Who Should Replace Jose Mourinho at Spurs? – Manager Analysis

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

In the midst of discussions surrounding the European Super League, Jose Mourinho's sacking from Tottenham Hotspur came at a surprising time. The Portuguese manager was set to take on Manchester City in the Carabao Cup Final that very week, a game in which Tottenham ultimately lost under the management of Mourinho's temp - Ryan Mason. Mourinho has moved on in the blink of an eye to AS Roma, while Spurs are still stuck on aspirations of finding their next dream manager, when no dream manager appears to be available. With that, we take a look at some of the potential candidates, what they might offer Spurs both professionally and tactically, and make a final verdict of who should come in to replace Jose before things get very, very desperate.

The race to sign Andre Silva – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Player Analysis, Striker, World Football

For his fantastic performances this season and overall reputation scoring goals, Andre Silva has attracted the attention of Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United. Here we break down each of his potential suitors, and what he might bring to each club.

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.