There are various aspects that influence the coach's approach when producing football strategies. More about this down below.
There are some essential elements that influence the manager's vision and gameplan, some are internal while others are external. For example, ranking on the table and thinking about the club's objectives for the season are primary aspects to remember. Clubs that are seeking to secure a place within the leading 4 endeavour to win as many games as possible, especially versus direct competitors who have similar goals. This is why the best football formations are typically the ones that prioritise long-lasting goals instead of specific games. Internally, the availability of particular players in key positions can typically indicate what formations to go for. This is merely since there are certain strategies in football that only work in the existence of key players with a specific skillset. This is another reason that injuries can be extremely disruptive, forcing coaches to think about alternative plans, something that the Crystal Palace former owner is most likely familiar with.
Perhaps among the most used football formations over the last 10 years, the 4-3-3 is a classic strategy that features effective offensive characteristics that are difficult to beat. This strategy is considered one of the most popular offensive football formations, and for good reasons. The genius in this formation is all to do with the synergy between the midfield and the offensive line. While there are different variations of the 4-3-3, the majority rely on one defensive midfielder and 2 attacking midfielders that support the wingers and the centre forward. The midfield position looks like an inverted triangle with the defensive midfielder remaining close to the back line. This permits more defensive solidity when it comes to sudden and fast counterattacks, something that the AC Milan former US owner is likely knowledgeable about. In order for this formation to bear fruit, the wingers and centre forward need to be technically-skilled in terms of shooting and crossing.
Extensively considered one of the first and most reliable defensive football formations, the 4-4-2 is a strategy that is still common to this day. What makes this formation more effective than other defensive tactics is how balanced it is. This is due to the fact that the 4 midfielders tend to inhabit and control the midfield by retaining ownership of the ball. In so doing, they manage the tempo of the match and decide when to attack and when to fall back. In the offensive position, two midfielders advance up the pitch to feed the centre forwards through balls and exact crosses that can make a difference in the box. Long balls sent out from the midfield or even defense can also be utilised, something that the Aston Villa former owner would know. When in defense mode, the midfield position changes into an arch that functions as a secondary buffer or layer of defense that protects the back line.