Many are already writing off Swansea under their new coach, but the club could benefit from a change in direction – especially with two strapping targetmen in their ranks.
Former USA international goalkeeper Brad Friedel has told the BBC that Swansea City fans should expect a more direct style of football under new manager Bob Bradley – and the players at the club’s disposal suggests his approach could work wonders in South Wales.
Swansea became synonymous with a patient, possession-based philosophy under Roberto Martinez, Brendan Rodgers and Michael Laudrup, with the short passing and clever movement displayed by the likes of Leon Britton and Joe Allen spawning the nickname ‘Swansealona’.
However, former Blackburn and Tottenham shot-stopper Friedel (below), who played under Bradley in the American national team, expects the club to drift away from their preferred approach during his countryman’s tenure.
“The style of play will be different from than what it was under Brendan Rodgers and [Roberto] Martinez, so I hope the fans will be prepared for that,” former USA goalkeeper Friedel told the BBC, as reported by FourFourTwo.
“It will be a little more direct – when you used to play the Swansea teams when it was Martinez and Rodgers it was total possession, and I’m not saying he [Bradley]’s a long-ball coach but it will be a bit more pragmatic.
“I’m not saying it will be difficult on the eye, but it will be efficient, and I mean that in a positive way, I don’t mean that in a negative way, but it will be a little bit different.”
Bradley guided the USA to the second round of the 2010 World Cup while utilising a direct approach reliant upon the hold-up play of strapping centre-forward Jozy Altidore (below, right).
And, following the summer arrivals of Spanish targetmen Fernando Llorente and Borja Baston, it’s an approach the 58-year-old could adopt at the Liberty Stadium.
Furthermore, flying wingers Modou Barrow and Jefferson Montero should thrive if given the freedom to attack at will on their respective flanks while Gylfi Sigurdsson, who struggled to influence games under the restrictive tactics of previous manager Francesco Guidolin, should emerge revitalised as the playmaking hub of Bradley’s high paced attacking unit.
And the subtle midfield pivotes embodied by Martinez and Rodgers have given way to more powerful, athletic midfield options such as Leroy Fer (below) and Ki Sung-Yueng.
In recent months, Swansea have lacked an identity, seemingly torn between their passing principles and a more high octane approach, resulting in a clear lack of a gameplan and a series of erratic performances.
Bradley’s approach, then, should provide a distinct playing style for a team caught between two eras.
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