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Exclusive: Inter Full-Back Maicon To Play Right-Wing Against Barcelona
Brazilian could step into midfield as Mourinho looks to unleash a surprise or two.
Apr 19, 2010 3:00:00 PM
By Carlo Garganese & Rupert Fryer
Inter full-back Douglas Maicon will be pushed up into midfield for tomorrow evening’s UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Barcelona at San Siro, Goal.com sources have learned.
With so much of the talk building up to tomorrow night’s match focusing around how Jose Mourinho intends to nullify Leo Messi, Jose Mourinho has seemingly decided to deploy either Ivan Cordoba or Javier Zanetti as an orthodox right full-back, freeing Maicon of his defensive responsibilities.
The Brazilian will instead be let loose on the attacking right of midfield to try and expose Barcelona's weaker left flank, which will be occupied by either Maxwell or Eric Abidal. Goran Pandev will drop to the bench after his poor recent form.
Mourinho has been playing his cards very close to his chest over the past week, refusing to be drawn on the tactical approach he intends to take to the game, suggesting he is hoping to launch a surprise or two on Pep Guardiola; just as he did against Chelsea in the previous round when he selected a more attacking formation for the second leg at Stamford Bridge.
Goal.com has also learned that The Special One is likely to scrap this ultra-attacking 4-2-1-3 formation in favor of a more pragmatic approach. The 4-1-4-1 or 4-2-3-1 (depending on territory) is the system that Mou is ready to utilise, with a probable team of Julio Cesar; Cordoba, Lucio, Samuel, Zanetti; Thiago Motta, Cambiasso; Maicon, Sneijder, Eto'o; Milito
Keep up to date with all the latest Champions League news with Goal.com and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
With so much of the talk building up to tomorrow night’s match focusing around how Jose Mourinho intends to nullify Leo Messi, Jose Mourinho has seemingly decided to deploy either Ivan Cordoba or Javier Zanetti as an orthodox right full-back, freeing Maicon of his defensive responsibilities.
The Brazilian will instead be let loose on the attacking right of midfield to try and expose Barcelona's weaker left flank, which will be occupied by either Maxwell or Eric Abidal. Goran Pandev will drop to the bench after his poor recent form.
Mourinho has been playing his cards very close to his chest over the past week, refusing to be drawn on the tactical approach he intends to take to the game, suggesting he is hoping to launch a surprise or two on Pep Guardiola; just as he did against Chelsea in the previous round when he selected a more attacking formation for the second leg at Stamford Bridge.
Goal.com has also learned that The Special One is likely to scrap this ultra-attacking 4-2-1-3 formation in favor of a more pragmatic approach. The 4-1-4-1 or 4-2-3-1 (depending on territory) is the system that Mou is ready to utilise, with a probable team of Julio Cesar; Cordoba, Lucio, Samuel, Zanetti; Thiago Motta, Cambiasso; Maicon, Sneijder, Eto'o; Milito
Keep up to date with all the latest Champions League news with Goal.com and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
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