There are numerous elements that affect the coach's approach when producing football tactics. A lot more about this down below.
Perhaps one of the most used football formations over the last ten years, the 4-3-3 is a timeless tactic that includes effective offensive dynamics that are difficult to beat. This strategy is considered one of the most popular offensive football formations, and for good reasons. The genius in this formation lies in the synergy in between the midfield and the offensive line. While there are various variations of the 4-3-3, most rely on one defensive midfielder and two offensive midfielders that support the wingers and the centre forward. The midfield position appears like an inverted triangle with the defensive midfielder remaining near the back line. This allows for more defensive solidity when it comes to abrupt and quick counterattacks, something that the AC Milan former US owner is likely familiar with. In order for this work to flourish, the wingers and centre forward need to be technically-skilled in terms of shooting and crossing.
There are some key factors that influence the coach's vision and gameplan, some are internal while others are external. For example, ranking on the table and thinking about the club's goals for the season are main factors to bear in mind. Clubs that are seeking to get a spot within the leading 4 endeavour to win as many matches as possible, especially against direct contenders who have similar goals. This is why the best football formations are frequently the ones that prioritise long-lasting objectives instead of specific matches. Internally, the availability of certain players in key positions can frequently inform what formations to opt for. This is simply because there are certain strategies in football that only work in the existence of key players with a particular skillset. This is another reason that injuries can be extremely disruptive, requiring coaches to consider alternative plans, something that the Crystal Palace former owner is likely aware of.
Widely regarded among the first and most dependable defensive football formations, the 4-4-2 is a strategy that is still prevalent to this day. What makes this formation more effective than other defensive strategies is how balanced it is. This is because the 4 midfielders tend to inhabit and control the midfield by keeping possession of the ball. In so doing, they manage the pace of the game and choose when to attack and when to fall back. In the offensive position, two midfielders advance up the pitch to feed the centre forwards through balls and exact crosses that can make a distinction in the box. Long balls sent from the midfield or perhaps defense can likewise be used, something that the Aston Villa former owner would know. When in defense mode, the midfield position changes into an arch that works as a secondary barrier or layer of defense that protects the back line.