MN: A high center of gravity, aggression and ferocity – Rangnick’s attacking philosophy

By Oliver Fisher -

AC Milan supporters can look forward to seeing a fast, tenacious and aggressive attacking style of play if Ralf Rangnick arrives, a report claims.

MilanNews have taken a look at Rangnick’s tactical tendencies in an editorial on their site, focusing on the attacking phase of play in particular.

They note how the German’s philosophy involves a very high rhythm and a very fast execution speed, based around winning the ball back a maximum 10 seconds from the moment it ends up in the feet of the opponents.

If the recovery was successful, the offensive transition of Rangnick’s teams must develop in 8-10 seconds, including a shot at goal.

The game is based around pressing and cutting out passing lanes in a diamond or rhombus formation involving four players looking to win the ball back high up the pitch.

He tends to use two strikers, and if they are required to spread outside the penalty area to continue the press then another of Rangnick’s interesting ideas comes into play, as that is when the mezz’ala and one of the two central midfielders goes to attack the spaces left vacant by the strikers, meaning there are chances for everyone to score.

The game is based around a ‘high center of gravity, aggression and ferocity’ – MilanNews notes – and that extends to the full-backs too.

They are required to push as far up the pitch as possible at the right moments in order to further disturb the opposition defence  and give greater freedom to those arriving from behind, who can then be found with a pass before shooting quickly.

Someone like Theo Hernandez could marry Rangnick’s offensive philosophy perfectly, and given his six goals scored this year, he will certainly be a threat with the 61-year-old’s style.

Tags AC Milan Ralf Rangnick
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