Ghana to work on three-back system – Assistant coach Tanko

Exclusive: The deputy coach has revealed the Black Stars' plans to try playing with three-flat center-backs.

Ghana assistant coach says the Black Stars could soon be deploying a three-back system in their bid to have more options in tactics.

The four-time African champions, like most teams, use the traditional system of four flat defenders consisting of two center-backs and two full-backs.

The three-back option, which has gained popularity in recent years, though, deploys three-flat center-backs, with the ‘full-backs’ operating slightly higher up as “wing-backs”.

“Kasim [Adams] and [Daniel] Amartey sometimes play in that system at [English side] Leicester City and [German club] Hoffenheim [respectively],” Tanko told Goal .

“The three-back system is a system you would always want to have as an option.

“Even Baba Rahman’s team [German outfit Schalke 04] play the three-back where he plays as the left-wing-back. Lumor Agbenyenu’s clubs [Sporting Lisbon of Portugal] happen to also play that system.

“It’s one of those systems that you need to have in mind, even in a game situation where you need more midfielders, you can sacrifice one defender. It’s a good thing.

“We’re going to work on that so that when it comes that we have to use it, it won’t be a problem.