Firstly, I need say the English premier league is a very interesting one. Here is why.
It all began with the 4-4-2 formation. When Alex Ferguson led the United boys to Spain to play a 3-3 draw against Barcelona in a 1998/99 Champions League Group Stage Match at the Camp Nou, the world saw the outstanding team work between the two front men (Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke). After the game, Ferguson himself agreed that there is nothing as sweet as the 4-4-2 formation. And of course, the 4-4-2 formation was the main thing in the English League back then. Well, after a man called Arsene Wenger changed everything.
Wenger introduced a 4-2-3-1 formation, putting a splendid finisher Upfront (in the person of Henry), with more midfielders to pass the ball around. The results? 3 league titles and 4 FA cup titles in 7 years!
In 2004, the ‘Special One’ came to England, introducing the 4-3-3 formation. With players like Drogba, Lampard, Essien, Makelele, and Duff, Mourinho was able to destroy oppositions. He won the league title with 95 superb points.
Nevertheless, last season, Leicester City showed that the 4-4-2 formation is still relevant. They won the Premier League with the 4-4-2 formation, stunning big guns like Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United. Here is what I’m driving at.
To remain relevant in football, club managers must keep adapting to new trends. Coaches like Pep Gauardiola and Conte are moving with the flow, which is why they are still doing well with their respective present teams. Bosses like Conte keeps changing tactics just to accommodate the styles of their opponents. Though Chelsea are well known for their 4-3-3 formation, they now use the 3-4-3 style, and are doing pretty fine (winning 7 straight matches and presently topping the table)
Mourinho should also try new things. He need to consider the 4-4-2 formation, putting Ibrahimovic and Rooney upfront, since his beloved 4-2-3-1 isn’t yielding good dividends yet. With supportive midfielders, these two guys can perform wonders against opponents.
