Discover the tactical revolution in Ligue 1, with a focus on youth development and the impact of PSG's ownership. Explore Nice's defensive prowess and compare Reims' performance this season. Uncover the flexibility of formations and strategies in Ligue 1, and marvel at Nise's rise under coach Will Still. Also, learn about the entertaining and defensive nature of Ligue 1, and the initiative by State Farm to support women's sports coverage.
Nice's defensive success is attributed to their high press, flexible backline, and hybrid press tactic combining man-to-man and zonal marking.
Nice's conservative possession approach prioritizes defensive strength and maintaining a strong shape, contributing to their defensive solidity.
Ligue 1 is undergoing a coaching revolution with innovative tactics and focus on youth development leading to more exciting and diverse styles of play.
Deep dives
Niece's Strong Defense and Flexible Back Five
Niece has been impressive defensively this season, with goalkeeper Marston Volker making key saves and the team not conceding many goals. Their high press and flexible back five have been key elements of their defensive success. They employ a hybrid press that combines zonal marking with man-to-man marking, often leaving the right back exposed to mark two players. However, they have dealt well with this weakness by adjusting their back line flexibly, with players like Indembele dropping in between the center backs to create a back five. This flexibility allows them to control games and adapt to different opponents.
Conservative Possession Approach and Defensive Strength
While Nice's conservative possession approach may lead to fewer chances in attack, it has also been key to their defensive strength. They prioritize not allowing opportunities for opponents and have excelled at maintaining a strong defensive shape. Their possession stats vary depending on the quality of the opponent, with lower possession against top teams and higher possession against lower-ranked teams. There is a trade-off between a strong defense and a potent attack, but Nice's defensive solidity has proven effective in controlling games and grinding out results.
Challenges for Opponents and Sustainable Approach
Opponents have found it challenging to play against Nice due to their defensive organization and awkwardness to break down. While some may view their conservative possession approach as limiting their attacking potential, it has been a sustainable and effective strategy for them this season. It will be interesting to see how teams cope with Nice in the reverse fixtures, as they may find more solutions having already played against them. Overall, Nice's strong defense and tactical approach have contributed to their success in the league.
Implications for the Coaching Revolution in Ligue 1
Nice's impressive defensive performance and tactical flexibility align with the broader coaching revolution happening in Ligue 1. Young and innovative coaches like Francesco Farioli are implementing modern ideas and finding success by improving defensive structures and adapting to opponents. This tactical evolution is driven by the league's financial context and the prevalence of talented young players. The combination of lower risks, flexibility in tactics, and a focus on developing youth talent has led to more exciting and diverse styles of play in Ligue 1.
Will Still's Impact on Defensive Performance
Will Still's coaching approach has significantly improved the defensive performance of the team, with rounds having a strong defensive base and being conservative in their style. This approach has led rounds to have a low expected goals against (xGA) and a solid defensive record, even though they have faced more xGA compared to Niece.
Out of Possession Style and Attacking Potential
Rounds' out of possession approach, characterized by an aggressive press and high-intensity style, has allowed them to dominate games and win matches. Their hybrid pressing system has enabled them to control the game for long periods, while also causing problems for their opponents. This approach, combined with their direct and incisive attacking style, has led to effective counter-attacks and scoring opportunities, resulting in a decent number of goals scored. However, their goalkeeping performance has been a weak point and improving it could further enhance their attacking potential.
Jon Mackenzie is joined by Liam Tharme and Alex Barker to introduce the tactical revolution taking place within Ligue 1 and explore some of the reasons why it might be happening.
Is youth development the reason why the league wasn’t exactly tactically interesting for a long time?
What impact has the Qatari Sports Investments purchase of PSG to be their flagship football club in the European context had on the rest of the league?
Why are Nice so good defensively?
Is there a case to be made that Reims are better this season than last?
This episode of the Tifo Football Podcast is presented by Jon Mackenzie, produced by Mike Zimmermann.