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! 👊⚽

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.

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.