Copa America Preview: Chile
The Copa America promises to be a festival of South American football. Jorge Sampaoli’s Chile side are an embodiment of the excitement, skill, and intensity that South American football is associated with.
Valencia: A tactical profile
Valencia had a disappointing 2013/14 season, finishing eighth in the La Liga. Nuno Espirito Santo took over as manager in July 2014, and by anyone’s standards, let alone a manager with as little experience as him, he has done fantastic things with the club.
Van Gaal’s nightmare: The Dutchman’s first six months in charge
While the German Bundesliga is in its winter break, we want to take time, analyze a few teams and discuss possible tactical changes. We continue with a team which is not enjoying neither a winter break nor playing in Germany: Manchester United.
The bulwark of the Saints
The recent history of Southampton FC is a story of descent and resurrection, talent and sales. They had reached the end of the 2000s in League One, then built up a team with Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Morgan Schneiderlin.
Wenger’s problems and Arsenal’s long-term crisis
Since 2005, Arsenal has only won one trophy, last season’s FA Cup. Wenger has long been accused of not investing in the club while his supporters argued that his austerity was necessary to finance the new stadium and other infrastructure projects.
How Van Gaal will rebuild Manchester United
Italy was the natural home of the back three in the last ten years. But it is enjoying a resurrection in international football at present and could be introduced to many clubs in domestic football leagues. Louis van Gaal led the Netherlands to a World Cup semi-final with a 3-4-1-2
Dortmund’s hidden diamond vs. Mainz
That’s the ball game! BVB find an offensive concept that works after months of tinkering. Against Mainz two play-making structure givers on the wings created a hidden diamond with diverse creative potential.
Atlético Madrid under Diego Simeone in 2014
Atlético Madrid is Europe’s surprise team – and has been for about two and a half years.
Red Bull Salzburg under Roger Schmidt in 2014
Red Bull Salzburg are the subject of much debate. Prior to last year they were making headlines for their “history” but this season people are talking about their tactics and performance on the pitch. In recent months they have played some of the most exceptional and intriguing football in Europe.
Relegation special: FC Augsburg
A wasted first half of the season, outstanding performances after the winter break. FC Augsburg’s inspiring tactical direction and the resulting style of play is something to marvel at. We are going to look at their chances to avoid relegation during the last two games.