This is Carvalhal’s philosophy: what he wants from a team and “chaos,” which means disorganization

Tuesday (May 12th) was a day of developments at Olympiakos. The Red and Whites have made important changes in their organizational chart, especially in the position of coach. The divorce from Diego Martinez was formalized and Carlos Carvalhal took over the technical management of Piraeus.

The 58-year-old Portuguese coach held his first training session on Tuesday (May 12) with the changes that will be made from January in mind. Now Carvalhal is getting ready to pass his ideas on to players.

Carvalhal works with a specific methodology. The Portuguese studied philosophy in his home country and also completed a degree in sports science with his former partner Jose Mourinho. His approach to the game has been shaped by these 25 years of his career, but has changed significantly after 2020.

What he wants to know from a team

In May 2022, Carlos Carvalhal spoke to The Coaches’ Voice and analyzed what he wants to know about a team before choosing his next steps. “It is very important to know the culture of a team and the style of football that the fans like.” it says specifically.

He wants to know the history and style of each club before launching his own project. The Portuguese has explained how he has developed through the tasks he has taken on, stressing that as a coach today he is very different to the one he was at the start of his career.

His ideas about formations are specific. He believes that the formation or a system should not be above the footballers. In his opinion, it is the players who decide how a team plays.

“I never put my system above the players. I try to check which players I have, what skills the players have and then create an environment in which the players are successful and give the maximum to the team.”Carvalhal described.

The decision that defined him

In his presentation to the press at Georgios Karaiskakis, Carvalhal noted the change in his mindset following his departure from England. “It is true that after leaving England our philosophy and way of thinking changed. The game became more attractive to players, the style and way of playing changed.”

Carvalhal actually moved to Rio Ave after moving from Swansea and Sheffield Wednesday. A team in the middle of the table in Portugal. The reason was to try something new, something he believed he could develop in his home country.

In his interview with the Independent in April 2021, he said: “We created our own idea, something different. We don’t follow anyone. I think we are one step ahead and will be the future.” The English release describes his playstyle as completely unique and difficult for any opponent to overcome.

In particular, the Independent’s topic mentions that Carvalhal’s team combines many elements of modern football and can change style from the classic Portuguese defensive style to the modern German attacking style in one phase.

Carvalhal himself says: “We are not preparing the team for a 4-3-3 or 4-2-2 system. We prepare the team to play different game principles. In the future the system will no longer play a role. The most important thing is the dynamics, the gaps. I look at the opposing teams like pieces, what gaps do they have and how will I exploit them.”

“Chaos means disorganization and then you concede goals”

Carvalhal described what he looks for in a team and what elements he recommends in an interview with Sky Sports. “Your goalkeeper has to be able to contribute to the defensive line. Your defenders have to play good defense, but they have to know how to change the flow of the attack.”

If your opponent gives you gaps, you have to exploit them. If you don’t succeed, you have to create them. The players who become free have to step forward and create gaps. It sounds simple, but these changes cannot mean chaos, because they mean disorganization and thus consume your goals.

This movement is important, but players must constantly check where they stand in relation to each other. That’s the evolution of football.” In a few words, Carvalhal emphasizes adaptability, constant movement, utilization of space and “positive” football as a whole.

His “prizes” in Rio Ave and Braga

Carvalhal in Portugal had significant success. In the 2019/20 season he finished 5th with Rio Ave, achieving the best harvest in its history and leading his team to the Europa League.

Then he got a “promotion” in Braga. In fact, in the first season he also received praise from Porto’s Sergio Conceição, who said: “They are currently the best team in Portugal” On the whole, Carvalhal’s opponents praised the attractive football he played.

It remains to be seen how this “positive” philosophy and worldview of the Portuguese coach will “click” at Olympiakos and what else the red and whites can present.