Firstly, I want to say I thoroughly enjoyed this article, really got my gears turning. But I think I disagree with your ultimate point. I don't believe it's the tactics, I think it's the managers. Just like the lack of space and the suffocating feeling of Sacchi/Benitez's press, I think the pressurized environment of elite sport forces these managers into this "win now" state of being, where teams can't play open and possibly be open to mistakes because it could cost them a win. In my eyes, it's the fear of losing that stops them from allowing players to play freely. The fear of mistakes, they would rather have a boring 0-0 where two "elite" out of possession sides cancel each other out than a thrilling 3-3 where two sides go toe to toe and players leave it all out on the pitch. So many factors play a part in this but I think that's where it ultimately falls for me.
Hi Grace!
Firstly, I want to say I thoroughly enjoyed this article, really got my gears turning. But I think I disagree with your ultimate point. I don't believe it's the tactics, I think it's the managers. Just like the lack of space and the suffocating feeling of Sacchi/Benitez's press, I think the pressurized environment of elite sport forces these managers into this "win now" state of being, where teams can't play open and possibly be open to mistakes because it could cost them a win. In my eyes, it's the fear of losing that stops them from allowing players to play freely. The fear of mistakes, they would rather have a boring 0-0 where two "elite" out of possession sides cancel each other out than a thrilling 3-3 where two sides go toe to toe and players leave it all out on the pitch. So many factors play a part in this but I think that's where it ultimately falls for me.