Miquel’s Master Plan: Crafting Leicester City Women’s Tactical Revolution – Tactical Analysis

Whilst Sonia Bompastor’s arrival at Chelsea Women has attracted the headlines when it comes to coaching appointments in the WSL this summer, she is not the only new name for fans to get used to, with three others also taking charge in the league, and all hoping to lead their sides to success.

The most recent appointment out of the four was that of Amandine Miquel, who was confirmed as Leicester City Women’s new head coach last week after seven years at Stade de Reims Féminines.

With her having a reputation for youth development, tactical adaptability and overall club growth, as well as leading her now-former team to a fourth-place finish in the Première Ligue (as the French women’s top flight is now known) last time out, there are high hopes around the King Power Stadium that she could be the one to take them up the standings after posting 10^th and two 11^th placed finishes in their three top-flight campaigns so far.

When looking at what Miquel will bring tactically to the East Midlands side, there is a lot for fans to be intrigued about, and several comparisons can be drawn between her Reims squad and the one that she has now inherited.

With that in mind, this tactical analysis will take a closer look at what can be expected of her once the action does get underway and which players could flourish under her tutelage.

Attacking transitions

Ever since her appointment at the King Power Stadium was confirmed, Amandine Miquel has made no secret of the fact that she wants to implement an attack-minded style of play that puts on a show for the fans.

When looking back at Reims’ performances last season, it becomes clear just what those tactics could entail, and the fact that they averaged 1.43 goals per game last season demonstrates that buying into her philosophy does lead to positive results.

When breaking down how Reims create chances, it comes down to their ability to execute transitions in as precise and as rapid a manner as possible, with players not looking to hold onto the ball for longer than is needed and always trying to operate with verticality in mind.

That starts from the back, with Miquel requiring centre-backs who are able to control the ball and play out from their own third, just as Mathilde Kack is doing here as she searches for an option ahead of her.