There are various aspects that influence the coach's approach when developing football tactics. A lot more about this down below.

There are some key factors that influence the coach's vision and gameplan, some are internal while others are external. For example, ranking on the table and thinking about the club's goals for the season are primary elements to bear in mind. Clubs that are looking to secure a spot within the leading 4 endeavour to win as many matches as possible, particularly against direct contenders who have comparable objectives. This is why the best football formations are typically the ones that prioritise long-term goals rather than specific matches. Internally, the presence of specific players in key positions can often indicate what tactics to opt for. This is simply because there are certain strategies in football that only work in the existence of key players with a specific skillset. This is another reason why injuries can be incredibly disruptive, requiring coaches to think about alternative plans, something that the Crystal Palace former owner is likely knowledgeable about.

Possibly one of the most used football formations over the last 10 years, the 4-3-3 is a timeless strategy that features efficient attacking characteristics that are hard to beat. This tactic is deemed among the most popular offensive football formations, and for good reason. The genius in this formation is all to do with the synergy in between the midfield and the attacking line. While there are different variations of the 4-3-3, the majority depend on one defensive midfielder and two offensive midfielders that support the wingers and the centre forward. The midfield position looks like an inverted triangle with the defensive midfielder remaining close to the back line. This allows for more defensive strength when it comes to unexpected and quick counterattacks, something that the AC Milan former US owner is most likely familiar with. In order for this formation to flourish, the wingers and centre forward must be technically-skilled in regards to shooting and crossing.

Commonly considered among the oldest and most reliable defensive football formations, the 4-4-2 is a strategy that is still popular to this day. What makes this tactic more efficient than other defensive tactics is how well balanced it is. This is because the four midfielders tend to occupy and control the midfield by keeping possession of the ball. In so doing, they manage the tempo of the match and choose when to attack and when to fall back. In the offensive stance, 2 midfielders advance up the pitch to feed the centre forwards through balls and exact crosses that can make a difference in the area. Long balls sent out from the midfield or even defense can likewise be used, something that the Aston Villa former owner would know. When in defense mode, the midfield position changes into an arch that serves as a secondary shield or layer of defense that covers the back line.