Liam Rosenior: David Wagner’s exciting brand of football with Huddersfield emulates his mate Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool
Former Dortmund II boss has brought Gegenpressing to West Yorkshire and the Terriers are reaping the reward
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A NEW manager moves from Borussia Dortmund to England halfway through last season.
He plays a brand of fearless, high-tempo, attacking football while using the terms “pressing” and “counter-pressing” to depict his style.
He wins over his fans not only with that style but with his charismatic personality as well. From the dugout he prowls the touchline in his designer glasses and celebrates goals with unbridled enthusiasm.
His philosophy is founded on a strong work ethic and great team spirit. I’m talking about Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp, right?
Wrong!
Yes, there is a footballing revolution at Anfield, but there is something similar happening at Huddersfield Town in the Championship.
Coincidence you ask? Not a chance.
Manager David Wagner is beginning to put his stamp on his team while following the footballing principles of Dortmund’s successful team under Klopp.
Huddersfield have seven points from three matches this season — four from two tough away games at Newcastle and Aston Villa.
It looks proof that after the benefit of a full pre-season with his club, Wagner has been able to put the hours in on the training field to lay down an identity based on his time working with Klopp as Dortmund’s Under-23 team manager.
The late equaliser that Michael Hefele scored at Villa Park illustrated perfectly the type of football that his manager wants to implement.
It came from Hefele pressing high and chasing down Pierluigi Gollini from a routine back pass, blocking his attempted clearance into an empty net.
The strike was typical of the unselfish and hard-working play that characterised an extremely successful
Dortmund team team managed by Klopp who clearly impressed Wagner and fostered his football principles.
That goal came in the last five minutes, when others might have had their heads down accepting defeat.
Wagner’s Huddersfield are extremely fit, which you need to be to meet the demands of the high press, high energy game that he and Klopp pursue.
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As an aspiring coach/manager who is completing his coaching badges, I’m interested in watching and analysing different tactics.
I’ve always admired this style of play. It suits English football down to the ground and seeing how Liverpool and Huddersfield have started the season, the revolution keeps progressing.
It wouldn’t surprise me if both clubs have successful seasons.