The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast Ancelotti, Conte and the tactics of Italian managers
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May 15, 2025 Michael Cox, a respected football tactics writer, joins fellow analysts Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to dissect the contrasting styles of Italian managerial giants Carlo Ancelotti and Antonio Conte. They delve into Ancelotti’s adaptable coaching versus Conte's dominance in domestic leagues. The discussion also touches on Ancelotti's upcoming challenge with Brazil, the tactical innovations shaping Italian football, and the dynamic between individual player capabilities and team strategies in modern football. Insights into tactical evolution and psychological strategies are featured throughout.
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Ancelotti's Flexible Management Style
- Carlo Ancelotti's style is defined by flexibility and maximizing player strengths rather than strict tactical systems.
- He's notably excellent at managing individuals and maintaining harmony within top teams.
Ancelotti's Midfield Innovation
- Ancelotti popularized the technical, passing midfielder role with his Milan Christmas tree formation before Guardiola.
- He trusted creative flair players in midfield when many contemporary teams were defensively focused.
Modern Football Challenges Ancelotti
- Modern football demands more intense out-of-possession tactics, which challenges Ancelotti's traditionally less aggressive teams.
- His success comes from maximizing elite attacking players without imposing rigid structures.