Tag: Pep Guardiola

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!

UCL / UEL second legs – what we learned this week

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

In a week that saw Manchester City humble PSG, Chelsea teach Real Madrid a lesson, Manchester United and Roma involved in a 5-goal thriller and Villareal tame Arsenal, we look back at some of the talking points from the second leg semifinals of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.

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. 

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. 

Xavi Hernandez – Al Sadd – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Subscriber Exclusives, Team Analysis

Former Barcelona man Xavi Hernandez is widely considered one of the best midfielders of all time. In his hay-day with both Spain and Barcelona, Xavi formed one of the best midfield triads the game has ever seen, alongside Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets. He won twenty-five major trophies with Barcelona and three for Spain, before moving to Qatar ahead of the 2015-16 season. He then went on to finish his career in style, winning the Qatari league in his final season at the club in 2018-19. The very next season he was named manager of the squad and soon afterward completely revolutionized Al Saad into a near unstoppable unit in the QPL. The Spanish midfielder has quietly gone about his business at Al Sadd, playing in Guardiola-esque ways and doing del-Bosque-esque things, winning six trophies in two seasons so far. Barcelona are keeping a close eye on the now 41-year-old, and in time we may see one of the game greatest ever midfielders become one of the game's greatest ever managers. Here is a tactical analysis of Xavi Hernandez's Al Sadd.

Futbol Masterminds – Aguero’s Legacy, Tuchel’s First Defeat and Liverpool’s Hot Streak

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

Over the past decade at Manchester City, Sergio Aguero has established himself as one of the best strikers in Premier League history. After the announcement that he will be leaving City at the end of the season, the Futbol Masterminds examine the Argentine's career and whether or not Pep's team need to replace him with a summer buy. The panel also break down Tuchel's first defeat as Chelsea boss, Timo Werner's lack of goals (again), Liverpool's hot streak, and Lampard's future. To cap it all off, Russell has some strong takes about Serie A and whether or not it's truly a top four league. Follow @futbolmasterminds on Instagram to see more of the show and subscribe via Itunes and Spotify!

Manchester City 0-2 Manchester United – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Match Analysis, Premier League, World Football

Despite Manchester City's incredible form in recent weeks, the feeling going into the weekend's Manchester derby was that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could get a result yet again, as he had done in four out of his five previous meetings against Guardiola's team. Led by their robust defensive structure and impeccable counter attacking play, that's exactly what happened. Manchester United played with heart and fervidity and eventually succumbed Manchester City to their first loss since November 2020. Here is a tactical analysis of Manchester United's 2-0 win over Manchester City in the derby on March 7th, 2021.

Pep Guardiola – Manchester City – Tactical Analysis (2020-21 Edition)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Managers, Premier League, Team Analysis, UEFA Champions League, World Football

After a slow start to the season, Pep Guardiola's Manchester City are flying high and look like the most realistic title contenders as things stand. The Citizens have won their last eleven matches in all competitions, keeping eight clean sheets along the way. Interestingly enough, they've been playing without a natural striker for the majority of their unbeaten run, making Pep Guardiola's side all the more tactically intriguing at the moment. With inverted fullbacks, possession-based football and goals galore, Manchester City have been a joy to watch in recent months. This is our latest Tactical Analysis into the mind of Pep Guardiola.