Read this short post if you want to learn more about the ways coaches utilise formations.
Football is known as the beautiful game, not just as a result of the spectacular skill and trickery that is shown by players, but likewise the elaborateness and detail that goes into football tactics. You will discover some extremely detailed players maps in dressing rooms, as managers are constantly hoping to fine tune their squads and formulate tactics that will out think the opposition. Football offensive schemes are arguably the most challenging to mastermind, so just the best football thinkers rise to the top of the football pyramid. Understanding soccer tactics is crucial to the success of a manager, but likewise to the players, they must understand the jobs of their teammates as well as their own. The AC Milan owner will be very aware of how essential tactics and formations are to a hard-working club.
Arguably the most common formation in modern day soccer is the 4-2-3-1 formation. Coaches look to this formation frequently because it gives them a big amount of cover in midfield, but also attacking ideas. If the club is owning possession and are in control of the game, the advanced midfielders can move up the field; nevertheless, if the defence are struggling, then those same players can drop deeper. This has been among the most successful football formations in the last 10 years, so it is no surprise so many clubs go with it. The Watford owner sees his club set up in this formation often and that isn't a bad thing, the formation gives the club so much stability but also attacking potential. The formation does require a strong striker that can hold the ball up well and push other players into the attacks.
Probably one of the most used formations in modern-day soccer is the 4-3-3 formation. This handy structure is perfect for modern-day soccer, as it gives a group width for attacking, but also cover in the middle of the pitch to protect the defense from counter attacks. Any football tactics blog would explain how successful and hard to play against this system is. A world class coach has described how the plan will pin back the opponent as it gives them an extra player in midfield, and likewise keeps the opponent's defense back, as they cannot leave three defenders up against 3 attackers. One way to circumvent this formation would be to flood with midfield, maybe through actively playing with a diamond formation, as if the opponent can’t handle the ball, then they will have difficulty to acquire any momentum. The greatest clubs to play this formation usually have really fit and dynamic central midfielders, something the Bayern Munich owner would be really aware of, considering the team commonly uses this formation.