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! 👊⚽

Marcelo Gallardo – River Plate – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Subscriber Exclusives, World Football

In the managerial merry go round of the modern day world, Marcelo Gallardo is a rare example of a manager who has achieved success whilst staying at one club for almost the entirety of his career. The Argentinean has been with River Plate since 2014, winning 12 trophies during that time. He's constantly evolved his tactics throughout his time in charge, with the side looking very different today from when he first took charge back in 2014. Ahead of the 2021 season, here is a tactical analysis of Marcelo Gallardo's River Plate, from 2019-20.

FSV Mainz 05 1-1 Hertha Berlin – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, German Bundesliga, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Subscriber Exclusives

In Hertha Berlin’s first game in weeks due to a COVID-outbreak at the club, the Berlin based team failed to get a proper foothold of the game, but clung onto a 1-1 draw against a dominant Mainz 05 in good form. Here is our full analysis of the match between Mainz and Hertha BSC on May 3, 2021.

3 ways Bayern could line up under Nagelsmann

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Formations, German Bundesliga, Managers, Subscriber Exclusives, Team Analysis

Last week, Bayern Munich secured the signature of Julian Nagelsmann, making him the most expensive manager in football history. Thanks in large part to his incredible tactical knowledge, football fans around the globe are now wondering how the German manager might set his team up for success. We add to the discussion, with our picks for 3 ways that Julian Nagelsmann might line up next season!

Futbol Masterminds – UEFA Champions League / Europa League Semi-Finals

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

In a week that saw Neymar battered and bruised at the hands of Manchester City, Christian Pulisic dazzle against Real Madrid, and Edinson Cavani terrorize Roma to bits, the UCL and UEL semi-finals did not disappoint. Kausty and Rhys break down all the action from the semis in both competitions, discussing the individual performances of the likes of Neymar, Cavani and Bruno Fernandes, before making their predictions for the second legs. Submit questions and follow the show @futbolmasterminds on Instagram, or on themastermindsite.com. 

UCL / UEL Semi-Finals – what we learned this week

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

In a week that saw Neymar battered and bruised at the hands of Manchester City, Christian Pulisic dazzle against Real Madrid, and Edinson Cavani terrorize Roma to bits, the UCL and UEL semi-finals threw up a ton of action and intriguing sub-plots. Here is what we learned this week in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League semi-finals.

Can Dortmund Claim Top Four? – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Managers, Subscriber Exclusives, Team Analysis, UEFA Champions League

After the sacking of Lucien Favre in December, assistant coach Edin Terzic was given the interim role at Borussia Dortmund. Unfortunately for the first time manager, things could not have gotten off to a rockier start. Terzic won just six of his opening thirteen matches in charge, forcing Dortmund into a difficult situation heading into the final third of the season with a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League in their sights. However, in recent weeks, Edin Terzic has grown his reputation, with Borussia Dortmund now on a 4 match win streak in the league as they charge toward the top four…maybe even three. So with that, we provide a second tactical analysis on Edin Terzic‘s Borussia Dortmund, and their chances of finishing top four this season.

Schalke’s Devastating Fall From Grace – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Team Analysis

Once one of the Bundesliga's supreme outfits, Schalke 04 have had a devastating season in 2020-21, one of the worst performances of a team in the league's history. With four games still to play, The Royal Blues have already been relegated from the league, with just 2 wins and 13 points from their 30 matches. … Continue reading Schalke’s Devastating Fall From Grace – Tactical Analysis

Futbol Masterminds – Super League Aftermath, Carabao Cup Final, and UCL Semi-Final Predictions

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

In the aftermath of the failed European Super League, Kausty and Rhys break down the victory that has been won for football fans around the globe, while also taking a critical lens to whether or not we can truly celebrate, or if we should be worried for the rest of footballing time. The Futbol Masterminds then delve into a discussion surrounding Jose Mourinho's sacking from Tottenham Hotspur, the timing, the subsequent cup final defeat to Manchester City and the desperate state of Ryan Mason's Spurs side. To cap it all off, Kausty and Rhys bring you their UEFA Champions League Semi-Final predictions, including who they think will make it all the way to the final. Submit questions and follow the show @futbolmasterminds on Instagram, or on themastermindsite.com.