ANDONI Iraola says everyone at Cherries “has the freedom to attack” no matter their position under his style of play.
Appointed as head coach of the Dorset club in June, Iraola has looked to implement his offensively minded tactics at Vitality Stadium.
Cherries round off their pre-season campaign this weekend when they welcome FC Lorient to Dean Court in their final friendly, ahead of the first Premier League game at home to West Ham on Saturday, August 12.
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Whilst wing backs bombing forward and getting involved in attacks has become common place in modern football, centre-backs still rarely cross the half-way line during regular play.
However, during this pre-season, central defender Marcos Senesi has been seen surging forward, not only with the ball at his feet, but also making runs into opposition territory to offer a passing option for his teammates.
Iraola told the Daily Echo: “I think everyone, especially on the ball, has the freedom to attack.
“The only thing we have to take care of is the lockout - we have to cover from the other side.
“We have to be ready if he loses the ball, so it doesn't (present) a very clear chance for the opposite team.
“So we have to be ready for those things.
“We want not only Marcos (Senesi), the full backs with this freedom to go and overlap underlap carry the ball, but we have to be ready.
“The rest of the team has to be ready in case if we lose the ball, so it's not so dangerous for us.”
A summer signing from Dutch giants Feyenood last summer, Senesi arrived with pedigree as a ball-playing centre-half.
Although Cherries were slightly less expansive under Gary O’Neil last term, Senesi still showcased his long-range passing from the back, a strength that Iraola is keen to use this campaign.
He explained: “I think he is very good and helps us a lot in the build-up because technically for a centre back he has very good qualities.
“I think he also likes to defend forward, it's good for our help.
“We need to be (defending forward) because it's not easy when we want to play high.
“Sometimes (you have to be) ready to run backwards.
“Because we will be sometimes high, but also ready at the same time to defend forward and try to be aggressive.
“It's not easy. It's going to be demanding for our centre-backs, but I think they are getting the idea.”
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