Hansi Flick is one of the most successful and influential German coaches in world football. His coaching ideology is rooted from the ideas of German football, coming from his experiences as a player and coach in the country. Here is The Influence of German Football on Hansi Flick’s Coaching Style.
Tactical Organisation
One of Flick’s most commendable trait is his team’s discipline and structured approach to every game. Flick ensures his team ticks all the boxes in being a well-organised team starting with defensive stability, midfield control, to offensive determination. His structure ensures the team works in sync during defensive and offensive transitions.
Gegenpressing and High-Intensity Play
Flick is highly influenced by the famous German tactic of Gegenpressing. This was used by many successful coaches, including Tuchel, Klopp, and Nagelsmann. This special pressing is designed to disrupt the opponent’s build-up play and create scoring opportunities.
His team presses in a coordinated manner. The players apply pressure in groups to cut off passing lanes and win the ball. The forwards and midfielders play a crucial role in this, while the defensive line compresses the space so no passes can go through.
Quick Transitions
German football is highly known for their fast and direct attacking play, just like the Spanish are famous for their slow and possession based buildup, quick transitions is an old German style. Flick’s team focuses on quick transitions, this is initiated from the defence and converts to an attack. The mid-field is not as involved as it creates space behind the opposition with direct passes. Players are instructed to move the ball forward as soon as they win possession, the ball is sent in a more vertical way than using the width off the pitch or passing it behind and going for a long ball.
Teamwork and Cohesion
Whenever a football fan thinks of a famous German team, the first thought is never of a single individual. Flick’s style is also rooted from German football philosophy of teamwork over individual brilliance. His team works as a cohesive unit, from attack to defence the team plays in a coordinated manner.
Youth Development and Adaptability
German football believes highly in youth development, they have produced many young stars who left a huge impact on this sport. Flick follows this philosophy and has nurtured many including Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala. Additionally, he adaptability allows him to adjust tactics with different scenarios. His understanding of the game is second to none.
Influence of Legendary German Coaches
Flick has worked with legendary German coach Joachim Löw as Germany’s assistant coach during their 2014 FIFA World Cup victory. He has gained immense experience under him which reflects in his coaching now.
