Video: What are Pressing Traps?
I explain a not often talked about modern tactical concept which managers such as Jurgen Klopp and clubs such as Red Bull Leipzig have had success using: Pressing Traps!
Video: What is Counter- or Gegenpressing?
In this video analysis, I break down a key tactical concept in the success of Klopp, Heynckes, Guardiola, and clubs like Red Bull!
Video: The FC Barcelona and Pep Guardiola Philosophy Explained
I detail the possession and positional philosophy of FC Barcelona and Pep Guardiola!
Video: How To Break Down a 4-4-2 Using Positional Play
I detail how to break down a 4-4-2 defensive block with a positional attack approach.
How to Break a Low (5-4-1) Block with (Guardiola’s) Positional Play
“We found a lot of problems when attacking a 5-4-1 when the striker is marking our holding midfielder and 10 players are defending so deep. We are thinking about how you could attack against that system.” – Pep Guardiola when previewing the 2018/2019 EPL season.
“There is something right in the state of Denmark” – Interview with Midtjylland’s former head of scouting Lars Hallengreen
On the last day of the transfer window, you will always see remarkable transfers being made and this season was no exception. We took a look at the situation in Denmark where two transfers caught our attention in particular.
Aspect Analysis: Manchester City dismantle Cardiff’s man-marking
Touted going into the fixture as unusual opponents, Guardiola’s Manchester City were drawn away to promotion candidates Cardiff City for the 4th Round of the FA Cup. The Bluebirds, managed by Neil Warnock, tried to nullify the Citizen’s threats by utilizing a stricter form of man-marking in defense. Posing a different test than what they usually face in the league and Europe, this piece explores how Manchester City overcame Cardiff’s marking.
Canada’s soccer: A work in (need of) progress
Is a country that is struggling to stay in the top 100 of the FIFA ranking worth writing about? Does anybody even care about “soccer”, when there’s baseball, ice-hockey and other games, that use the name “football” for themselves?
Tactical Theory: the various methods of dismarking
In football there are two broad categories of defensive approaches; zonal defending and man-marking. Each approach has sub-divisions; however, the two styles differ mainly on reference points. In zonal defending each player references their team-mates and the ball, in man-marking however, the reference point is the opponent.
Pressing, counterpressing, and counterattacking
Pressing, counterpressing, and counterattacking are three very popular concepts that are associated with the most exciting and dominant teams in modern football. Pressing and counterattacking are perhaps the more “classic” ideas in football tactics, while counterpressing is a buzzword which has become quite popular over the last five to six years – despite having existed for decades. But what do these terms really mean and why are they so important to modern football?