++ [ originally posted by Andy
] ++
In the second half of the first leg Capello made one important tactical switch: he decided to move Nedved into a central, more forward role. With Nedved playing behind the strikers it caused Liverpool problems because Gerrard had to track back and pick up Pavel in his more forward role. With Gerrard having to come back to defend Liverpool must concede their top half of the midfield, thus cutting back on their forward pressure and attack.
I think the second half of play in Liverpool should be the standard by Capello in the return leg. English sides are not used to attacks that have depth and mobile midfielders playing right behind the strikers, causing their defense to be stretched with the lateral runs of the attacking midfielder. That's why Nedved MUST be given a free role to attack, just like in the second half of play.
Buffon
Thuram - Montero - Cannavaro
Camoranesi - Emerson - Tacchinardi - Zambrotta
Nedved
Ibrahimovic - Del Piero
Don't be alarmed, I meant to play Montero. Since we imbecilicly gave away Tudor in January we lost a defender who is strong in the air, and the only defender who we have that is remotely strong in the air is Montero, unfortunately. He's stronger than Birindelli and Pessotto in this aspect, so I think we have to play him.