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| COMMITMENT TO DEFEND |
The idea is that the players pull together to close up the spaces and quickly take up their positions after attacking. This is the famous rolling back that Carlo Ancelotti has been drumming into his players all week.
The importance of this strategy is in the minds of the staff as well as the players. In the dressing room, everyone is aware of just how important a good result at the Camp Nou would be for them. Such a result much depends on their ability to act in a synchronised, coordinated manner, the group having a lot more importance than any individual.
With this in mind, all eyes have been on Gareth Bale, who has come under a lot of fire for shying away from his defensive duties. Ancelotti, Clement and Hierro have all had words with the Welshman, reminding him to be careful, to not forget what he must do when Real don't have possession.
In Thursday's training session, such reminders seemed to have at last sunk in. The player was clearly more committed, tracking back when his team lost the ball and pressing hard. Such behaviour will be vital this Sunday. The Italian manager is putting the finishing touches to a system that must work to perfection at the Camp Nou if they are to win.
