Articles
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Borussia Dortmund 2 – 1 Hoffenheim: Tactical Analysis
With the Borussia Dortmund hierarchy deciding Peter Bosz’ departure as necessary for BVB achieving their desired level of success, Peter Stoger was quickly brought in to manage Die Schwarzgelben. Despite some considering the swap of bosses a downgrade, with Stoger’s far more compact approach compared to Bosz’ more attractive possession-based style, the new gaffer’s initial…
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Mourinho, Guardiola and… The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis
“Language is the foundation of civilization. It is the glue that holds the people together. It is the first weapon drawn in a conflict.” There’s a tribe in Namibia that doesn’t have a single word for the color “blue,” but they have a plethora of words for the color “green.” If you put a color…
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The Manchester Derby: A Tactical Analysis
The Manchester derby wasn’t just a game between the clubs that occupy the first two spots in the Premier League, nor was it a match between the two richest clubs in England, but it was, well and truly, the umpteenth tactical battle between Josè Mourinho and Pep Guardiola – two of the most successful managers…
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Si scrive Europa League, si legge mini Champions League
Terminata la fase a gironi, è tempo di tracciare un primo bilancio sull’ Europa League 2017/18 che ha visto i ritorni dell’ Arsenal dopo vent’anni e del Milan, partito addirittura dal terzo turno di qualificazione a fine Luglio. Le dodici squadre che hanno vinto la group stage [Villarreal, Dinamo di Kiev, Braga, Milan, Atalanta, Lokomotiv…
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The Footballing World Needs to Give Granit Xhaka Some Leniency
What is the fondest memory of your childhood? It’s often the usual suspects: going to your first party, a trip to the amusement park, asking that girl out and she saying yes, that magical vacation to New York…. For me, I tend to harken back to the good old days. An era of simplicity, kerosene-lit…
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Pep Guardiola’s Tactical Juggernaut
Pep Guardiola is one of the tactical icons of this era and his style has almost been revolutionary. After struggling a bit in his first season with Manchester City, his team have looked unstoppable this year. In this article, I will go in depth about his tactics and why they have been so successful. Formations/Player…
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El renacimiento del Valencia CF
Con un plantel reestructurado, ambición y rendimientos ejemplares, el Valencia finalmente ha regresado a los días ganadores. Desde hace varios años, el equipo emblemático del este de España luchó por lograr algo al más alto nivel, pareció contento con desempeñar un papel secundario, incluso un papel terciario, jugando para permanecer en la Liga. Excluido del…
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The rebirth of Valencia CF
With a restructured squad, ambition and exemplary performances, Valencia have finally returned to winning days. For several years now, the emblematic team of eastern Spain struggled to achieve something at the highest level, seeming content to play a secondary role, or even a tertiary role, playing to remain in La Liga. Excluded from the brilliant…
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La renaissance du FC Valence
Avec un effectif restructuré, une ambition assumée et des performances exemplaires, le FC Valence a définitivement retrouvé le cocktail de la gagne. Depuis plusieurs années, l’équipe emblématique de l’est de l’Espagne peinait à concrétiser au plus haut niveau, se contentant d’occuper un rôle secondaire voire tertiaire, en jouant le maintien. Évincés du brillant trio espagnol…
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A Tribute to El Pulpo
“Football is played with the head, your feet are just your tools.” – Andrea Pirlo. Andrea Pirlo’s quotes are something of a phenomenon with football fans. From him talking about playing PlayStation before a World Cup final, to this. A quote that was tailor-made for just a few legends of the game. Already, a few…
