There are numerous factors that affect the coach's approach when producing football strategies. More about this down below.
Widely regarded among the oldest and most trusted 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 tactics is how well balanced it is. This is due to the fact that the 4 midfielders tend to inhabit and control the midfield by retaining ownership 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 offensive stance, 2 midfielders advance up the pitch to feed the centre forwards through balls and precise crosses that can make a distinction in the box. Long balls sent out from the midfield and even defense can also be utilised, something that the Aston Villa former owner would know. When in defense mode, the midfield stance changes into an arch that acts as a secondary buffer or layer of defense that covers the back line.
Possibly one of the most used football formations over the last ten years, the 4-3-3 is a classic strategy that features effective attacking dynamics that are tough to beat. This tactic is deemed one of the most popular offensive football formations, and for good reasons. The genius in this formation is all to do with the synergy between the midfield and the offensive line. While there are different variations of the 4-3-3, the majority depend on one defensive midfielder and 2 attacking midfielders that support the wingers and the centre forward. The midfield position looks like an inverted triangle with the defensive midfielder remaining close to the back line. This permits more defensive solidity when it comes to sudden and fast counterattacks, something that the AC Milan former US owner is likely knowledgeable about. In order for this formation to bear fruit, the wingers and centre forward need to be technically-skilled in terms of shooting and crossing.
There are some crucial factors that affect the manager's vision and gameplan, some are internal while others are external. For example, ranking on the table and thinking about the team's goals for the season are primary elements to bear in mind. Clubs that are seeking to get a place within the leading 4 endeavour to win as many games as possible, specifically against direct competitors who have comparable goals. This is why the best football formations are typically the ones that prioritise long-term goals instead of individual matches. Internally, the presence of specific footballers in key positions can frequently indicate what formations to opt for. This is merely because there are specific strategies in football that only work in the presence of key players with a specific 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 familiar with.