Author: Rhys Desmond

Across the past decade, I have worked with thousands of players and coaches across multiple sports and disciplines. I recognize the value of diving deeper beyond the first glance, and uncovering the deeper-lying ways to enhance performance. I make a commitment toward positive reinforcement, research-backed insights, and making the experience fun for those that work with me. If you’re interested in learning more about my site or experiencing my coaching, feel free to reach out! 👊⚽

3 ways Eintracht Frankfurt could line up under Oliver Glasner

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Formations, German Bundesliga, Managers

In a deal that seemed inevitable the moment Adi Hütter left, Oliver Glasner has officially been announced as the new Eintracht Frankfurt boss. The Austrian manager deployed an energetic, counter-attacking, high-pressing, vertical style of football in Wolfsburg, all of which should suit Frankfurt magnificently well. However, when it comes to formation, Glasner and Hütter are drastically different. We may see something completely and totally new next season at Die Adler as a result with Oliver Glasner in charge. Here are 3 ways the German giants could line up next season under the influence of the Austrian.

UEFA Champions League Final -Manchester City 0-1 Chelsea – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Match Analysis, UEFA Champions League, World Football

What a game. After beating Manchester City twice already this season, Chelsea entered the 2021 UEFA Champions League final with a slight psychological advantage. They absolutely delivered on that promise, winning the match by a score of 1-0. Thomas Tuchel became only the second manager since Jurgen Klopp to beat Pep Guardiola three times in a row, leading his Chelsea team to the Champions League trophy in his first six months in charge. Here is our tactical analysis of the final.

Bundesliga Weekly – Bundesliga’s final day, FC Köln’s survival, and Julian Brandt to Arsenal?

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Podcast

Brandon and Dan take you through all the latest news and events in German football. This week’s episode includes a discussion about the Bundesliga's final day of 2020-21, including FC Köln's survival and the sides coming up from 2. Bundesliga. The lads then take you through this week's transfer rumours, including Julian Brandt's potential move to Arsenal, Dortmund's goalkeeper hunt, and Wout Weghorst's unlikely move away from Wolfsburg. Follow the show via the links below! 

The Mastermind Monthly Magazine – May 2021

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Subscriber Exclusives

Calling all subscribers to TheMastermindSite.com, our Monthly Magazine for May 2021 has now arrived.

Premier League 2020-21 – Most Underrated XI

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League, World Football

After the season that was, we pick our 'Underrated XI' for the 2020-21 season, in contrast to the PFA Team of the Year, and our Team of the Season.

Futbol Masterminds – Leicester’s “Bottle Job”, Liverpool’s Top Four Comeback, and What’s Next For Harry Kane?

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Podcast, Premier League, World Football

This past weekend, the 2020-21 Premier League season came to an end, along with all of Europe's top five leagues. In an exciting and dramatic final matchday, Leicester City crashed out of the top four, leaving the Futbol Masterminds to argue about whether or not they "bottled it". The panel also discuss Liverpool's subsequent top four comeback, Harry Kane's impending, or rather unlikely, move away from Tottenham Hotspur, Lille's Ligue 1 title win and Atletico's La Liga title thanks to Luis Suarez. Follow @futbolmasterminds on Instagram to see more of the show and subscribe via Itunes and Spotify!

Thomas Frank – Brentford – Tactical Analysis (2020-21)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Managers, Masterclasses, World Football

Since taking over in 2018 from Aston Villa's Dean Smith, Thomas Frank has turned Brentford from an average to below average Championship side, into a nearly unstoppable one, with now two back to back playoff finals in two seasons. Frank's tactics emulate the same principles as some of the world's best managers and teams in the modern era, with unique takes that have turned The Bees into one of the most efficient sides in the division. Even if they can't make it happen in the playoff final for the second year running, Brentford appear as though they will be in the Premier League sometime very soon, due to their excellent recruitment, and Frank's exceptional management and tactics. Here is our tactical analysis of Thomas Frank's Brentford in 2020-21.

How LOSC Lille Won Ligue 1 – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in World Football

Against all the odds, LOSC Lille defied expectations to win the 2020-21 Ligue 1 season. Normally considered a "one-team league", Lille ensured the 2020-21 season would go right down to the final day, where PSG's three season title streak would officially come to an end. Under the influence of Christophe Galtier, Les Dogues conceded just 23 goals and kept an astonishing 21 clean sheets in 38 matches. Their defensive prowess set them on the path to win the league title right from the very opening day of the season, and tactically, they've been one of Europe's most intriguing sides. So with that, here is a tactical analysis of Christophe Galtier's Ligue 1 winning LOSC Lille in 2020-21.