Why the big turnaround? In truth, the attack-possession game did not bring the intended results to keep it going. The 4F system was designed to win challenges high in the opposition's zones by using forwards with strong attack-challenge skills. The higher up the field you win the ball, the more dangerous the attack. Statistically, the system worked --- Houston was the global Wes leader in shots and setups created three seasons in a row. But, shooting accuracy was weak and shot conversion was low. Only one out of the four strikers was in good goalscoring form at any one time, and the team consistently underperformed in terms of total goals. 

Just bad luck? Weak forwards? Perhaps. But the random element of attack challenges in zones was also an obstacle. See, the RNG dictates where and how many challenges your players get. So even if your forwards outnumber the opposition's defenders by a big margin, you might not get the challenges in those zones to benefit. Instead, all the challenges might go to the left wing, or to central mid. And since when playing four forwards you essentially sacrifice strength in midfield, you often lose out on challenges in the midfield area. When 4Fs work, it's glorious -- especially in a Wes world that lacks top class defenders. But it's inconsistent. In the three seasons running the 4F system, Houston only managed one Regional Cup trophy, not a great return. 

What is Houston's next strategy? The team is going into a youth transition, and will build its tactical roadmap depending on the youth products that develop best. Attacking football is still a given. 

Posted By: Bashev On: 30/05/2024 08:25:59

Sounds like a new DoF was appointed in Houston :D

Posted By: Pav2 On: 30/05/2024 13:12:13

New American private equity fund ))