Schalke’s marginal gains were the key to their success, as David Wagner’s diamond formation troubled Julian Nagelsmann’s men, albeit not without weaknesses of their own. Leipzig’s performance was creditable once again, both in their starting plan and in their adaptations, but they ultimately let the game slip away from their grasp. Tactical analysis and match […]
This was one of the most fascinating tactical battles you will see all season. With some clever adaptations along the way from both coaches, it was a relentless back-and-forth chess match that could have resulted in a much higher score line on just about any other day. Tactical analysis and match report by Peter M. […]
RB Leipzig’s clash with Eintracht Frankfurt was a perfect example of football’s unparalleled fluidity and constantly evolving nature. The game began in chaos, before briefly bending to the will of Julian Nagelsmann’s tactics. Frankfurt adapted towards the end of the first half and exerted a surprising amount of control in the second. An eightieth minute […]
In a direct duel for a European competition spot, Hoffenheim controlled the first half through possession. By overloading space between the lines, Hoffenheim were creating chances at will, while Gladbach lacked penetrating power. In the second half, Gladbach switched formation, which allowed them to make use of space in wide areas. Exactly this led to […]
TSG Hoffenheim were able to beat Leverkusen 4-1, exactly the same score as in the first meeting. Julian Nagelsmann chose a strategy that mostly relied on counterattacks, and switched to a line of four in defense. Bayer Leverkusen showed the same issues as they have in recent weeks, and were caught in transition multiple times […]
Julian Nagelsmann’s current and future side played against each other in an exciting tactical battle. Hoffenheim impressed with a dominant possession-based style, in their diamond shaped build-up. Leipzig operated in a 3-3-2-2 system, which they struggled to adjust to in the first half, while their second-half change to their usual 4-2-2-2 allowed them to impose […]
Dortmund gave away a three-goal lead with fifteen minutes to play, at a moment when they are leading the league and thoroughly need wins to keep it that way. Not great, Bob. Not great. Tactical analysis and match report by Erik Elias. Dortmund went into the match without the injured trio Marco Reus, Manuel Akanji […]
The second half of the Bundesliga campaign started with a match between two top teams, both with a rather unsatisfying first half of the season. An improved balance with a new midfield trio saw Bayern Munich completely dominate the first half. TSG Hoffenheim awoke after Nagelsmann’s tactical adjustment, but could not turn the game around. […]
An inexperienced Hoffenheim side did everything they could to fend off Pep Guardiola’s brilliant Manchester City. After an opening goal after 44 seconds, Hoffenheim sat back and carried out their plan to keep Manchester City away from their box. A late David Silva winner gave the visitors the three points they did deserve. Olympique Lyon […]
Football is not fair and sometimes the ‘Football Gods’ like to remind us of that fact. The point with which Dortmund left Hoffenheim can be seen as such a reminder. How talent can make up for faulty tactics. Julian Nagelsmann’s final season as manager of Hoffenheim, before he takes over the reigns at RB Leipzig […]