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Andoni Iraola Brings His Heavy Metal Football to Bournemouth
After narrowly avoiding the drop under Gary O’Neil in their return to the Premier League, Bournemouth have raised eyebrows by deciding to sack the 40-year-old Englishman and replace him with Spanish manager Andoni Iraola. After promising spells at AEK Larnaca, Mirandés and Rayo Vallecano, Iraola joins the Cherries on a two-year deal, and he will…
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What Is Going Wrong With Stellenbosch’s Defence?
Founded in 2016 following the relocation of Vasco da Gama F.C. to Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch FC were crowned champions of the National First Division on the final day of the 2018/19 season following a 0-0 draw with Maccabi FC, claiming the sole automatic promotion spot. The following season, they became the first team from Stellenbosch to…
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Tactical Analysis: Luis Freire’s Rio Ave
At only 37 years of age, Luis Freire is the youngest coach in the Primeira Liga. Freire has coached at every level of Portuguese football, managing 351 games in total and gaining seven promotions in his career with a host of different teams. He has moved from the I Div.Lisbon AF with Ericeirense all the…
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Tactical Observations: Villarreal CF Under Quique Setién (Part 1)
The 2022/23 season was eventful for Villarreal. The Yellow Submarine were forced to replace their head coach in October, returned home to the renovated Estadio de la Cerámica in late December and in 2023 are celebrating their centenary year. By early June, Villarreal had finished the LaLiga campaign in fifth place. Their hopes of catching…
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Tactical Analysis: Unai Emery’s Aston Villa
Spain’s Basque Country harbors some of the greatest architects in the world. Mikel Sanz de Prit and César Azkarate are great examples of that, the architects who have designed San Mames, one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world. Another Basque architect, albeit of a different nature, would be Mr. Europa League himself, Unai…
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From Istanbul With Love: A Tactical Analysis of the Champions League Final
In the aftermath of a hard-fought final where Manchester City emerged victorious, Pep Guardiola now stands as a revered figure, hailed as a deity in the blue half of Manchester. Despite encountering numerous battles against Inter’s relentless challenges, City showcased their mettle, adapting their tactics to overcome the Italian giants in a strategic showdown. Recognizing…
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How West Ham Beat Fiorentina in the 2023 Europa Conference League Final
It’s rare for David Moyes to allow his excitement to spill into celebration, at least throughout his 25-year career in the dugout. And that’s why, in the moments after his West Ham United side triumphed in the Europa Conference League final, his cheesy grin and swinging arms were as loud as any words he said…
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Tactical Analysis: How Did Luton Town Reach the Premier League?
Luton Town completed the ultimate fairytale with their penalty victory against Coventry City in the EFL Championship playoff final. Their nine-year rise from the National League to the Premier League will go down in history as one of the most dramatic rises in English football. They finished third in the Championship this season, despite replacing…
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What Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea Might Look Like
Chelsea have finally confirmed the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach. After what was a truly disastrous season for the West London giants, owner Todd Boehly wanted to ensure that the next managerial appointment would be the right one for the club and its plethora of young players. After an extensive…
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Manchester United’s Slight Tweak in Build-up Structure and Its Ripple Effects
Injuries to Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have meant Erik ten Hag has had to adjust his tactics in getting to the end of the season. Coupled with injuries, Manchester United have had a relentless schedule to combat and have clearly looked exhausted as the season draws to a close. At times, despite the clear…