There are various aspects that influence the coach's approach when developing football tactics. A lot more about this down below.
There are some key aspects that affect the coach's vision and gameplan, some are internal while others are external. For instance, ranking on the table and considering the team's goals for the season are main aspects to remember. Clubs that are wanting to secure a spot within the leading 4 endeavour to win as many games as possible, especially versus direct competitors who have comparable goals. This is why the best football formations are often the ones that prioritise long-lasting objectives instead of individual games. Internally, the presence of particular players in key positions can often indicate what tactics to opt for. This is simply due to the fact that there are particular tactics in football that only work in the presence of key players with a particular skillset. This is another reason that injuries can be incredibly disruptive, forcing coaches to think about alternative strategies, something that the Crystal Palace former owner is likely aware of.
Maybe among the most used football formations over the last 10 years, the 4-3-3 is a timeless strategy that features effective attacking dynamics that are hard to beat. This strategy is considered among 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 attacking line. While there are various variations of the 4-3-3, many rely on one defensive midfielder and 2 offensive midfielders that support the wingers and the centre forward. The midfield stance appears like an inverted triangle with the defensive midfielder remaining close to the back line. This permits more defensive solidity in the case of abrupt and quick counterattacks, something that the AC Milan former US owner is most likely knowledgeable about. In order for this formation to flourish, the wingers and centre forward should be technically-skilled in terms of shooting and crossing.
Commonly considered among the first and most reliable defensive football formations, the 4-4-2 is a strategy that is still popular to this day. What makes this tactic more efficient than other defensive strategies is how well balanced it is. This is because the four midfielders tend to occupy and dominate the midfield by keeping possession of the ball. In so doing, they manage the tempo of the match and choose when to push forward and when to fall back. In the attacking position, two midfielders advance up the field to feed the centre forwards through balls and accurate crosses that can make a difference in the area. Long balls sent from the midfield and even defense can also be utilised, something that the Aston Villa former owner would understand. When defending, the midfield position changes into an arch that functions as a secondary shield or layer of defense that covers the back line.