Carlo Ancelotti left Napoli in ruins, eleventh in Serie A and with their confidence shattered. At first, even Gennaro Gattuso could not handle the ruins, until the missing piece of the puzzle completed the manager’s scheme, leading his team into sixth place through the simplicity of his ideas. Written by Kareem Bianchi. By the end […]
LaLiga is back with Real Madrid and FC Barcelona neck and neck at the top of the table. Football’s suspension has given both teams a chance to restock, but the new format will complicate both team’s approaches and influence the final result. Written by Siddharth Ramsundar. It has been many years since LaLiga had a […]
For decades, the British isles have been thought of as the home of directness, long balls and the 4-4-2 formation. However, in 2020, teams in LaLiga seem to be using these tactics more than teams in the English Premier League. Written by José Pérez. Spanish teams now implement 4-4-2 blocks and other formations with two […]
Though the hosts made a bright start, they were unable to withstand the suffocating pressure applied by Bayern, and slumped to a demoralising defeat with their best player unable to even set foot on the pitch. Tactical analysis and match report by Manasvin Andra. Leverkusen manager Peter Bosz made three changes to the side […]
Hansi Flick sent out his side with a mandate to dominate and Bayern Munich did just that in a blistering display against Fortuna Düsseldorf. Uwe Rösler’s side arrived with an intention to compete, but were hammered in a game that was largely an exhibition of Bayern’s credentials as the favourites to win an eighth consecutive […]
An audacious chip from Joshua Kimmich was all that separated the Bundesliga’s top two in this crucial match. Dortmund showed promise early on finding space in wide areas, but were soon stifled by Bayern’s strong counterpressing and transition game. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. Borussia Dortmund marked the return to Bundesliga action last […]
The biggest Bundesliga game of the weekend did not disappoint. Peter Bosz’s tactical change into a 3-4-3 formation saw the attacking trio of Karim Bellarabi, Moussa Diaby and Kai Havertz burst into top form. Marco Rose’s half-time adjustments brought Borussia Mönchengladbach back into the match, but it was not enough as Bayer Leverkusen move above […]
The rust accumulated from the long layoff was clear to see in Bayern’s play, as the midfielders failed to connect in the usual manner and the rotations on the wing seemed delayed and disjointed. On their part, Union Berlin displayed an impressive resolve in keeping Bayern from the goal, as they pressed with intent from […]
There were brief moments of promise from Schalke in the early minutes of the game. After this, Dortmund took control and smart movements in their attack from the likes of Julian Brandt and Thorgan Hazard threatened the wobbly Schalke defense. Dortmund were also clinical in front of goal, aided by some questionable goalkeeping which helped […]
Top teams’ ability to progress the ball becomes increasingly scrutinized in modern football due to the continued improvement of the defensive systems they face. This analysis outlines the buildup strategies of seven of Europe’s elite teams, and briefly discusses some of the trends observed within. Written by Josh Manley. Defending and pressing in modern football […]