New Reims manager Óscar García cites Barcelona and Salzburg as tactical inspirations | OneFootball

Speaking to RMC Football this week, new Reims manager Óscar García discussed his tactical plans for the season to come, citing his former clubs as inspirations.

Reims begin their season next Sunday against Nice, as the Spanish manager makes his return to a Ligue 1 bench for the first time since his 2017 spell with Saint-Étienne.

The former Olympiakos and Celta Vigo manager had earlier this pre-season declared to L’Équipe that he wanted to “play like Barcelona on the ball, and like Salzburg off the ball”.

“Yes, that’s what I want to do, although there are matches where we won’t be able to. But that’s the idea. Technical players are good on the ball, but in modern football that’s not enough. We need to do more, that’s what we need to work on.”

On whether he will use a three-at-the-back formation

“What’s important is the philosophy, not the formation. You can start with a system and then change. For me, it doesn’t matter whether you play with three or four in defence. We’re trying to work with 2-3 systems that we can use this season.”

On arriving at Reims

“I’m very happy here. Everything I was told about during pre-season has happened. We have a youth academy which is perfect to work with, and we have young players. That’s how I like to work.”