From Swansea to Merseyside: The tale of two managers

Study 3: Type of Football

Brendan Rodgers is a keen proponent of the attacking 4-3-3 system. He also likes to have a mix of short and long range passes unlocking the opponent’s defense with pacey players. This sees the team take a lot more shots on the opponent’s net than most teams in England. Last season, Liverpool finished with the highest number of shots taken in the Premier League and surpassed the club’s record number of goals in a season with 71. Analyzing Rodgers’ impact at Liverpool purely in footballing terms, it can be called a progress. He also developed young talents in Jonjo Shelvey, Suso and Andre Wisdom, handing them valuable time in the league and cup competitions.

For Martinez, his style of football has changed drastically from his days at Wigan. A career that started with a more attack minded 4-5-1 at Swansea, the incoming Everton manager played his last few games at Wigan with a 3-5-2. While the blame can be shifted a little to Wigan’s constant battles with conceding goals on a constant basis, Martinez did help rejuvenate the careers of Paul Scharner, Charles N’Zogbia and Tom Watson. These players thrived in his versatile system of mixing defense and counter-attack efficiently.

Martinez’s proneness to press with his wingers is very similar to the system Rodgers uses. And with Everton boasting some quick and poaching young talent, Martinez might revert back to his 4-5-1 or a 4-1-3-2 system.

What lies ahead?

For Liverpool, it is ascertained that a return to Champions League needs to come sooner than later. It might be too much to ask Rodgers to achieve that in this upcoming season, but a deep run in the cup competitions and an addition to the silverware cabinet will seem to satisfy the fans and the management.

At Everton, Roberto Martinez will take time to get used to the limelight of the English media. He also takes charge of a club having some of the most passionate fans on the Isles of Britain. For him, a good season might be determined by securing fifth place in England. However, in his first press conference, he has clearly stated that his ambition at Goodison Park is to secure Everton’s first trip to the Champions League.

Given Rodgers’ first season progress at Liverpool and Martinez getting used to taking over reigns at a more ambitious club than Wigan, the 2013-14 season might go Liverpool’s way in terms of Merseyside derby results and Premier League table finish. However, don’t be surprised if Martinez secures his first result over Brendan Rodgers and keeps the blue flag of Merseyside flying high.

For now though, it is always given that the illustrious derby of Merseyside, England will never lose its charm.