Systems of Play and Rigid Coaching

The "System of Play" Era

We are currently in the "system of play" era. The modern game revolves around tactical structures—conversations focus on formations and the responsibilities of players in both attack and defense. One of the most commonly used terms is positional play, emphasizing that players must occupy specific areas of the field and execute repetitive movements when in possession.

While this structured approach has its merits, it has also led to a troubling trend: coaches have become too rigid. The result? Predictable play. Patterns of movement are easy to anticipate, and players have struggled to adapt when opponents recognize their tendencies. But as this era begins to fade, an important question remains:

Have players lost creativity and the ability to solve problems independently, or have coaches become too controlling with their tactical philosophies? I believe it is the latter.

The Tactical Revolution and Guardiola’s Influence

Since the mid-2000s, tactical obsession has taken hold of the game, largely due to Pep Guardiola’s revolutionary approach. His influence has reshaped soccer, introducing intricate build-up play, midfield rotations, inverted full-backs, and positional dominance.

From his time at FC Barcelona, where his teams passed opponents off the field with mesmerizing possession-based play, to the dominance of Manchester City in the Premier League, Pep has undeniably changed the game. His methods are nothing short of genius.

However, as with any revolution, there have been unintended consequences.

The Copycat Effect

Guardiola's tactical innovations have been admired—and obsessed over—for the past decade. His philosophy has become a one-size-fits-all blueprint, with coaches at all levels attempting to replicate his system.

But here’s the reality: Pep is one of a kind. His tactical vision is unparalleled, and he has had the privilege of working with some of the world’s best players. When you combine elite talent with a tactical mastermind, magic happens—just look at the success of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City.

The problem isn’t what Pep has done—it’s how others have tried to copy him.

Just as young players mimic their favorite stars, coaches attempt to mirror Guardiola’s philosophy, particularly in possession. This has dramatically changed how teams approach the game, with an overwhelming emphasis on playing out of the back. Some of the best advice I received when beginning my coaching career was take ideas you like and put your own twist on them. What we have seen from many coaches is taking ideas and not making any adjustments.

The Obsession with Playing Out of the Back

One of the biggest tactical obsessions today is the short-passing build-up from the defensive . The idea is to draw opponents forward, disrupt their shape, and progress through midfield. It’s a beautiful concept when executed correctly, but many coaches have developed unrealistic expectations for their players.

Not every team has the personnel that Pep does. Yet, coaches demand their players execute Guardiola-like patterns without the technical ability or tactical awareness to do so.

What I call "The Pep Period" hasn’t fostered enough independent thinkers—it has simply created copycats. There are exceptions, of course. Some coaches had well-established careers before Pep’s rise, and then there’s Jürgen Klopp, who took a vastly different approach.

Klopp: The Tactical Counterpunch

While Guardiola built his philosophy on possession and positional dominance, Klopp’s system thrives on relentless pressing—"Gegenpressing." His teams don’t wait for the game to come to them; they hunt the ball, applying intense pressure high up the pitch.

Klopp’s philosophy is built on energy, commitment, and defensive aggression. His system directly counters Guardiola’s possession-based style, punishing teams that try to overplay in their defensive third.

While not every coach follows Guardiola’s blueprint exactly, many share his fixation on possession, often at the expense of adaptability.

The Stubbornness of Modern Coaching

Many coaches today have adopted a “play out of the back at all costs” mentality. While it is stunning when executed well, too many overlook the risks.

I’m not advocating for route-one football, but players should be given the autonomy to read the game and make decisions accordingly.

Too often, teams force short passes under pressure because the coach demands it, despite:

1. Opponents identifying their patterns and pressing aggressively.

2. A lack of technical ability to play out from the back.

3. Players lacking the tactical understanding to execute it effectively.

Coaches need to ask themselves: Is this approach helping my players, or is it limiting them?

The Cole Palmer Example

Consider this: Why did Pep Guardiola allow Manchester City to sell Cole Palmer to Chelsea?

How does a club let a player with immense natural talent slip through their grasp? The simple answer: Palmer wasn’t a system player.

Of course, this is speculation—Pep would never confirm it—but why else would City let go of a player who went on to score 22 Premier League goals and provide 11 assists in his first season away?

Palmer didn’t fit into Guardiola’s rigid positional structure, and rather than force himself into the mold, he found success elsewhere. Players don’t just become Premier League stars overnight—his talent was always there. He just needed the freedom to express it.

Time for a Shift

At all levels, coaches often try to control every aspect of their teams, molding them around their tactical philosophies. A team needs an identity and blueprint, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of creativity.

Players must reclaim some control. They need the freedom to improvise, take risks, and solve problems on the field. Coaches must loosen their grip and allow players to think independently rather than treating them like chess pieces.

At its core, soccer is a player’s game, not a coach’s game. The sport thrives on improvisation, mistakes, and adaptability. Players must be encouraged to make decisions in real-time, not be micromanaged like they’re playing on a PlayStation.

One of the most valuable aspects of U.S. Soccer Federation Coaching Licenses is the guided questions method. Instead of dictating decisions, coaches ask players thought-provoking questions, encouraging them to analyze situations and develop solutions. This encourages creativity.

If we can embrace this philosophy at all levels, we will create a more exciting, dynamic game—one where both players and coaches thrive.

The future of soccer depends on it.