Thierry Henry has taken a stand to correct a common misconception surrounding Manchester City’s football tactics.
Despite their exceptional performance this season, there’s a prevalent misunderstanding about their style of play.
Currently dominating English and European football, Manchester City aims to defend their championship title, a feat they accomplished last season with a remarkable treble win.
Their recent 3-1 victory over Manchester United showcased their prowess, with Erling Haaland’s late goal and Phil Foden’s brilliant brace adding to their success.
Thierry Henry, the former Arsenal player, addressed a common error made by observers while analyzing City’s gameplay during Monday Night Football. Contrary to popular belief, City doesn’t adhere strictly to a 4-3-3 formation; their strategy varies dynamically, ranging from 3 to 7 players involved in the attack or defense.
Guardiola, often credited with pioneering Total Football alongside Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, continuously evolves his tactics to keep his team ahead.
His approach involves expanding the pitch when in possession and compacting it when defending, a tactic that requires versatile players comfortable in multiple positions.
City’s players exemplify this versatility, with John Stones transitioning from center-back to midfield seamlessly, Foden showcasing his adaptability in various attacking roles, and Bernardo Silva excelling in every position, including left-back.
Only a few players, such as Ederson, Ruben Dias, and Haaland, have remained in fixed positions throughout.
Guardiola prioritizes maintaining balance within the team, even if it means adopting unconventional formations. The real challenge for City arises when they’re caught off guard by swift counterattacks, disrupting their strategic balance..
