Masterclass

Coaches are at the centre of the game, but it is rare that we hear the biggest names in football talk about the tactics that have taken them to the top. In our Masterclass series, coaches reveal the strategies behind one or more of their most important games as a manager. They also provide insight into their philosophies, and any iconic teams they have coached or played in.

Ruud van Nistelrooy tactics: How PSV turned the tables on Ajax Masterclass Ruud van Nistelrooy tactics: How PSV turned the tables on Ajax Ruud van Nistelrooy discusses the tactics he employed, including a key second-half change, when PSV defeated Ajax in the 2023 Dutch Cup final Ruud van Nistelrooy
Vítor Pereira’s Porto tactics Masterclass Vítor Pereira’s Porto tactics Portuguese manager Vítor Pereira explains the tactics he employed to lead Porto to consecutive league titles, with just one loss in 60 games Vítor Pereira
How I marked Lionel Messi Masterclass How I marked Lionel Messi Spanish footballer-turned-coach Álvaro Arbeloa explains how he set about trying to mark Lionel Messi, in this Coaches' Voice Masterclass Álvaro Arbeloa
Jesse Marsch: How Leeds beat Klopp’s Liverpool Masterclass Jesse Marsch: How Leeds beat Klopp’s Liverpool Jesse Marsch explains the tactical approach behind a critical victory for his Leeds United over Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool at Anfield
Enzo Maresca tactics exclusive Masterclass Enzo Maresca tactics exclusive Former Leicester manager, now Chelsea head coach, Enzo Maresca gives a tactical Masterclass on the use of inverted full-backs Enzo Maresca
Cesc Fàbregas tactics: Building up to attack Masterclass Cesc Fàbregas tactics: Building up to attack Cesc Fàbregas, who was appointed Como interim manager in November 2023, gives an insight into how he wants his teams to build from the back Cesc Fàbregas
Southampton’s stunning win over Manchester City Masterclass Southampton’s stunning win over Manchester City Nathan Jones explains the tactics that enabled a struggling Southampton team to comprehensively defeat treble-winning Manchester City Nathan Jones
Bo Svensson: How Mainz beat Bayern Munich Masterclass Bo Svensson: How Mainz beat Bayern Munich Bo Svensson dissects the tactical approach that inspired an important win for his Mainz team over Bayern Munich in April 2021 Bo Svensson
Rob Edwards Masterclass Rob Edwards Rob Edwards reveals the tactics that inspired Luton Town to an important win at Sheffield United on their way to the Premier League Rob Edwards
Cesc Fàbregas: My evolving role at Arsenal Masterclass Cesc Fàbregas: My evolving role at Arsenal Cesc Fàbregas on his role in different Arsenal teams under Arsène Wenger, alongside Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie and more
Adi Hütter on beating Bayern Munich Masterclass Adi Hütter on beating Bayern Munich Adi Hütter reveals the tactics that inspired an important win for Eintracht Frankfurt over Bayern Munich in the 2020/21 season Adi Hütter
Will Still Masterclass Will Still Stade de Reims manager Will Still explains the tactics behind stopping Kylian Mbappé and co in a goalless draw with PSG in October 2022 Will Still
Sean Dyche on his 4-4-2 Masterclass Sean Dyche on his 4-4-2 Everton's new manager Sean Dyche talks through the intricacies behind the 4-4-2 formation with which he had so much success at Burnley Sean Dyche
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