DNA is more deeply rooted than identity.

Thread🔻 DNA (innate/subconscious tendencies) runs much deeper and forms the core of the club, manager, and players. It can ultimately be reduced to one fundamental check: proactive vs risk-averse.

Identity (conscious choices) is layered on top of the DNA, shaping how the team expresses itself on the pitch, while still remaining aligned to the club’s innate DNA: transitional vs possession based, minimal passes to last line vs slow circulation, 1v1s vs overloads, dynamic vs static.

Managers strategies to enact the club identity fall next on this structure: how are transitions, minimal passes to last line, dynamism, promoting 1v1s coached and showcased.

situations not roles.

(1) philosophy - principles
(2) strategy - concepts
(3) tactics - players

principles aligned w club philosophy (1).
recruit, coach & automatisms in (2).
tactical adaptability-flexibility in (3).

net; types of situations. principles a coach & players possess should be in alignment w the clubs philosophy & identity.

strategy & concepts coached are downstream from the overarching philosophy.

core concepts applied in strategy should be tactically flexible enough to adapt to situations & solutions.

vision | 1v1 player dominance

"lesser teams. player for player - qualitative disadvantage. so create a numerical advantage" replaced or not. it must be ensured players a continually placed in 1v1 demanding situations.

thats the vision and philosophy.
this is the transition to reach that.

uniteds tactical security cycle 🔻

projects | misconceptions | terminology [misconception]

many feel i ignore the tactical execution.

& in a way i do - i bypass current tactics & look at the role of manager at united not from instant results/style of play.

but a view of a 3 year project to return to elite levels on all fronts.

https://x.com/tekzts/status/1796563062930989428

united szn & cup final analysis🔻

technical | tactical | physical
aims | execution | framework

reasoning & evidence at end [mega thread]

intro to phases of play [thread essential]

https://x.com/tekzts/status/1791474035378860222

physical:technical window🔻

"running wise [..] passing drills, it's a lot of mental concentration."

rashford on eth pre season camp.

EtH interview breakdown🔻

[context]
will relate the interview to technical/tactical aspects & decision making based of own analysis.

broken down into 6 points. 1. addressing tactical security & technical limitations.

making adjustments initially & then taking it to the next step.

new possession style of play?

[EtH phase 3]
min width | space manipulation | 2v2s.

tactical thread🔻 awb managing #10 space.

min width | relationism | space manipulation.

why physicality (& technical players) is biggest issue, not tactics.

EtH stated he has focused this season on addressing the physicality through volume & intensity [to set a benchmark] — and stuck to that plan, despite a decrease in performances — as did Ole. it’s a cycle at United — masked by tactical security by installing new managers, preventing the evolution of the squad to complete & play expansive football.

low block x counter attack is only brand of football that’s provided short term success. a less physically and technically dependant style.

a style of football that’s countered by a low block.

culture, masking limitations w/ tactical security & sustained title challenges.





how the transition is done.

united pass & move.

within relationism, positional & minimal width concepts.

thread. example 2.

5v4/4v4 to find 2v1.

same opposition, same start positions, same aim.

https://twitter.com/ekztras_/status/1724102094301413696

changing the game.

innovation. space manipulation. EtH & RDZ have introduced a brand of football that is going against the current trend.

the current trend being positional aspects, possession based with secure rest defence [perceived norm for success].

when this current trend was introduced in prem it was seen as risky.

technical expands the tactical.

horse pulls the cart.





another manager in EtH hitting the same wall at united.

ole was successful & unsustainable at the same time — due to his tactically secure approach, allowing transitional players to play to strengths.

Tech Talk #001 - The 2 bounce pass

The technical pass that kills defences & sets up 1v1 situations.

Thread; 5 mins🔻 The zone & the aim of long range passes (LRP)

LRP are often hit from the highlighted zone.

Aims
1. Clear back line / pin back
2. Set up attack / 1v1 situation
3. Allow team to set up

Players of higher technical ability, hit LRP higher in the zone.

EtH complex pressing approach 🔴

- flexibility of man mark & zonal within same press
- compact, narrow & high lines
- breakdown of one pressing sequence

tactical thread 🔻 "in a certain point, we play man marking [..] but we play zonal" - EtH Dec 2023

Mainoo; master of space at 18 🔴

- creating space & affecting opponents
- timing & arriving into space
- ball carrying, manipulation & attracting pressure

technical thread 🔻

Creating space intro

- start positions are key
- hold to create space, then arrive into space created
- timing of movement

Why Martinez is missed by Ten Hag 🔴

- manipulation, pausa & high lines
- comparison to Maguire
- Ten Hag coming away from his style

Analysis Thread 🔻 Intro to manipulation & pausa

- Ajax under Ten Hag
- entice reactions & patience
- slow motion replay at end of clip

Ten Hag - 'I can't play like Ajax' 🔴

- player profiles
- injuries to key players
- 325 build up with Ajax & United

Thread 🔻 Ajax 2020
- early implementer of 325 build up
- blind & martinez key players
- both move into #6 role
- reason why ten hag doesn't prefer holding mids