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Pythagoras In Boots ⚽️

@pythaginboots

Feb 5

Great Managers Who ‘LACKED AURA’?

It’s often forgotten that some of the most successful managers of all time were methodical, quiet types who lacked the bombast and charisma of your Sir Alex Ferguson or Jose Mourinho types.

Who were ‘The Quiet Ones’?

A THREAD 🧵

Bob Paisley – The Reluctant Genius

Bob Paisley never sought the limelight, yet he became the most successful British manager of his era. Unlike his predecessor, Bill Shankly, who was a charismatic force of nature, Paisley was quiet, reserved, and often seemed uncomfortable in the public eye. But beneath his modest exterior lay a footballing genius who took Liverpool to unprecedented heights. While Shankly had built Liverpool’s foundation, Paisley elevated them to a European powerhouse, securing six league titles and three European Cups in just nine years. His ability to transition Liverpool into a ruthless, efficient machine without the need for grand speeches or media battles made his success all the more remarkable.

Paisley’s strength was his deep tactical understanding and unparalleled eye for talent. He made seemingly understated signings—Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness, Alan Hansen—that turned into club legends. His teams were defined by their intelligence, fluidity, and an ability to win without fuss, mirroring his own personality. Where other managers sought control through intimidation or sheer presence, Paisley operated in the background, subtly guiding his players to play the Liverpool way. His success was so seamless that it was sometimes overlooked, as he never courted attention or sought to build a personal legacy.

Even in retirement, Paisley remained understated, resisting the urge to claim credit for Liverpool’s dominance. He proved that a manager didn’t need an overpowering aura to build a dynasty—just a deep understanding of the game, an ability to evolve, and a quiet confidence in their methods. Though often overshadowed by more outspoken figures, his record remains untouchable: he is still the only British manager with three European Cups. While others may have been more charismatic, few were as quietly effective as Bob Paisley.

Vicente del Bosque – The Anti-Galactico

Vicente del Bosque was never the loudest voice in the room, nor did he seek to impose himself on players. Yet, through quiet authority and remarkable tactical balance, he built one of the most successful teams in history. At Real Madrid, he managed a dressing room filled with superstars—Zidane, Figo, Ronaldo, Raul—without ever making himself the centre of attention. While Madrid is a club notorious for its political infighting and managerial turnover, Del Bosque provided stability, guiding them to two Champions League titles and multiple domestic honours. Despite this success, he was dismissed in 2003 for lacking charisma—an irony, given that Madrid spiralled into years of turbulence after his departure.

His greatest achievement, however, came with Spain’s golden generation. Taking over in 2008, Del Bosque inherited a team fresh off their first major trophy in decades but ensured their dominance continued. Unlike other managers who sought to impose rigid tactical philosophies, he allowed Spain’s natural talent to flourish, refining their tiki-taka system rather than revolutionising it. Under his quiet leadership, Spain won the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, becoming the first team in history to win three consecutive international tournaments. While other managers might have demanded more credit, Del Bosque remained in the background, letting his players take the spotlight.

His humility was both his greatest strength and the reason some undervalued his achievements. Del Bosque’s teams were never about him—they were about the collective. He proved that a manager didn’t need an overpowering presence to command respect; they simply needed a clear vision, trust in their players, and the wisdom to guide rather than dictate. Though he never sought to be a legend, his record speaks for itself.

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Pythagoras In Boots ⚽️

@pythaginboots

Feb 4

Decade Dominance: Identifying the STRONGEST ERAS for Each Position in Football

Which era's had the best goalkeepers, RB's, CBs, LBs, CDMs, CMs, CAMs, RWs, LW's, CFs... we compare various decades to see which decade produced the cream of the crop for certain positions.

A THREAD

The 1960s are widely regarded as the golden era for goalkeepers, thanks to the immense impact of figures who not only defined the role but revolutionised it.

Legendary keepers such as Lev Yashin, the only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d'Or in 1963, and Gordon Banks, England’s World Cup hero in 1966, set new standards for shot-stopping and leadership from the back. Brazil's Gilmar, a key figure in their 1958 and 1962 World Cup victories, was integral to the development of the modern goalkeeper. His influence stretched far beyond Brazil, as he was known for his composure under pressure and his ability to command the area, setting a benchmark for keepers worldwide.

The 1960s saw goalkeepers evolve from just shot-stoppers to pivotal figures in defensive organization and playmaking.

In Europe, the 1968 European Championship saw Dino Zoff emerge as a key player for Italy, cementing his place as one of the most reliable goalkeepers of his generation, though his peak came in the 1970s and 1980s. Similarly, Sepp Maier, whose peak came in the 1970s, began to make his mark in the 1960s. Maier's influence on German football grew as he became known for his intelligent positioning, shot-stopping, and ability to play out from the back—traits that would define goalkeeping in the following decades.

While the 2000s provide strong competition with keepers like Buffon, Kahn, and Čech, who became the foundation of their respective teams and won major tournaments, the 1960s remain the benchmark for goalkeepers' innovative impact on the game.

The 2000s represent the pinnacle of right backs.

Players like Cafu, Zanetti, Lilian Thuram, Philipp Lahm, and Dani Alves combined defensive strength, stamina, and attacking intelligence to redefine what a full-back could do. Cafu’s endless energy, Thuram’s tactical awareness, Lahm’s intelligent positioning, and Alves' ability to link up play with attackers like Lionel Messi marked the 2000s as a decade when full-backs became key attacking weapons as well as defensive stalwarts.

However, the evolution of full-backs didn’t happen overnight, and several earlier decades laid the groundwork. In the 1950s, Djalma Santos of Brazil redefined the role of the right back, a roided Thuram who was blessed with elite defensive ability and no shortage of skill. However this era lacked the depth of the modern era.

Moving into the 1970s, the German legend Berti Vogts and Brazil's Carlos Alberto started pushing the boundaries of the full-back role further. Vogts was renowned for his exceptional one-on-one defending and energy, while Alberto’s famous goal in the 1970 World Cup Final showcased how full-backs could add a dangerous offensive threat to their skill set. These are two of the GOATS of the position and when you consider likes of McGrain, Gemmell, Burgnich, Kaltz also played in this era - this is a genuine shout for the best too.

The 1980s also saw full-backs like Michel Amoros of France and Giuseppe Bergomi of Italy elevate the role with their versatility. Amoros was known for his technical ability and knack for joining the attack, while Bergomi was a more physical presence, offering strength and tactical intelligence to Italy’s defense. Both exemplified how full-backs in the 1980s were beginning to transition from traditional defenders into more rounded, versatile players capable of contributing in multiple areas of the game.

Ultimately the sheer depth as well as the balance of offensive contribution and defensive stability made the 2000s a truly transformative period for the full-back position.

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Pythagoras In Boots ⚽️

@pythaginboots

Jan 5

Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United | Tactical Thread

➡️ Ugarte MOTM
➡️ Bruno good positions but wasteful, got better
➡️ Trent was abysmal (head in Madrid?)
➡️ Jones lacked presence compared to Mainoo
➡️ De Ligt dived in when he should have stood tall
➡️ CB goal threat

#LFC #MUFC

In terms of the passing networks, United had correctly identified Liverpool's right flank as a defensive weakness and in possession everything was geared to go down that side. Paradoxically it meant Diallo was less involved than in previous games but this meant United were more unpredictable and it allowed players like Dalot to shine.

Liverpool, didn't do anything drastically difficult in terms of shape but with Trent hurting them so much off the ball, they couldn't get into a settled controlled rhythm and they had to fight fire with fire throughout the game.

Pre match, I was concerned whether Dalot would 'attack the space' or would he keep going back inside onto his right... these concerns were unfounded as he used his left foot to great effect and reallly just went for it, bursting past Trent early into the game and setting the tone,

It really set the tone for the remainder of the game and it meant Konate had to come out wide and leave VVD isolated against Hojlund who was in the mood to work hard.

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Pythagoras In Boots ⚽️

@pythaginboots

Dec 24, 2024

From moments of magic to eras of dominance, these teams shaped the history of African football. Let’s explore seven legendary sides, the players who defined them

Africa's Greatest Teams Ever - A Thread🧵

#AFCON

𝐀𝐥𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝟏𝟗𝟖𝟐-𝟏𝟗𝟗𝟎

This golden era for Algerian football began with one of the most iconic World Cup upsets in history: Algeria defeating West Germany 2-1 in their opening game of the 1982 tournament. Led by midfield maestro Lakhdar Belloumi and clinical forward Rabah Madjer, Algeria’s class of ‘82 proved that African teams could not only compete with the best in the world but beat them.

Though they were controversially eliminated due to the infamous "Disgrace of Gijón" match between West Germany and Austria, their performance was a watershed moment for African football. Madjer’s performances in ’82 meant a move to Europe, where he immortalised himself in both African and European folklore winning the 1987 European Cup with Porto.

The team’s success continued through the decade, culminating in their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 1990. With a talented squad featuring the tournament top scorer Djamel Menad and backed by passionate home support, Algeria defeated Nigeria 1-0 in the final to lift the trophy on home soil. This period solidified Algeria’s place among Africa’s footballing elite. Algeria also achieved their highest FIFA ranking of 15th in 1982 following their World Cup heroics.

𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝟏𝟗𝟖𝟒-𝟏𝟗𝟗𝟎

The first golden generation for Cameroon laid the foundations for their legacy during this era. Cameroon announced themselves as a force in African football by winning their first AFCON title in 1984, defeating Nigeria 3-1 in the final. Under coach Claude Le Roy, the team built on this success with another AFCON triumph in 1988, beating Nigeria once again, this time 1-0 in the final. They also reached the 1986 final and despite losing out to Egypt, this signified a dominant period for the Indomitable Lions.

Roger Milla emerged as the team’s talisman during this period, with his remarkable performances inspiring a generation. Thomas N’Kono, the legendary goalkeeper, was another pivotal figure during this period. His outstanding reflexes and composure under pressure made him a cornerstone of Cameroon’s defense, inspiring future generations of goalkeepers, including Gianluigi Buffon, who cited N’Kono as his idol. Emmanuel Kunde provided leadership and physicality in defense, while Cyrille Makanaky’s creativity in midfield added flair to the team’s play.

Their crowning achievement came at the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, where Cameroon became the first African team to reach the quarterfinals. Milla’s four goals, including his iconic strikes against Colombia, propelled the Lions to global recognition. Some of Cameroon’s fearless performances include: a victory over reigning champions Argentina, victory over Hagi's Romania and putting on a dominate performance, controlling possession, against one of the finest England sides of all time.

These performances further redefined expectations initially set by Algeria in '82 for African teams on the world stage.

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Pythagoras In Boots ⚽️

@pythaginboots

Dec 20, 2024

Sell Stars, Build Culture, Win Trophies

With Amorim looking to cut Rashford, we look at transfers where managers took bold action, wielding the axe on big names they saw as cultural roadblocks—resetting team dynamics and steering their clubs back to success.

⚔️🏆

[A THREAD]

Pep Guardiola's Cultural Reset: The Birth of Tiki-Taka and the Rise of Messi

Ronaldinho, a Ballon d’Or winner, was a magician on the pitch but had fallen victim to complacency and off-field distractions. His brilliance was now overshadowed by late-night parties and waning fitness. Deco, an equally gifted playmaker, was also seen as emblematic of the squad’s fading focus. Guardiola’s decision to part ways with both was met with skepticism. How could Barcelona survive, let alone thrive, without these talismans?

But for Pep, their exits weren’t just tactical—they were symbolic. Their departures sent a message that no one was bigger than the team and that a new era would prioritise discipline and hard work over reputation.

In their place, Guardiola turned to players who embodied humility and dedication. Chief among them was a young Lionel Messi, whose prodigious talent was matched by an unassuming demeanor. Alongside Messi, other homegrown talents like Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets formed the backbone of the team. These players weren’t just technically gifted; they were steeped in the club’s philosophy, having been groomed at La Masia, Barcelona’s famed academy.

This new group of “choirboys,” weren’t about the flash of the individual but the harmony of the collective. Under Guardiola’s guidance, they would come to redefine football itself.

Guardiola’s cultural overhaul bore fruit almost immediately. In his first season, Barcelona won an unprecedented treble: La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. Their style of play was mesmerising, dismantling opponents with precision and fluidity. Ronaldinho and Deco’s brilliance was soon a distant memory, eclipsed by the systemic dominance of Guardiola’s tiki-taka machine.

More importantly, Guardiola had re-established Barcelona’s identity. The club became synonymous with elegance, discipline, and a commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s Drinking Revolution: Selling McGrath and Whiteside

By common consensus, the turning point came with a Mark Robins header against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Jan 7, 1990.

Within Old Trafford, however, the recollection is different. The Robins goal provided a launch-pad but, according to Bryan Robson, the boil had actually been lanced six months earlier, during summer of 1989.
“When the manager sold Paul McGrath and Norman Whiteside, he was getting rid of big fans’ favourites and it was a really big decision,” Robson recalls.

“A lot has been said about the manager not being happy with their lifestyle, but I think the major factor with both Norman and Paul was their injuries and the manager felt he couldn’t rely on their fitness anymore.

“What the manager proved by selling Norman and Big Paul, however, was that he would take the tough decisions, no matter how big or popular the player. He has since proved that time and time again. He knows that you cannot allow cracks to develop and affect a dressing room, so he will make the big calls and that’s why he has been so successful over 25 years.”

The cultural reset initiated by Ferguson began to bear fruit in the early 1990s. The 1990 FA Cup victory, often credited with saving Ferguson’s job, was the first major success of the new era. It marked a turning point for the club, instilling belief and laying the groundwork for the dominance that would follow.

United went on to win their first league title in 26 years in 1993, ushering in an era of unprecedented success under Ferguson. The tough decisions of the late 1980s, including the sales of McGrath and Whiteside, proved instrumental in creating the culture that underpinned this golden age.

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Pythagoras In Boots ⚽️

@pythaginboots

Dec 1, 2024

Liverpool 2-0 Man City | Tactical Thread

➡️ Silva was City's deepest mid? Pep has lost the plot
➡️ Fired up Trent, dominates passive Szoboszlai's zone
➡️ Van Dijk humbles Haaland + dominates set pieces
➡️ City no vertical penetration in wide areas
➡️ Akanji positioned too high

As we can see from City's position/pass network, that there is zero width down the right. Everything seems geared to getting the ball to Nunes... but why is Pep treating an out of position B2B as his new Eden Hazard?

A bizzare move which proves he's not in his right mind atm.

With regards to Liverpool, they mostly built up through the right with Trent, Gravenberch, Szobo and Salah creating squares and parallelograms, running City's left side ragged with their sharpness and moving the ball around quickly.

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