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! 👊⚽

Why German teams struggle to dominate in Europe

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League

The German Bundesliga, one of Europe’s big 3 professional football leagues, has been anything but collectively dominant in European competitions over the past decade. Although Bayern Munich won the UEFA Champions League in 2019-20, the days of Bayern and Dortmund squaring up in a European final as they did in 2013 appear to be over. This past year Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund were both knocked out of the UEFA Champions League in the quarter-finals, with Leipzig failing to make it past the Round of 16. So if Germany wants to get themselves onto the level of England and Spain, what needs to change?

Dortmund dominate the DFB Pokal Final – Match Recap & Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Match Analysis

The DFB-Pokal was expected to be a tightly contested affair. However, Borussia Dortmund completely swept RB Leipzig away, and Die Roten Bullen never stood a chance. In the end, Dortmund fought their way to a 4-1 win, with goals from Haaland and Sancho, and a masterclass from their captain Marco Reus. Here is our full recap and analysis of the match.

Leicester, Leipzig and Southampton – Finding the best fit for Matheus Pereira

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Player Analysis, Winger

This past weekend, West Bromwich Albion were relegated from England's top flight. The team lacked the quality to survive, and even despite Sam Allardyce turning them into a well-functioning team, they couldn't make up the necessary ground to stay in the division. But if there was one shining light in the otherwise unremarkable season for the Baggies, it would have to be their star attacking midfielder - Matheus Pereira.

Bundesliga Weekly – Bayern crowned champions, Schalke’s defensive woes, and Wijnaldum on the move

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 Bayern Munich's latest title win, Peter Gulacsi's new contract, and Javi Martinez's departure from Bayern. The panel then head off into the rumour mills to discuss the likelihood of Georginio Wijnaldum moving to Nagelsmann's team, Jose Mourinho's interest in Marcel Sabitzer, and Raul's possible Frankfurt takeover. Follow the show via the links below!

Gian Piero Gasperini – Atalanta – Tactical Analysis (2020-21)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Managers, Masterclasses, Subscriber Exclusives

After successive back to back third place finishes in Serie A, Gian Piero Gasperini has firmly established Atalanta as one of Europe's most lethal and tactically fluid teams. Despite losing their star player Alejandro 'Papu' Gomez halfway through the season due to disagreements between player and coach, Atalanta look set to finish inside Serie A's top three once again, with the highest tally of goals for the third season running. Here is a tactical analysis of Gian Piero Gasperini's Atalanta in 2020-21.

Futbol Masterminds – Chelsea v. Man City, Juve’s Top Four Hopes, Ligue 1 and La Liga Title Races

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

Russell is back(!!), and back in style to discuss all the top European leagues in episode #11 of the Futbol Masterminds show. The panel first delve into Chelsea vs. Man City, Timo Werner and panenkas, before moving to Serie A, discussing Juventus' top four hopes being dashed before their eyes. The panel then give their picks in the respective races for the La Liga and Ligue 1 title, before discussing the potential Ballon d'Or race between Lewandowski and Messi. Follow @futbolmasterminds on Instagram to see more of the show and subscribe via Itunes and Spotify!

How Hansi Flick won the 2020-21 Bundesliga title – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Managers

Hansi Flick's time in charge of Bayern Munich may have been short-lived, but the former and future national team coach will go down as one of the team's all-time greatest managers. Hansi Flick eased to a second Bundesliga title in charge of Bayern Munich on Saturday, after a smashing 6-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach. For all of their fantastic exploits this season, we analyze how Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga title.

2020-21: A year for Canadians in Europe to remember

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

As the major European football leagues draw to a close on the men’s side, this year will be a year for Canadian soccer fans to remember. In ways never seen before, Canadian footballers have been right up there with some of the world's best, even playing key roles in top European title races.