Alexander Blessin Tactics At Union Saint-Gilloise 2023/2024: The German Tactician Back In Belgium – Tactical Analysis

In what will be the third new manager for Union Saint-Gilloise in the last three seasons, the German coach Alexander Blessin has been appointed as the new manager of the Belgian side, signing a two-year contract and replacing Karel Geraets, who leaves the Brussels side after almost guiding the club to their first Belgian First Division title since 1935.

Blessin has experience managing in Belgium after managing now-Challenger Pro League side Oostende from 2020 to 2022, guiding the club to a fifth-place finish and into the playoffs in the 2020/21 season.

Now, the 50-year-old brings his high-pressing style of football back to the Belgian top flight. After an ill-fated spell with Italian side Genoa, he hopes to again challenge for the title with USG next season.

This tactical analysis of Blessin will look at his tactics from his previous stint in Belgium with Oostende, analysing a few tactical principles that USG fans can expect to see from their side next season. 

Alexander Blessin formations and style of play

When it comes to a preferred formation for Alexander Blessin, the German likes to set his side up in a 3-5-2 formation, with it sometimes switching to a 5-3-2 in defensive moments.

The Union Saint-Gilloise side is already familiar with this back-three setup, as Karel Geraets used it during his time in charge of the club last season. 

When it comes to Blessins style of play, the 50-year-old was moulded in the Red Bull way of playing.