News Articles > Has Carlos Corberan set Town up differently this season?

Has Carlos Corberan set Town up differently this season?

22/08/21

A new season and a clean slate for Carlos Corberan to work his magic at Huddersfield Town. Last year there was such promise in the early season form, but it ended up being just a false pretence as Town finished 20th. Town developed a system of playing out from the back and using their wingbacks to create the bulk of their attacking threat, but as opposition teams started to counteract this, it became less effective. Toffolo didn't get an assist after November last year after getting 5 in the first 14 games. Injuries played a part, but Town' style had been found out and didn't have the quality of players to override this.

Last season at Town

It is clear that in the style that Carlos wanted to imprint at Town last season, that there was a huge emphasis on possession. This is much like what is played in Spain, but implementing it in a league that is a lot more physical than Spanish football and is hugely reliant on the players being quick, powerful and strong on the ball. Last season Norwich was the only team that could apply a possession-based system and consistently pick up results. They showed how it could work really well, when they completely picked apart Town with 68% possession, so clearly you can have possession and be competitive.

The changes this season.

Town beat Sheffield United yesterday with 29.4% possession, which is the lowest recorded figure since Carlos Corberan took over. Dominating the ball may look pretty, but doesn't win you the game. Town proved this last season by having the 4th highest average possession (54.6%) and finishing 5th bottom. It is early in the season, but Town have averaged the 4th lowest so far (42.4%) and sit 10th and are three points better than they were at this stage last season.
This season, some fans have complained that they don't know what Carlos is trying to achieve in games and that there isn't any sort of style that we saw last year. One thing that I think has been clear this season is that Carlos has worked on adapting his style so that it works in English football. This season, the team look a lot more comfortable out of possession of the ball and the team are looking like they are playing with more intelligence. Whether that be seeing out a game when they are in the lead or not overexerting themselves at the start of a game.

Is it a surprise that Town seem to get better results, with less of the ball?

The simple answer is no. Out of the 48 games played last season, Town had less than 50% of the ball 10 times and won 5, drew 1 and lost 4, compare that with the 38 times they had more of the ball, they won 7, drew 12 and lost 19. This season Town only had more of the ball against Sheffield Wednesday and drew that game. Town had less of the ball in all four of their Championship fixtures this season, winning 2, drawing 1 and losing 1.
In short, Town's win rate when having less of the ball is 50%, contrasted with when they have more it is only 18%. They may be losing around 50% of games, regardless of the possession, but as seen by their 12 draws last year, they are less likely to convert a draw into a win when they have more of the ball than when they don't.
The sample size is still small for this season, but it seems like Carlos has Town playing with a much better Championship style. Making use of set pieces and going more direct in attack. Town average 1 long key pass per game last season, this season they are averaging 2, although Town are now averaging less short key passes (7.1 compared with 5).
The changes are subtle, but Corberan is adapting and learning. Town are starting to fit in as being a Championship team and not be a maverick side, playing a wild brand of football that is completely out of line with the rest of the division.
The Championship is an odd league, there are not many teams with the quality required to rip apart a defence, but most are hard-working sides that win their aerials duels and their midfield battles. If Town can get these basics right, then they have the ability to be a mid-table side, if not one that is pushing for the play-offs.