Tag: Tactics

Dortmund 3-0 Copenhagen – Match Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Match Analysis, Most Recent, UEFA Champions League

Edin Terzic has enjoyed a positive start to the season, even despite some of the kinks in the system clearly still being worked out. Dortmund have lost just one game since the start of the campaign, achieving six wins and one draw in the process. No clearer have their principles of play come to life under Terzic this season than against FC Copenhagen, where the Black & Yellows picked up three points in their first UEFA Champions League match of the season. Here is our analysis of Dortmund's big win.

Where Thomas Tuchel failed as Chelsea boss

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Most Recent, Premier League, Team Analysis

Thomas Tuchel will be remembered as one of the greatest innovators of Chelsea Football Club, and someone that many managers will try and replicate the success of in the future. He brought them their second ever Champions League title in his first half of a season in charge, and fashioned one of the most resolute defensive structures in the league throughout his time in charge. We will miss Thomas Tuchel in the Premier League, and hope that he makes a swift return to management in the near future.

Why Antony can transform Manchester United – Match Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Match Analysis, Player Analysis, Premier League, Winger

The Brazilian winger played a formidable role in United's 3-1 win over Arsenal, and showcased promise that he could be the man to propel the club to that next level this season. Here is our analysis of United's 3-1 win over Arsenal, through the lens of new-signing Antony.

Game of Numbers #5 – Changing Shapes Mid-Game

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Formations, Game of Numbers, German Bundesliga, Masterclasses, Match Analysis

One of the truest tests of any tactically adept coach is to identify mechanisms for changing around their team’s fortunes mid-game. This is never an easy task, but one that managers must be reflecting on not only with their substitutions, but with the potential for changing the master-plan on a grander scale, whether that be a tactical tweak in style or system. In what was one of the games of the weekend, both Freiburg and Leverkusen made pivotal formational changes as the match wore on. Crucially, both teams changed back to the shapes that they've prioritized since the start of the season, calling into question why they ever abandoned their favoured choice in the first place.

Union Berlin – Tactical Analysis – 2022-23

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, German Bundesliga, Masterclasses

Union Berlin have only kicked on since the start of 2022-23, currently sitting fourth place in a competitive Bundesliga campaign that has seen them start with an unbeaten run of form. Along the way, Fischer has maintained a succinct style of play, that drastically differs from the other German giants around them in the table. Here is our tactical analysis of Union Berlin in 2022-23, under the influence of the extraordinary Urs Fischer.

How to use Wyscout for successful football analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Masterclasses, Most Recent

As football analysis has risen to prominence in the past decade, platforms like Wyscout, InStat, StatsBomb and smarterscout have become commonplace for clubs, analysts, scouts, coaches and even players around the world. In today's article, as part of our Introduction to Football Analysis course, we detail how to successfully use Wyscout to enhance your analytical mind and football analysis frame.

Footballing Terminology 101

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Masterclasses, Most Recent

Let's face it. Football terminology can be confusing. There are a bucket load of terms that exist out there, many of which are overused, overhyped and oversimplified when other verbiage and language would be more appropriate. To help you along your analysis path, I'm going to be breaking down the very best football terms to know when discussing the tactical and analytical aspects of football.

Getting started in football analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Masterclasses, Most Recent

While this is an introductory course, it doesn’t matter if you’re an expert or novice, the time to learn starts now. School is in session. I famously love to guarantee results within my work, and I guarantee that you’re going to learn something from this section, even if you’re already the world’s leading expert. In this section, I’m going to drop tips and tricks for getting started in analysis, in addition to coaching, writing, podcasting, and even, if you’re interested, website creation.