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 […]
At the biggest and most historic clubs, winning is no longer the only thing that matters. Such is the nature of the modern day European super club: success is to be achieved following a positive style of play, which itself is to be drawn from history and subjected to the stringent scrutiny of supporters. Luckily […]
Once regarded as one of Europe’s biggest clubs, Borussia Mönchengladbach’s decline post-1970’s has tainted a city so rich in football history. However, the club’s latest managerial appointment has produced the most exciting brand of football since their golden generation. High pressing, rapid transitions and a remarkable tactical framework has put Gladbach back on their way […]
Awful league form and an early Champions League exit have raised the question whether José Mourinho is still an elite football manager. Public ramblings towards Tanguy Ndombélé, Eric Dier hurdling rows of seats to confront supporters and Mourinho’s eccentric comments on how the Leipzig bench could play in his first team have epitomized a club […]
The feeling of optimism permeated Olympique Lyonnais as the club prepared to embark on the 2019/20 season. Juninho’s return as sporting director, his handpicked managerial appointment, as well as record spending in the transfer market had supporters eager to watch their club venture into a new era. Eight months later, those sentiments have been long […]
Maurizio Sarri’s first nine months at Juventus have been troubled to say the least, with high expectations weighing on the manager’s mind since his first day in Turin, and consistent delays that have broken up his working rhythm. Even so, his side is still in contention to win every competition. How has Sarri gone about […]
The city of Bergamo is a very very grim place right now. Yet it is here, right at the heart of Italy’s horrendous Covid crisis, that one of this season’s most beautiful stories played out as local small-town football club Atalanta rose to the peak of their powers and looked to join Serie A’s elite. […]
The battle between Juventus and Inter is catching most of the attention, but this historical Serie A season is getting shaped by a surprise architect. With 26 games played – and the Serie A now suspended at least until April 3rd – Lazio sit on 62 points, only one behind league leaders Juventus. Prior to […]
Barcelona once again struggled with threatening from width and depth in possession, meanwhile Madrid’s possession game was very loosely structured. Both teams were also relatively disorganized in pressing. These aspects made for a relatively chaotic and tactically low-standard game, especially in the second half, where Madrid eventually came out on top through goals from Vinícius […]