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! 👊⚽

What Gerardo Seoane will bring to Bayer Leverkusen – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Managers, Subscriber Exclusives

Very rarely has a manager dominated their domestic league over a three season period like BSC Young Boys’ Gerardo Seoane. The Swiss manager has led his Bern-based team to a shocking 81 points in 35 matches this season, nearly 30 more than second place FC Basel on 53. With his unique style of football and winning mentality, a host of Bundesliga clubs were interested in securing the signature of Seoane, with the Swiss ultimately signing on for Bayer Leverkusen. So ahead of the 2021-22 Bundesliga season, we take a look at what Gerardo Seoane might bring to Bayer Leverkusen.

Gerardo Seoane – BSC Young Boys – Tactical Analysis

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

Very rarely has a manager dominated their domestic league over a three season period like BSC Young Boys' Gerardo Seoane. The Swiss manager has led his Bern-based team to a shocking 81 points in 35 matches this season, nearly 30 more than second place FC Basel on 53. With his unique style of football and winning mentality, a host of Bundesliga clubs were interested in securing the signature of Seoane, with the Swiss ultimately signing on for Bayer Leverkusen. So ahead of Gerardo Seoane's move to the Bundesliga, we take a look at the tactics he deployed in his three season spell with BSC Young Boys.

Picking Germany’s Euro 2020 Squad

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, World Football

Joachim Löw is set to announce his 26-man squad for the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament this summer by tomorrow. As a result of the upcoming announcement, we attempt to pick our personal Germany squad, both with some realistic expectations of Löw's ideals, and who we would personally like to see get a chance to shine at this summer's tournament. Here is our 26-man squad.

UEFA Champions League Final – Chelsea vs. Man City – Tactical Preview

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League, UEFA Champions League

It was just two years ago when two English clubs squared up in the UEFA Champions League Final, with Liverpool gaining the edge over Tottenham Hotspur. Now in 2021, two completely different English clubs will be facing off, as Chelsea and Manchester City have bested the rest to make it all the way to the final. Here is our tactical preview of the 2021 Champions League final.

Futbol Masterminds – FA Cup Final, Alisson Saves the Day, Barca Crash out of Title Race

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Podcast, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, World Football

It was a weekend of football like none other, with two domestic league cups to discuss, new developments in the title races in Spain and France, and a goalkeeper scoring a header in the Premier League. Kausty, Russell, Rhys and new guest Shomik get together to discuss Leicester's stunning FA Cup final win, Dortmund's resurgence in the DFB Pokal and Bundesliga top four race, and Alisson's incredible headed goal. The panel then end off with a discussion about Barcelona crashing out of the La Liga title race, and whether or not Ronald Koeman is to blame. Follow @futbolmasterminds on Instagram to see more of the show and subscribe via Itunes and Spotify!

Manchester United 2-4 Liverpool – Match Recap & Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Match Analysis, Podcast, Premier League

Last week Jurgen Klopp recorded his first ever win at Old Trafford, at a time when they desperately needed a win to stay in the top four race. Kaustubh Kapoor and Russell Tho break down all the major events of the match. The panel discuss Nat Phillips' mixed performance, Rhys Williams' '40' pace, Diogo Jota's insanity, Roberto Firmino's "one off game" and a few things about Manchester United too. Subscribe on Itunes and Spotify and follow the show on Instagram @futbolmasterminds and via themastermindsite.com.

Chelsea 0-1 Leicester – FA Cup Final – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Match Analysis, Premier League

Oh, the magic of the FA Cup. Leicester City came into the cup final as clear underdogs, with Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea in great form and a UEFA Champions League final in their sights. But it was the Foxes who came out on top with a stunning Youri Tielemans strike, and two fantastic saves from Kasper Schmeichel. Here is our tactical analysis of the match.

Daniel Farke – Norwich – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League

While many Premier League teams of years past have succumbed to relegation and then sacked their manager, Norwich stuck by their man Daniel Farke, and it has paid off one season later. The German coach has inspired the Canaries to an instant return to England's top flight, securing 97 points in their 46 EFL Championship fixtures. The last team to secure that many (or more) points was Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2017-18, and look at where they are now. So although the Canaries have been yo-yo-ing between the Championship and the Premier League in previous years, the club should have hope that their Premier League fortunes can change around next season. Here is a tactical analysis of Daniel Farke's Norwich at the end of the 2020-21 Championship season.