Determined to achieve success in his first match with the team, coach Rui Almeida will play it safe with quick counter-attacks. Even if he prefers the beautiful game, he will not risk much in his first official match with the team.
As the confrontation against ES Setif approaches, the Portuguese coach continues to tell his players that they must play with quick counterattacks to try to exploit the spaces that the Setifians will leave. He would inquire about Frank Dumas’ playing system, and managers who knew him well would tell him he was an attacking coach. Since Etoile du Sahel is forced to pull itself together after its poor start in the tournament, it is certain that Dumas will play excessive attack in the hope of overcoming his former team. So, in an attempt to tackle him, Almeida relies on the speed of his attackers to surprise Etoile du Sahel’s defence. Mwake and Bwalya are very fast players who love to have space and will try to exploit even the slightest space to make a difference. Although their task is difficult for the Setif team, which aims to play leadership roles this season, the Canaries strongly believe in their chances of returning with a good result from their trip to Setif. Almeida’s desire is to win his first match, but he will not give up a draw point against ES Setif.
Game system
As reported in our latest edition, the Portuguese coach will play in a 4-4-2 formation which will transform into a 4-3-3 when the team is in possession. He knows that in order to put pressure on the opponent’s defence, it will be necessary to create a surplus in attack, which is why he asked the players to play in a 4-4-2 formation when they lose the ball and in a 4-3-3 formation. When they get it back. Therefore, he will not go to Setif to play for a draw, but rather to try to come back with three points in the match. Even if JS Kabylie’s yellow and green attackers have shown ineffectiveness in previous matches, they have the means to break down any defense provided they are on their day. Bwalya, for example, can make a difference as long as he is well inspired and focused on what awaits him on the pitch without forgetting Mwaki nicknamed TGV who unfortunately has not scored a single goal since the start of the season. Sure, he provided two assists, one for Boukhencech against Magra and the other for Berkane against USM Algeria, but he could have done better if he was at his best. It is useful to remember that Almeida asks his players every time to defend and attack as a unit in the hope of meeting the challenge. He was hired to finish the season on the podium in order to guarantee participation in a continental competition next season and in order to be able to work with peace of mind, he wants success at all costs in his first matches with the team.
- B.
