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McKinstry has revealed a tactical flaw very similar to Manchester United's under Erik ten Hag that AFC Leopards employ that is exploitable.
Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry has revealed the tactical flaw about AFC Leopards’ football strategy that is very similar to Manchester United, which his side exploited to get a priceless win over their sworn rivals on Sunday.
Austin Odhiambo returned to haunt his former club with the sole goal to give his charges all the three points and solidify their status in the quest to retain their league title at the end of the season.
Leopards still could not find a way to mount a comeback with 11 men, and the result keeps them in eight place on 31 points.
Under the guidance of Tomas Trucha, AFC Leopards have showcased a consistent performance this year, losing only two games against Tusker and Gor Mahia. They have developed a clear identity, with a well-defined playing style.
However, McKinstry pinpointed a tactical vulnerability in AFC Leopards' approach, drawing comparisons with Manchester United's strategy under Erik ten Hag this season.
“AFC have a very clear strategy,” McKinstry observed. “They press high but they leave their defence deep. We sort of referred to it as the Manchester United strategy.
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13:02 - 22.04.2024
Analysis : The four mistakes that cost AFC Leopards the derby against sworn rivals Gor Mahia
These are the real reasons AFC Leopards lost the 95th Mashemeji derby to Gor Mahia.
“It is the same way as ten Hag’s pressing where the front five push very high but the defence drop off deeper than they probably should."
McKinstry elaborated on the potential pitfalls of this approach, emphasising that it can be exploited if teams do not resort to long balls.
He highlighted the importance of playing into the open spaces in midfield and launching attacks, which proved effective for Gor Mahia against AFC Leopards.
“We had to be brave and not kick it long," McKinstry said. "At half time, we told the guys that being brave in terms of getting our two central midfielders on the ball behind AFC Leopards’ pressure line was key to us winning the game.”
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20:14 - 22.04.2024
Nzoia Sugar boss bullish of survival chances despite bad start to life in charge
The former Harambee Stars striker is confident his team still has everything it takes to survive the drop following their heavy loss to Kariobangi Sharks
“They are quite a direct team anyway and we know that through the way they play. When they brought on Yakhama and Gitego, we were very pleased about that because it was very obvious they were gonna go very direct, which is why we started Joshua Onyango ahead of Kennedy Onyango which may have raised a few eyebrows.
““They are quite a direct team anyway and we know that throughBut we know Joshua Onyango, his one on one performances, speed, passion (would help) and he and Sylvester were fantastic.”
As both teams continue their campaigns, it will be intriguing to see how they adapt and evolve in response to these tactical observations.
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