Zinedine Zidane MEGA THREAD
I’ll have the Madrid vs Liverpool match analysis for you tomorrow on @TotalAnalysis, but, for now, get to know Zidane’s philosophy and tactics through this extensive thread detailing his work at Real Madrid.
(RTs appreciated)
I’ll have the Madrid vs Liverpool match analysis for you tomorrow on @TotalAnalysis, but, for now, get to know Zidane’s philosophy and tactics through this extensive thread detailing his work at Real Madrid.
(RTs appreciated)
With Real Madrid’s Champions League victory over Liverpool, Zidane is receiving plaudits for his tactics, and rightly so. Covering La Liga for Total Football Analysis and authoring “Revitalizing Real Madrid” has allowed me to write extensively on the legendary Frenchman’s work.
Zidane is often disparaged as an average to poor tactician. The reason for the accusation isn't totally clear, but it's likely due to his lack of a highly defined, rigid system, which we see with other top coaches, like Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp.
But a distinction is necessary. What those coaches have is a highly defined philosophy, or style of play, which is a general, big picture approach to the game. Tactics is another thing entirely.
Tactics is the ability to adapt the overarching philosophy in a concrete scenario to a specific opponent.
Tactics fit the philosophy to the matchup, making advantages decisive and mitigating the negative influence of one's vulnerabilities.
Tactics fit the philosophy to the matchup, making advantages decisive and mitigating the negative influence of one's vulnerabilities.
While Zidane's philosophy is highly flexible, his tactics/analysis of opponent specific details, is typically spot-on. In fact, you'll be hard-pressed to find a manager with a better tactical acumen. Zidane knows his teams and the opponent, which leads to effective tactics.
To emphasize the distinction between philosophy and tactics, as well as the significance of the latter, a few quotes from Sun Tzu's The Art of War come to mind. Interpret "strategy" as "philosophy".
"Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat." Sun Tzu, The Art of War
“Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances.” Sun Tzu, The Art of War
"He who can modify his tactics in relation to his opponent and thereby succeed in winning may be called a heaven-born captain." Sun Tzu, The Art of War
My seemingly controversial claim is as follows...not only is Zidane a great tactician, but he's the top tactician currently coaching.
This thread, which documents his current spell at Real Madrid, offers insight into Zizou's philosophy and tactical acumen.
This thread, which documents his current spell at Real Madrid, offers insight into Zizou's philosophy and tactical acumen.
Here's the structure of the thread.
1st - Tactical Theory
2nd - Player Scouting Reports
3rd - Data Analysis
4th - Tactical Match Previews
5th - Tactical Match Analysis
All articles are from my 18 months covering La Liga and Real Madrid for TFA.
1st - Tactical Theory
2nd - Player Scouting Reports
3rd - Data Analysis
4th - Tactical Match Previews
5th - Tactical Match Analysis
All articles are from my 18 months covering La Liga and Real Madrid for TFA.
For a deeper dive into Zidane, check out my book, Revitalizing Real Madrid.
Paperback
@amazon
amazon.com/Revitalizing-R…
@bookdepository bookdepository.com/Revitalizing-R…
Digital Copy: scottmartinmedia.com/products/revit…
Paperback
@amazon
amazon.com/Revitalizing-R…
@bookdepository bookdepository.com/Revitalizing-R…
Digital Copy: scottmartinmedia.com/products/revit…
La Liga 2019/20: What to expect from Real Madrid – scout report
totalfootballanalysis.com/team-analysis/…
“Not only does Real Madrid’s 19 goals conceded lead La Liga, but it’s the lowest number of goals against in all of Europe’s top five leagues. This mark isn’t down to luck.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/team-analysis/…
“Not only does Real Madrid’s 19 goals conceded lead La Liga, but it’s the lowest number of goals against in all of Europe’s top five leagues. This mark isn’t down to luck.”
Tactical Theory: Interactions of attackers that lead to goals
totalfootballanalysis.com/article/tactic…
“Both Isco’s run behind the line and the occupation of space by Ronaldo and Benzema shows the value of vacating the space you want to attack.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/article/tactic…
“Both Isco’s run behind the line and the occupation of space by Ronaldo and Benzema shows the value of vacating the space you want to attack.”
Coaching: Training runs behind the backline in a three forward system
totalfootballanalysis.com/training-analy…
“With a player like Benzema, he’ll bounce between the two forwards, but, in that transitional moment...he wants to disconnect one centre-backs from everyone else on that line.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/training-analy…
“With a player like Benzema, he’ll bounce between the two forwards, but, in that transitional moment...he wants to disconnect one centre-backs from everyone else on that line.”
Theory: The re-emergence of man-marking in a high press
totalfootballanalysis.com/article/theory…
“The objective is to force play all the way back to a goalkeeper or centre-back. Los Blancos want these players to make the initial distribution from a deep area of the pitch.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/article/theory…
“The objective is to force play all the way back to a goalkeeper or centre-back. Los Blancos want these players to make the initial distribution from a deep area of the pitch.”
The tactical ingenuity of Zinedine Zidane’s midfield
totalfootballanalysis.com/article/zinedi…
“After some early experimenting, Zidane has discovered a highly-effective tactical approach. The midfield is the catalyst for the side’s success, offering the backline defensive support.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/article/zinedi…
“After some early experimenting, Zidane has discovered a highly-effective tactical approach. The midfield is the catalyst for the side’s success, offering the backline defensive support.”
Toni Kroos: Meet the heir to the regista throne
totalfootballanalysis.com/article/toni-k…
“It’s his ability to be a playmaker from deeper parts of the pitch, as well as his role in setting the team’s tempo, that makes him so valuable.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/article/toni-k…
“It’s his ability to be a playmaker from deeper parts of the pitch, as well as his role in setting the team’s tempo, that makes him so valuable.”
Eden Hazard – Is a “very expensive mistake” playing his way out of Real Madrid?
totalfootballanalysis.com/player-analysi…
“If he can remain healthy enough to build up some match fitness, he will finally have the opportunity to work with his teammates for an extended period of time.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/player-analysi…
“If he can remain healthy enough to build up some match fitness, he will finally have the opportunity to work with his teammates for an extended period of time.”
Karim Benzema: Is it the system or the player?
totalfootballanalysis.com/article/karim-…
“Getting Benzema back on track is key. He’s easily the most lethal scorer on the team.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/article/karim-…
“Getting Benzema back on track is key. He’s easily the most lethal scorer on the team.”
La Liga 2020/21: Valencia vs Real Madrid – tactical preview
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“While Zidane’s side has shown improvements in recent matchups, their press is still working out some issues.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“While Zidane’s side has shown improvements in recent matchups, their press is still working out some issues.”
La Liga 2020/21: Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid – tactical preview
totalfootballanalysis.com/analysis/la-li…
“Further, with the central overload, the wingers are often afforded more space, allowing them to progress unopposed on the dribble.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/analysis/la-li…
“Further, with the central overload, the wingers are often afforded more space, allowing them to progress unopposed on the dribble.”
UEFA Champions League 2019/20: How Real Madrid can overturn the deficit vs Manchester City – tactical preview
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“Over the course of the season, Zidane has shown us that the high press and counterpress has two objectives.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“Over the course of the season, Zidane has shown us that the high press and counterpress has two objectives.”
La Liga 2019/20: Real Madrid vs Villarreal – tactical preview
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“Zidane’s men will try to force Villarreal to distribute from deep in the central channel. This is the first positional battle in the Villarreal build-up.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“Zidane’s men will try to force Villarreal to distribute from deep in the central channel. This is the first positional battle in the Villarreal build-up.”
La Liga 2019/20: Espanyol vs Real Madrid – tactical preview
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“Benzema joined him as the two effectively drew the opposition close to then send Hazard behind them.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“Benzema joined him as the two effectively drew the opposition close to then send Hazard behind them.”
La Liga 2019/20: Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid – tactical preview
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“Hazard’s return has certainly sparked some exciting attacking football. Additionally, he brings out the best in Benzema.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“Hazard’s return has certainly sparked some exciting attacking football. Additionally, he brings out the best in Benzema.”
La Liga 2019/20: Real Madrid vs Eibar – tactical preview
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“Look for Real to utilise the interchanging of Ramos and Kroos in the left half-space and central channel.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“Look for Real to utilise the interchanging of Ramos and Kroos in the left half-space and central channel.”
La Liga 2019/20: Barcelona vs Real Madrid – tactical preview
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“In seven games, Zidane has five wins and a draw against Valverde. Of those seven games, four are Clásicos, in which Zidane has the 2-1-1 edge over Valverde.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“In seven games, Zidane has five wins and a draw against Valverde. Of those seven games, four are Clásicos, in which Zidane has the 2-1-1 edge over Valverde.”
Systems vs results: Correlating 2020/21 La Liga systems of play to match outcomes
totalfootballanalysis.com/data-analysis/…
“For some teams, especially La Liga’s elites, the priority is killing the opposition’s counterattack by forcing them to play negative.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/data-analysis/…
“For some teams, especially La Liga’s elites, the priority is killing the opposition’s counterattack by forcing them to play negative.”
Making sense of Real Madrid’s muddled outside-forward situation – data analysis
totalfootballanalysis.com/data-analysis/…
“For a side that emphasises the wide-forwards as much as Madrid, Zinedine Zidane and his staff must identify the most talented and cohesive group of wide players.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/data-analysis/…
“For a side that emphasises the wide-forwards as much as Madrid, Zinedine Zidane and his staff must identify the most talented and cohesive group of wide players.”
Finding the best outside-backs at Real Madrid – data analysis
totalfootballanalysis.com/data-analysis/…
“Transitioning from the club’s tactics to the specific role of the outside-back, we’ll then examine players already under contract, looking for the pairing that best fits Madrid’s tactics.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/data-analysis/…
“Transitioning from the club’s tactics to the specific role of the outside-back, we’ll then examine players already under contract, looking for the pairing that best fits Madrid’s tactics.”
Pressing Concerns: Real Madrid exposes Liverpool’s languid press
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“With Zidane’s tactics putting the onus on TAA and Robertson to drive Liverpool forward, the Frenchman was positioning his squad to expose the Liverpool backline through direct attacks.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“With Zidane’s tactics putting the onus on TAA and Robertson to drive Liverpool forward, the Frenchman was positioning his squad to expose the Liverpool backline through direct attacks.”
La Liga Lockdown: Real Madrid’s adaptability abates Atalanta’s attack
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“Rewatching the match while researching for this analysis, one of the standout points was Zidane, once again, showing tactical adaptability while maintaining philosophical fidelity.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“Rewatching the match while researching for this analysis, one of the standout points was Zidane, once again, showing tactical adaptability while maintaining philosophical fidelity.”
La Liga 2020/21: Real Madrid vs Granada – tactical analysis
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“With Granada willing to engage higher of the pitch, Zidane’s men looked to turn their build-ups into direct attacks.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“With Granada willing to engage higher of the pitch, Zidane’s men looked to turn their build-ups into direct attacks.”
UEFA Champions League 2020/21: Shakhtar Donetsk vs Real Madrid – tactical analysis
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“Coming into the season, there were fewer managerial roles with a greater sense of safety. The players have already backed the manager and promised to fight for him.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“Coming into the season, there were fewer managerial roles with a greater sense of safety. The players have already backed the manager and promised to fight for him.”
UEFA Champions League 2020/21: Real Madrid vs Shakhtar Donetsk – tactical analysis
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“Zidane knows his side is in a funk, vowing to find the solution before the match against their archnemesis, Barcelona.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“Zidane knows his side is in a funk, vowing to find the solution before the match against their archnemesis, Barcelona.”
La Liga 2019/20: Real Madrid vs Real Valladolid – tactical analysis
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“Zidane’s men have conceded only 13 goals in 21 games, matching the La Liga record of the 1934-35, 1964-65 and 1987-88 Real Madrid sides.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“Zidane’s men have conceded only 13 goals in 21 games, matching the La Liga record of the 1934-35, 1964-65 and 1987-88 Real Madrid sides.”
La Liga 2019/20: Real Madrid vs Sevilla – tactical analysis
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“In the end, Zidane’s corrections gave his team a better opportunity to win, creating more shots from better positions.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“In the end, Zidane’s corrections gave his team a better opportunity to win, creating more shots from better positions.”
La Liga 2019/20: Barcelona vs Real Madrid – tactical analysis
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“Despite the long list of injuries, Zinedine Zidane’s tactics were spot on in this one.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“Despite the long list of injuries, Zinedine Zidane’s tactics were spot on in this one.”
La Liga 2019/20: Deportivo Alavés vs Real Madrid – tactical analysis
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“At all times, Real Madrid looked to overload in groups of three attackers, preferably against three defenders.”
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
“At all times, Real Madrid looked to overload in groups of three attackers, preferably against three defenders.”
This thread was a long-time coming, but certainly inspired by the conversation @rioferdy5 and Steve McManaman had yesterday on @btsportfootball.
Feel free to help me tag some Madridistas. @CoachBola111 @nueverole @KevinParvizi @muddassirjourno @XavsFutbol @KiyanSo @MattWiltse4 @LucasNavarreteM @Zizou_Esque @PhilSchoen @RayHudson @sidlowe @PhilKitro @emctear @andywest01 @oeste @KaylynKyle @DreCordero
Something for the Peña Madridista clubs. @Xian_D_Paredes @madridistasSF @MadridistasNC @MadridistasATL @MadridistasDC @MadridistasNYC @MadridistasColo @tbmadridistas @RM_arevalenses @RMCFBoston @PMadridistaHTX @Real_MadridLA @pena_nc
@analyticsLaLiga saw you liked the post, but can't believe I missed you on the initial list. I hope the Quakes internship is going well.
Also, in case you missed this fantastic article by @MattClark_08 of @LaLigaLowdown, be sure to give it a read.
https://twitter.com/LaLigaLowdown/status/1382441830332178436
As promised, here's my analysis of Real Madrid's UCL triumph over Liverpool.
Out with a whimper – Three tactical keys to Liverpool’s UCL exit vs Real Madrid
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
"In the end, they go down with a whimper, unable to generate a comeback tale."
Out with a whimper – Three tactical keys to Liverpool’s UCL exit vs Real Madrid
totalfootballanalysis.com/match-analysis…
"In the end, they go down with a whimper, unable to generate a comeback tale."
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