Sports News of Wednesday, 17 October 2018

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

Black Stars to switch to three-back system – Coach Tanko

Ibrahim Tanko, Deputy Black Stars coach Ibrahim Tanko, Deputy Black Stars coach

Deputy Ghana coach Ibrahim Tanko has disclosed that the Black Stars could switch to the three-back system in their subsequent games.

Ghana assistant coach says the Black Stars could soon be deploying a three-back system in their bid to have more options in tactics.

The West African giants are known for the traditional system of four flat defenders consisting of two centre-backs and two full-backs.

The three-back option, which has gained popularity in recent years, though, deploys three-flat centre-backs, with the ‘full-backs’ operating slightly higher up as “wing-backs”.

“Kasim [Adams] and [Daniel] Amartey sometimes play in that system at [English side] Leicester City and [German club] Hoffenheim [respectively],” Tanko told Goal.

“The three-back system is a system you would always want to have as an option.

“Even Baba Rahman’s team [German outfit Schalke 04] play the three-back where he plays as the left-wing-back. Lumor Agbenyenu’s clubs [Sporting Lisbon of Portugal] happen to also play that system.

“It’s one of those systems that you need to have in mind, even in a game situation where you need more midfielders, you can sacrifice one defender. It’s a good thing.

“We’re going to work on that so that when it comes that we have to use it, it won’t be a problem.