There are different factors that affect the coach's approach when creating football strategies. More about this down below.
There are some crucial factors that affect the manager's vision and gameplan, some are internal while others are external. For instance, ranking on the table and thinking about the team's goals for the season are primary elements to remember. Clubs that are wanting to get a place within the top 4 endeavour to win as many games as possible, particularly versus direct contenders who have comparable objectives. This is why the best football formations are frequently the ones that prioritise long-lasting goals rather than specific games. Internally, the availability of particular players in essential positions can typically inform what formations to choose. This is simply since there are particular tactics in football that only work in the presence of key players with a particular skillset. This is another reason that injuries can be incredibly disruptive, requiring coaches to think about alternative plans, something that the Crystal Palace former owner is likely familiar with.
Extensively considered one of the first and most reliable defensive football formations, the 4-4-2 is a tactic that is still prevalent to this day. What makes this tactic more efficient than other defensive tactics is how well balanced it is. This is due to the fact that the 4 midfielders tend to occupy and dominate the midfield by maintaining ownership of the ball. In so doing, they control the tempo of the match and decide when to push forward and when to fall back. In the attacking stance, 2 midfielders advance up the field 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 perhaps defense can likewise be used, something that the Aston Villa former owner would understand. When in defense mode, the midfield position changes into an arch that serves as a secondary buffer or layer of defense that protects the back line.
Maybe among the most used football formations over the last ten years, the 4-3-3 is a classic tactic that features effective attacking characteristics that are tough to beat. This strategy is considered one of the most popular offensive football formations, and for good reason. The genius in this formation is all to do with the synergy in between the midfield and the offensive line. While there are various variations of the 4-3-3, the majority rely on one defensive midfielder and two attacking midfielders that support the wingers and the centre forward. The midfield stance looks like an inverted triangle with the defensive midfielder remaining near the back line. This enables more defensive strength when it comes to abrupt and fast counterattacks, something that the AC Milan former US owner is likely familiar with. In order for this formation to bear fruit, the wingers and centre forward must be technically-skilled in terms of shooting and crossing.