Well why don't we leave one, Someone who is quick and not to big. We clear the ball and it comes straight back.
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They were talking about Brentford on Sky last night and Carragher was saying that although they’re normally a very pass it out from the back team, against Liverpool they went very much more direct. Largely because Liverpool are renowned as a high press team.
Different level obviously, but I wonder if we’ll follow a similar pattern when playing the better teams. I certainly hope so. I think we mixed it up fairly well at the end of last season.
Most counter attacks from corners come from the defending players around the edge of the box running onto a ball that’s cleared into space. It’s hard for a player left up to actually do anything unless they’re absolutely lightning quick and the ‘keeper claims and releases it quickly.
I remember Mexico leaving 2 or 3 players on the halfway line when defending corners in the last World Cup - the opposition didn't know what to do with them!
Is basically what I was going to reply to ancientpie. The last thing you want on a corner is lots of space. Better to defend 8 on 8 in there than 6 on 6.
Personally I would only leave 2 or more upfield when defending a corner if we are chasing the game in the final say half an hour. Having players to win the second ball if cleared is more important than having you speedy little man stood on the halfway line marshalled by two equally speedy opposition players.
I’m not sure there’s a right or wrong really, positives and negatives to both ways, but I guess the theory is that creates more space in the penalty area for attackers to make runs and get free for a clear header. If you pack the box with more players, you maybe reduce your chances of winning the first header, but also make it much harder for the attacking team to get a clean contact and route to goal.
I think leaving one up is a pointless token gesture, but leaving two or more up gets interesting and makes the opposition think about what they’re going to do in response.