Pep Guardiola

Recently, set-piece analysis has evolved rapidly as teams have begun to recognise the importance of capitalising on every detail during the game. However, there is room to develop as a field in football analysis. One of the most interesting aspects is how teams have begun to manipulate the opponent by...

In the modern Premier League, success is no longer defined solely by goals and points. Tactical intelligence, data-led planning, and structural clarity have become essential in differentiating genuine progress from surface-level performance. This data analysis report utilises a combination of progressive metrics, possession models, and underlying performance data to examine...

The act of receiving the ball to feet has become almost second nature. From grassroots football to the professional elite, this pass-to-feet dynamic has evolved into the base unit of build-up play. In this tactical analysis, we will examine how this stylistic evolution is reshaping attacking behaviour across modern systems....

After finishing runners-up in 1989/1990 and 2015/2016, Crystal Palace won the 2024/2025 FA Cup. This is the first major trophy in the South London club’s history, with Palace having previously had just two second-tier titles and a third-tier title in their honours list. The FA Cup trophy will now take...

The art of build-up under pressure is a fundamental aspect of modern football, especially for teams facing aggressive, high-pressing opponents. More than just a method to progress the ball, it represents a philosophy of play that transforms defensive risk into attacking opportunity. In this analysis, we’ll explore how top teams create structures, support...

The 2024/2025 Premier League season has become a tactical battleground where vertical progression and transitional threat are redefining success at the top level — this data analysis explains exactly how. In this data analysis report, we focus on how Liverpool, under new coach Arne Slot, have reclaimed their dominance with...

The evolution of inverted full-backs stands as one of the most significant tactical innovations of the past decade. Born from the need to manipulate central spaces and enhance control during the possession phase, this role has transformed the approach to deep build-up play and the creation of numerical superiority in...

The Shift To 4-2-4 Formation In recent times, certain formations have become the convention for deployment, as they are conducive to meeting the tactical demands of modern football. The 4-3-3 formation, for example, somewhat phased out the regular 4-4-2 formation due to its numerical superiority in midfield. By extension, the...

With the 2024/25 Premier League season rapidly drawing to a close, attention is slowly turning towards the summer transfer window. All 20 clubs are finalising their shopping lists as they attempt to improve their squads ahead of the following campaign. However, while many managers and coaches will understandably turn to...

If Manchester City fans have learned anything over the last few years, it is that their team contains plenty of star names, but there are a few who they simply can’t be without. This season has been the epitome of that, with Pep Guardiola’s side losing defensive midfielder Rodri to...

Not long ago, Pep Guardiola said that football is no longer about the positional approach in the modern world. "It is about rhythm," he added before pointing to the likes of Brighton and Bournemouth, who he believes are currently playing this modern brand of football. By referring to Bournemouth and...

The choice between a two-striker system and one with a central forward supported by two wide attackers represents one of a coach's most significant tactical decisions. Each approach offers advantages and presents challenges, profoundly influencing offensive dynamics, defensive structure, and the team's overall balance. Analysing the pros and cons of...

When we coach forwards, and in particular when we coach finishing, we often focus on the strike's execution itself. Whilst there is absolutely a need to do this, this focus can lead to unrealistic shooting practices, often unopposed or from positions from which shots very rarely come. However, we need...

Liverpool will almost certainly be in next season’s UEFA Champions League mix (with only mathematics preventing that from being a definite) and look highly likely to be joined by Arsenal. However, the race to secure the final two guaranteed places (and potentially any additional spots, should England maintain its strong...

What Is Overloading To Isolate In Football? Overloading to isolate is a tactical concept utilised by many coaches, including Pep Guardiola of Manchester City in the Premier League and Erik ten Hag, formerly of Manchester United and Ajax. This technique involves overloading one side of the pitch to drag the majority of the opposition...

Liverpool have overcome another hurdle on their way towards the 2024/25 Premier League title, defeating Manchester City away from home by two goals to nil this past weekend.  Arne Slot’s Reds took an early lead through Mohamed Salah from a set-piece in the 14th minute before Dominik Szoboszlai doubled the...

The play-off round of the new Champions League format has conjured up some mouth-watering ties.  None more so than Real Madrid vs Manchester City.  The last two winners of the competition will have been disappointed that they did not automatically qualify for the Round of 16. This fixture was an...

When advancing possession in football, the team mustn't pass the ball without a clear purpose. The popularity of 'tiki-taka' in recent years has given many people the impression that having high possession and passing statistics automatically denotes a top team when this is often not the case. Possession is pointless...

A La Masia gem, who moved to Porto for more minutes, is now at Manchester City for a €60M fee. In this scout report, we’ll examine key aspects of Nico González's game and how he’ll fit into City’s squad, using clips from his Porto days and his short City stint...

Andrea Cambiaso is an Italian full-back who has been under the radar for a few years but has gained significant traction over the past 12 months. Clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City and Bayern Munich have been watching the youngster for some years now. The 24-year-old began his professional career...