymond Ng, Man U fan
I understand I made lots of Liverpool fans angry when I left as a Liverpool fan because Jamie Redknapp left the club. Well, I'm sorry Liverpool fans. I still wear my 'REDKNAPP 11' jersey sometimes when I play street soccer.
One more reason why I left Liverpool is because they killed their short passing game tradition.
Once again, I'm VERY sorry Liverpool fans.
Q-S, you didn't console me yesterday, neither did you rub the win in though I would be immuned to it had you really did so. Cos really at the rate both sides dished out the Final, neither deserved to win and I for one think Utd deserved to lose for being so insipid in attack.
Back to the topic. Stop Kaka??? The answer is simple. Station a professional sniper on the stands and shoot him when he is standing on the pitch while the Champions League anthem is being played. Ok ok I'm being mean, but seriously, he has been a phenomenon in the competition this season.
Looking at the Liverpool team, only Mascherano and Sissoko have the abilities to shadow him throughout the game. Mascherano being technically better should get the nod over Sissoko who still hasn't mastered the art of checking / tackling someone hard but fair.
But as CFCFAN had pointed out, players like Seedorf, Pirlo and Gattuso are also dangerous and I for one think the latter is the man that makes them tick. I'm more interested in his duel with Gerrard than Kaka's duel with the Liverpool defence. Kaka could well be the decoy for the other players to nick in and score and Milan has that in abundance. As last weekend showed, even the grand oldie like Costacurta can still pop in and score.
Mascherano is not suited for the Champions League. He is good only in games that are not competive like friendlies. Sissoko or maybe carragher play as the defending midmifielder. If carragher play as the defending midfielder infront of the defenders, let hyypia partner agger in the central midfield.
So the formation for Liverpool will be 4-1-3-2
Agree ??
^^^^^^^^
reply if u dun agree
Stop Kaka? Legally or illegally? There are plenty of illegal ways i can think of to stop him. Legally, common sense will say Mascherano or Sissoko; and I will go with that.
Notice how Milan players are so arrogant by saying "Liverpool is a lousiest English team", "Boring Liverpool", "Physical", "long ball", "Man U will be better opponent" (of cos, they thrash them 3-0, i would also hope for oppo like them)?
But these sound more like voices of fear rather than belief.
The memory of Istanbul is haunts them. They knows Liverpool are no push over in Europe.
Yes, in Kaka, they arguably have the world best and on form player... Guttuso and Seedorf are on-song too... but Liverpool have a team and unit that is stronger the team 2005. Prehaps, Milan should reconsider on stopping the mean Red Machine instead. Cheer! IMHO.
Prefect Scenario, score at 2-2 at 89 min (not so boring) and a penalty awarded to Liverpool. Robbie sub-in and take (can sub?) and SCORES... prefect farewell. Nevertheless, if this does not happen, i will take any form of Victory.
Milan are not arrogant they are just creating fear in the Liverpool camp and creating self-belief that they can win the Champions league.
These are mind-games that benitez and mourinho plays wif their opponents before importtant games.
Mourinho did tis before the FA cup final and the result .....
Chelsea won so get the point
I would tie a sack over Kaka's head before the kick-off. That'll do it. Even he can't score when he can't see. Short of that, I really don't know how Liverpool will stop him.
Can I take this opportunity to apologise for telling everyone on Friday that the FA Cup would be really good? I'm so sorry, I've never been more wrong about anything in my life. What an appalling game!
Chelsea - Arsenal final. Classic match.
Chelsea - Liverpool semi. Boring
Chelsea - Man Utd final. Boring.
Why? Chelsea play to cope with the opposition style of play. If you play intricate passing and attacking football, you can't stop that, so you attack as well. So, classic match.
If you play counter attacking football ala Man Utd, its easy to stop that, so you neutralize their attack, it becomes boring.
If you play long balls, its easy to stop that too. So boring game for the CL semi.
I disagree with you, Mr. Iain Macintosh. Chelsea Vs Manchester United was a heart-stopping game if you are a Chelsea or Manchester United fan.
And I DEMAND an apology from you months ago for saying I was barking mad and in need of professional help. I agree SOMETIMES I'm barking mad but getting professional help DOES NOT HELP and I hope someone beats you up for bad-mouthing a team in the near future.
You don't know me, you weak, can't defend yourself, freelance writer. Karma's a bit__!!
I'm sorry Singaporeans for my thirst for vengeance is deep. Enjoy my home page please - www.geocities.com/syahrein81/index.html. DON'T support Iain Macintosh, he's an ang moh who's not even Singaporean. What the hell is he doing on The New Paper every Friday? I'm sure Singapore can produce better writers than him.
I know you all agree if there is a column called 'the write off' written by me, fresh The New Papers won't be recycled as kacang puteh wrappers.
Don't rise to it..
q-s,
I thought you could go the month of May without ranting. But you slipped back again. During that period when you got angry with Iain, I think you will know that you yourself were verbally attacking others here. Since there was no peace offer then, let's leave it as it was, shall we? Leave it in the season 2006/07?
Cheers,
The Postman
I'm sorry for being a disgrace in your blog, Ernest. Guess I couldn't get over Bret Hart's incident 10 years ago. LOL.
"Don't let your heads drop.
All the players who go on
the pitch after half-time have
to keep their heads held high.
We are Liverpool. You are
playing for Liverpool.
Do not forget that.
You have to hold your
heads high for the supporters.
You have to do it for them.
You cannot call yourselves
Liverpool players if you have
your heads down.
If we create a few chances
we have the possibility of
getting back into this.
Believe you can do it and you will.
Give yourself the chance
to be heroes."
(Rafa Benitez – Half time.
Ataturk Stadium. Istanbul.
25th May 2005)
lActually there is nothing to apologise Iain. Any decent football fan would have been optimistic that the two best teams in England would dish out entertaining football by virtue of the players they have and their current status. We could all hope and pray that things would turn out well but as it is the attrocious brand of football dished out was a complete bore.
If you are the one who is controlling the players via a joystick, then yeah you can afford to apologise but it was out of your hands and ours, so please don't be apologetic...
Good writers like Iain should be featured on a regular basis. I'd rather have astute comments rather than emotional and vengeful rantings anyday. I don't think Iain owes Q-S any apologies cos even Q-S himself admitted his shortcomings. There wouldn't be smoke without fire...
To Q-S, you're a decent chap outside. Please keep that persona of yours the same in here. You'll be an even better writer come the next season and who knows, might even bag the Writer of the Month award...
yes. q-s,u really are a disgrace. I am glad you know it yourself.
I'm only a disgrace on this blog, you nincompoop. If you know me in real life, everyone likes me except my little brother and my little sister so please understand my situation.
Sorry for calling you a nincompoop. I think it's a funny word.
Just a side note:
Mascherano was part of the Argentina Olympics team 2004 that win Final without consist any goals throughout the competition. Olympic Stadium - Athens, was venue of that Final. He must have some good memories there.
His good friend Tevez was the Golden Ball winner too with 9 goals (likely to join Liverpool according to Football Focus?)
And Maschie played against Pirlo and Gilardino in the Semi-Final in that Tourament... Argentina with 3-0...
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