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Manchester United New boss

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 Manchester United New Boss Manchester United have appointed former Manchester United manager Michael Carrick as the caretaker manager until the end of the season following Ruben Amorim's sacking and Darren Fletcher's return to the U-18's. Michael Carrick's first game of the season will be against Manchester City in a Manchester derby at Old Trafford. Here's what could happen: 1. Formation & System Michael Carrick usually plays a 4-2-3-1 with an alone striker. He also usually pushes one fullback further up the pitch to create more pressure, making a 3-2-4-1 shape, allowing for more control and dominance. Some fullbacks he could use is Patrick Dorgu, who has been impressive when being closer to goal. But he could struggle on the defensive side.  He also has some problems to fix, wether to choose Bryan Mbuemo or Amad Diallo for the starting 11 against City. Another problem problem is the midfield. As Manuel Ugarte as been inconsistent, Casemiro is getting older, a...

3 Ways To Improve Fast in Football

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 3 Ways To Improve Fast in Football Let's be honest, we all want to improve fast in football, however, most people usually don't know the steps needed. They most likely play stick to cone drills and free-kick practice for 3 hours per day, yes that can make you improve, but it also has some disadvantages and you might not even improve. Here's the secret:  "Training Less Makes You Improve More" I started playing football at 9 years old, a pretty normal age to start. I also had some friends that have been playing football for more than 5 years. I felt so underleveled and late to football. To improve this, I started training 3 hours a day using free-kicks and cone drills, but unsurprisingly, I played even worse. It was until I realized, improving in football doesn't require the most complex trainings, it requires training the basics first.  1. Train Barefoot  When you're barefoot, your body allows itself to move freely without any issue. It allows itself to be...

4 Training Drills to Make You a Better Midfielder

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 4 Training Drills to Make You a Better Midfielder  A midfielder in football is incredibly important, as they're the border between the attack and the defense, forcing them to glue the two together. The midfield of the game controls its tempo, wether the midfielders are told to press up the pitch increasing the speed of the game, or the sit back on a low block to slow the game down. Regardless, the responsibility of a midfielder is so important, as it requires the most athleticism and football IQ. 1. Wall-Passing & Turning How to do it: Find a wall and continuously pass the ball back and forth.  After getting comfortable, use either another object or a small goal-net and place it behind your wall.  After receiving a pass from the wall turn either to the left or right and pass it into the other object or small goal-net.  Be flexible and turn both ways in order to get used to it.  This training drill helps you train your ability to turn properly and ...

The Responsibility of Modern Day Fullbacks

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The Responsibility of Modern Day Fullbacks In the early days of football, the fullback's job was simple, tackle the winger, stay in your position, and boot the ball away when necessary. Nowadays, the position has undergone perhaps the most noticeable change on the pitch.  Fullbacks are a necessary aspect of football in the modern era, wether they're needed to whip in dangerous crosses to the striker, or to close down open space and defend opposition wingers.  The fullbacks decide if the team is full attacking when pushing everyone forward, or defending during transitions. The fullback is the teams most versatile player, always being in the positions at the right time.  The Defensive Position Despite their increased attacking duties, defending remains the core priority. However, the way they defend has changed. 1v1 Mastery: They are still tasked with neutralizing the world’s most dangerous wingers. This requires elite agility and recovery speed. Tactical Tucking: When th...

Why Scanning Is So Important

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Why Scanning Is Important  Scanning in football is one of those things that is a necessary skill for a footballer, this skill also separates the pros and amateurs. It decides if your team loses possession, or progress the ball in instant. Scanning allows you to gather vital information of your surroundings before you receive the ball. When you receive the ball, you already know whats going on around you, allowing you to make the best decision in the fastest time. Such as doing a 1-2 with teammate, playing one touch pass to your midfielder, or dribbling in space then playing a long ball to your winger.  Key Benefits Of Scanning Scanning allows you to: Better Decision Making - This enables you to quickly see available passing lanes, other teammates free in space, and danger from the opposition, this allows you to have a better understanding of your surroundings. Allowing you to make better choices under pressure, which could lead to a goalscoring chance, putting your team ahead...

3 Training Drills YOU Need To Go Pro

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 3 Training Drills YOU Need To Go Pro Have you ever wondered the feeling of just doing mindless training drills such as dribbling through cones, and always trying to hit the crossbar? Yes, these training drills can help you master the basics and fundamentals of football, but, it doesn't give you the training for real-life situations. It doesn't help you learn what to do when you're alone right beside the touchline getting pressed, it doesn't help you whenever you need your physicality. However, if you do these drills for your academy or school, its completely fine, but if you want to go pro and actually improve faster, you have to do some extra work.  This always impacted my game, I kept doing random drills I found on youtube, thinking I could be the best player my school. Then came the game, I was struggling, I kept losing the ball in 1v1 situations, I kept being in the wrong places at the right time. I also couldn't even find space to have a shot on target. So, no...

How to Stop Losing the Ball Too Easily in Football

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  How to Stop Losing the Ball Too Easily in Football Losing the ball can be one of the most frustrating things for any player. Whether it’s a bad touch, rushed decision, or getting shoved off the ball, it can make you feel like you’re not improving. But the good news? Most of the reasons players lose possession can be fixed with simple, smart changes. Here’s how to keep the ball with confidence, no matter your position. Improve Your First Touch Your first touch decides everything. A good one gives you time; a bad one gives the defender time. How to improve: Practice receiving the ball from different angles. Use both feet. Try “directional first touch” — take your touch into space, not towards the defender. Train with a wall: pass → receive → turn → repeat.  Learn When to Shield the Ball If you can’t pass yet, you must protect the ball . Tips: Put your body between the defender and the ball. Bend your knees and stay low for balance. Use your arm l...

How To Recover After A Football Match

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How To Recover After A Football Match  Football recovery is a fundamental aspect of the sport, as it can allow you to always stay match-fit, and and also avoid to sustain any sorts of injuries. Not only that, having a recovery session after a football match prevents you from being fatigue. Overall, contributing in to your health.  I had to learn this the hard way, as one day, I played 2 football matches for over 2 hours. After the match ended, I was out of breadth, and my calves started cramping really bad. But I just walked it off pretending like it meant nothing and it will go away soon. But little did I know, not recovering properly actually got me injured with a small muscle tear near my ankle. Ever since, I spend at least 5 minutes after a football stretching my body. These are the recovery positions I used.  Butterly Position How to do it:  Spread out your legs into a butterfly pose like the picture on the right hand side.  Try fluttering it for an extra s...

What to Eat Before a Football Game

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  What to Eat Before a Football Game: Fuel Your Body for Peak Performance Eating the right foods before a football match can make the difference between feeling fast, sharp, and energetic—or tired and sluggish. Your pre-game meal fuels your muscles, supports endurance, and keeps your mind focused throughout the entire match. Here’s exactly what you should eat and when to eat it. 1. 3–4 Hours Before Kickoff: The Main Meal This should be your biggest pre-game meal. Focus on carbohydrates for energy, lean protein for muscle support, and minimal fat so digestion stays light. Best Options: Grilled chicken with rice and steamed vegetables Pasta with a light tomato sauce and lean beef or chicken Baked potatoes with tuna or turkey A grain bowl with quinoa, chicken, and vegetables A simple sandwich with lean meat and fruit on the side Why it works: Carbs give you long-lasting energy. Lean proteins digest smoothly without slowing you down. 2. 1–2 Hours Before Kicko...

Why Your First Touch Matters More Than Speed

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  Why Your First Touch Matters More Than Speed When people think of great footballers, they often talk about pace, who’s the fastest, who can outrun defenders, who can explode past the line. Speed is powerful, but it’s not what makes a player truly dangerous. Your first touch decides everything that happens after you receive the ball. It controls the rhythm, sets up your next move, and decides whether you keep possession or lose it instantly. Here’s why your first touch is more important than raw speed. 1. A Good First Touch Buys You Time Football is played in tight spaces. A clean first touch: Gives you an extra second Keeps the ball away from the defender Lets you look up and scan the field Even the fastest player looks slow if their first touch is poor. 2. It Controls the Flow of Play A great first touch makes you smoother and faster, without even sprinting. It helps you: Turn quickly Change direction Combine with teammates Play forward instantly...

The Best Warm-Up for Match Day

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  The Best Warm-Up for Match Day (Football) A match-day warm-up isn’t just about “getting loose.” It prepares your muscles, your heart, and your mind so you start the game sharp instead of needing 10 minutes to settle in. A proper warm-up boosts your speed, reduces injury risk, and gets you mentally ready to compete. Here’s the perfect warm-up routine , broken down into simple steps you can follow before every match. 1. Light Jog & Mobility (3–4 minutes) Start easy. You’re waking your body up, not tiring yourself out. Light Jog: Around the pitch Slow pace, relaxed breathing Dynamic Mobility: Arm circles Ankle rolls Hip openers Leg swings (forward + sideways) This increases blood flow and loosens the joints you’ll use the most. 2. Dynamic Stretching (3 minutes) These stretches prep your muscles without making them heavy. High knees Butt kicks Walking lunges Side shuffles Hip-flexor stretch (moving) Toe taps / A-march Dynamic str...

How to Stay Fit and Sharp During an Entire Football Match

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How to Stay Fit and Sharp During an Entire Football Match  Staying fit during a football match isn’t just about running fast, it’s about keeping your energy, strength, and focus from the first whistle to the last. A full game pushes your body in every way: sprinting, jogging, jumping, pressing, changing direction, and thinking quickly under pressure. Here’s a clear guide to help you stay physically ready throughout the entire 90 minutes. 1. Build a Strong Aerobic Base Your aerobic fitness is what keeps you running non-stop. Without it, you’ll burn out early. Do steady jogs or long runs (20–30 minutes) Try interval runs (2 minutes fast, 1 minute slow) Add shuttle runs or laps after training The better your aerobic base, the easier it is to recover during the game while still moving. 2. Improve Your Anaerobic Fitness Football is full of short bursts: sprints, pressing, quick counters. You need explosive energy. 10–20 meter sprint reps Acceleration drills Hi...

How to Actually Press in Football

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  How to Actually Press in Football Pressing is one of the most important parts of modern football. It’s not just “running at the ball”, it’s a coordinated team movement designed to force mistakes, trap the opponent, and win the ball high up the pitch. When done properly, pressing can completely change a match’s momentum and give your team control. Here’s how pressing actually works. 1. Pressing Starts With Shape, Not Speed Most pressing failures happen because players sprint randomly. Real pressing begins with team shape , especially: Staying compact Locking passing lines Staying close enough to react together A good pressing team moves like a unit, if one player goes, the others shift instantly. If only one player presses, the opponent just passes around them. 2. The Press Begins When You Choose the Trigger A pressing trigger is a moment when the whole team pushes up. Common triggers include: A bad first touch A slow pass A pass to a weak foot A ...

Why Home Advantage Matters in Football

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  Why Home Advantage Matters in Football Home advantage is one of the most powerful, and sometimes underestimated, factors in football. Across leagues, tournaments, and levels of the game, statistics consistently show that teams win more often when they play on their own ground. But why does this happen? What gives the home team such a strong edge? Here’s a breakdown of the real reasons behind home advantage. 1. Familiarity With the Pitch Every stadium has its own unique characteristics: Pitch size Grass type Ground hardness Weather conditions Even how the ball bounces Home players train on their pitch every week, so they instinctively understand how the ball travels, how fast the turf is, and where the field naturally gives an advantage. Away teams need time to adjust, sometimes they never fully do. 2. The Power of the Crowd Crowd influence isn’t just noise, it’s psychology. Home fans: Boost the confidence of their team Create pressure for the away ...