Editor’s note: This story appeared in our Winter 2019 magazine as part of our “offseason training” issue.
When Revolution head coach Brad Friedel took charge prior to the start of last season, he made his physical and his tactical requirements clear for everyone associated with the team.
Friedel wanted his team to press high up the field and work briskly and precisely in transition. This is a rigorous approach, requiring a higher defensive line to condense space and constant closing off the ball to ensure opposing teams cannot play through.
It is part of the reason Friedel outlined two things he wanted to do ahead of that first season. He hoped to improve the concentration to reduce the goals conceded defensively. He also wanted to improve the fitness levels of the players at his disposal.
