Chicago Fire: 5 takeaways from MLS Is Back Tournament
By Adnan Bašić
3. Odd coaching decisions
The players on the pitch did make mistakes, of course, but there are plenty of questions that need to be asked of new head coach Raphael Wicky.
First, he decided to stick with the 3-5-2 formation that was utilized at the end of the regular season game versus the New England Revolution. It did work when Chicago beat Seattle, but instead of adapting against San Jose, Wicky went with the same lineup. The Earthquakes ripped through the system with ease, exploiting the space between the back three and the midfield.
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Wicky’s playing style didn’t change either. Sitting deep, absorbing pressure, and hitting on the counter was successful against the Sounders because they were the favorites. When Chicago tried to be pragmatic against San Jose, though, things fell apart. And then, when they did try to take the initiative against the Whitecaps, they lacked clear purpose and definition. It was as if they had not been coached to play in an attacking way.
Beyond the tactics, Wicky’s personnel choices were also strange. The most notable was Fabian Herbers, who was suddenly the team’s starting central midfielder despite being more comfortable up top or on the wing. It was no surprise to see him play poorly out of position, but he still kept getting minutes ahead of both Djordje Mihailovic and Brandt Bronico.
Then came his substitutions. Elliot Collier was turned to off the bench instead of Designated Player Ignacio Aliseda. That case is more complicated, but Aliseda should still be getting more opportunities than someone who is USL quality.
To Wicky’s defense, his first year with the Fire could not have been stranger and time is still very much on his side. However, there is pressure on him to get the job done and show why the club brought him in. He needs to learn from his mistakes or else he’ll be doomed to repeat them.