Schlupp Reveals Key Tactical Focus Under Vieira

Jeff Schlupp has spoken in detail about the playing philosophy unde Patrick Vieira, as he praised the attacking mindset introduced by the manager this season.

“We saw reports of him being appointed as manager,” Schlupp told Premier League Productions. “Obviously everyone knows who Patrick Vieira is. He’s a legend of the game, he’s a Premier League legend.

“It was exciting. Then to meet him face-to-face was a big moment for me personally, and for everyone else. He got his message across straight away, told us about his philosophy and the way he wants to play.

“I think everyone bought into that straight away. Everyone demands respect, but the respect for him was there straight away.

“We knew who he was and what he stands for. I think we took to him straight away, and believed in his philosophy straight away.”

Since his arrival, Vieira and his staff have been hard at work on the training ground trying to implement his particular style with the squad. Schlupp points to certain key areas of focus.

“I think it’s on our structure and shape,” he said. “I’ve had different managers, but I think this is probably the most we’ve focused on playing out from the back.

“It’s obviously a different time, a different era from when I started playing in 2010. The main focus is of course to play out from the back, to spread teams open and to press high up the field.

“I’ve learnt a lot from Patrick personally, and playing in midfield – he was obviously a midfielder – there are personal messages that he has passed on that I try to take on.

“One of the main things is the confidence in playing forwards, attacking well and playing together as a team, which is obviously a big thing in what we do.”

Developing a new style at the club is always a challenge, but Schlupp says it’s nothing the players will be unable to adapt to.

“Previously we did a really good job with Roy [Hodgson], which was in some ways different tactics,” he explained. “Everyone has been involved with different managers and different playing styles, so it’s just another different thing.

“We’re here to learn. He got his messages across really well and straight away, and I think we took to that well. It’s obviously a different style: we press high up the field, we play out from the back and we keep the ball.

Source: cpfc