Tag: Borussia Dortmund

Lucien Favre – Borussia Dortmund – Tactical Analysis

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

The suspension of all football activity has been a unfortunate for Borussia Dortmund as they were on a stunning run of form in the Bundesliga before the break. Favre's newly introduced 3-4-2-1 has changed the way Dortmund play for the better, while simultaneously providing more defensive support, the area of the field in which they needed reassurances the most. The formation has given the likes of Achraf Hakimi and Raphael Guerreiro the freedom to go on and create more magic and has also given Jadon Sancho and Thorgan Hazard a necessary boost at a crucial time in the season. This formation suits the players and personnel that Lucien Favre has at his disposal tremendously well and it will be very interesting to see if they can continue to play to such great heights when the season comes to a conclusion. Check out or Tactical Analysis of Lucien Favre's stellar 3-4-2-1 formation with BVB.

Combination Play – Full Session Plan and Key Coaching Points

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching

All of the best professional clubs in the world have some clearly defined method of combination play in the final-third of the pitch. Although our youth teams might never be able to achieve the attacking flair of Borussia Dortmund or Liverpool, working hard on the training ground on Combination Play can still be tremendously helpful in the quest for greater attacking prowess.

Top 100 Male Footballers 2019 (20-11)

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

It’s almost the end of the year, so it’s only fitting that we count down the top 100 footballers of 2019. Check out the start of the list (20-11) below.

Top 100 Male Footballers 2019 (30-21)

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

It’s almost the end of the year, so it’s only fitting that we count down the top 100 footballers of 2019. Check out the start of the list (30-21) below.

3 Ways Borussia Dortmund Could Line Up in 2019-20

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, World Football

Borussia Dortmund have had a busier off-season in the transfer market than any other club in Europe. With the disappointment of missing out on the title by just 2 points in 2018-19, BVB and Lucien Favre have quickly gotten their business done to try and right their wrongs and make another title charge in 2019-20. The likes of Julian Brandt, Nico Schulz, Mats Hummels and Thorgan Hazard have all joined Borussia Dortmund and will provide much needed improvements in several departments for the club. The one biggest fix was clearly needed at left-back, while Lukasz Pisczcek on the right is aging slowly and will in time need a more long-term option if Achraf Hakimi does re-join Real Madrid in 2020/21.

Borussia Dortmund Season In Review

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, World Football

The first half of the 2018-19 campaign was the most fun I've ever had watching Borussia Dortmund. The Black and Yellows were flying high in the Bundesliga and went undefeated until the end of December, while only losing 1 Champions League game in that time. New signings Paco Alcacer, Thomas Delaney, Axel Witsel and Achraf … Continue reading Borussia Dortmund Season In Review

How the Best Managers in the World Used Formations to Gain an Advantage

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Formations, German Bundesliga, Managers, Masterclasses, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Women's Football, World Football

At the end of the day, a team can win playing any formation and there isn't necessarily any formation that is superior to another. However, some of the best teams in the modern era have perfected certain systems and styles of play, guided by the formation they use. Here is an examination of some of the best teams in the world and how their formation has led to their success.

How To Coach Pressing

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Formations, German Bundesliga, Managers, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, World Football

Pressing has become an increasingly important aspect to the modern game. Some of the most successful teams in the world play a high pressing game, including Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. As a result, it has received great attention worldwide and is beginning to be implemented everywhere as a strategy, including with young players. … Continue reading How To Coach Pressing