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Ralf Rangnick's 'Countdown Clock Training Session' Shows Why He Is 'The Godfather Of Gegenpressing'

Ralf Rangnick's 'Countdown Clock Training Session' Shows Why He Is 'The Godfather Of Gegenpressing'

Ralf Rangnick will be bringing his unique training methods to Manchester United.

Ralf Rangnick will be bringing his intense "countdown clock" to Manchester United in what will be a huge test for the players.

The 63-year-old is set to be appointed as interim manager at United until the end of the season following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Rangnick, who is head of sports and development at Lokomotiv Moscow, was the preferred candidate on a five-man shortlist drawn up by the Red Devils.

He will become a consultant at Old Trafford once his six-month stint is up.

Image: PA
Image: PA

And United's players could soon be in for a rude awakening on the training pitch when the former RB Leipzig and Schalke boss brings his unique methods, as per The Telegraph.

One of which is a demanding drill whereby players must regain possession back within EIGHT seconds of losing it. Then, to take it up a notch they must create a goalscoring opportunity in TEN seconds.

A large clock will be visible so that the squad can see if they have been successful in winning the ball back in the allocated period.

Rangnick, seen as 'the Godfather of gegenpressing', has installed the clock at his previous clubs.

Explaining the drill in an old interview with DW, Rangnick said: "We've had a custom countdown clock made for us. The assistant coach activates it and it starts ticking.

"We use it for a game called 'the 8 second rule'. The players can hear the ticking and know they have to get the ball back within 8 seconds or if they have possession, they need to take a shot on goal within 10 seconds.

"The ticking can be irritating for them at first but what we've noticed is this type of training can affect players within weeks.

"They adjust their style of play and it becomes an instinct."

Rangnick's intense style has influenced top-level coaches like Thomas Tuchel, Julian Nagelsmann and Jurgen Klopp, with the latter reacting to his appointment by saying "it's not good news for other teams".

Image: PA
Image: PA

United's pressing problems this term have been a major talking point but Rangnick will be looking for the players to buy into his ideas from the off.

He once compared pressing to pregnancy, telling the Coaches Voice: "A little bit of pressing is like a little bit of pregnant. Either you are pregnant or not?

"Either you want to play pressing or not?”

Rangnick's appointment has still not been confirmed by the club and with a UK work permit still required, Michael Carrick will take charge of the game against Chelsea this weekend.

Featured Image Credit: Image: PA

Topics: Jurgen Klopp, Manchester United, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Thomas Tuchel, Ralf Rangnick